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“Then I’m forced to forgive you.” I stole a kiss, luxuriating in that newfound liberty. I loved her lips, the way she kissed, and the way she tasted.

She sighed happily when we came up for air. “So, the bridge. We’re doing it? Say yes.”

I paused, dropping the playfully flirtatious tone we’d been tossing back and forth because this was my real life. “You’re serious about this? Honestly.” I studied her for clues. All I saw was determination.

“About you? Very.” These were the most gratifying and unexpected words. “We click. We have amazing chemistry. You make me laugh. You’re fucking sexy. I’ve never met someone I can just be myself around so easily, so quickly.” A pause. “But the timing is horrendous. I don’t have an ounce of extra energy or a spare minute in my day as long as I’m in the midst of this residency.” She leaned in, so incredibly intentional, which I found captivating. “I’m a smart woman, Savanna. I go after what I want. I’m not going to let you get away just because of what season it is.”

I propped my head up on my hand, mirroring her. “Keep talking.”

“We have our whole lives to live, and what if…” She held up a finger. “What if we’re eventually supposed to do that together? Shouldn’t we at least find out?” She tilted her head. “Not that I’m getting ahead of myself.”

The line sent a ripple through my midsection. “You know what I say?”

“Tell me.”

“Get ahead of yourself. I am.” I stole a kiss and slid on top. We truly did fit together in all the different ways. I also enjoyed this unexpected sexual freedom, the newly discovered bedroom confidence I had with Kyle. I wasn’t overthinking or concerned with minor details. Kyle made mefeel, and the rest took care of itself. I could really get used to our dynamic. I’d only read about this kind of thing, and there I was…living the fantasy.

“Verdict?” she asked, staring up at me.

These were such uncharted waters for me: explosive chemistry and mutual admiration. And I knew one thing for certain. I didn’t want to walk away from Kyle and have that be it. I didn’t want this fairy tale to end. I met her blue eyes and went soft. “The bridge? Count on me. I’m there.”

That inspired the biggest smile, the kind that made her eyes crinkle at the sides. She pulled me to her and kissed me, my hair falling against her bare shoulders, her skin pressed to mine. The sheet was abandoned and her hands were on my breasts. The shot of arousal pulled a quiet murmur. I sank into the warmth of her mouth, the soft feel of her lips moving with mine, perfection. The rush of need became my lifeline; the urge to touch her and be touched was all consuming. There was a moan. Someone’s. My body craved, my head spun, and I didn’t want to ever go back.

“We’re doing this,” she whispered.

I kissed her with everything I had, my promise to her. “I’ll set an alarm for one year from today.”

She smiled against my mouth. “The bridge or bust.”

Chapter Five

(Almost) One Year Later

Festive Foods was bustling, which was typical for a Monday morning at a grocery store. People liked to start their week off with a full pantry full of food, a symptom of our hunter-gatherer instincts. New week, fresh groceries, and it was our job to make sure their experience was a fantastic one. I was in my fifth year as store manager and at this point knew the store and my job like the back of my hand. I made a point to be on the floor as much as possible on busy days, to lend my staff an extra hand, but also for that valuable one-on-one time with our customers. That kind of relationship building went a long way.

“Mrs. Martinelli, how is Henry?” I asked one of the Monday regulars. Her dachshund had had knee surgery weeks ago and hadn’t been allowed to run or jump since. Last we’d chatted, he was going stir crazy, and as a result, so was she.

Mrs. Martinelli immediately directed her cart my way, already launching into it. Her face said it had been a saga, and with Henry Higgins, as she called him, it always was. “He’s just had it with me, Savanna, and I don’t blame him. He’s ready to get out there and terrorize the squirrels, but I’ve explained to him that patience is a virtue. He scoffs.”

“I bet. Are there any distractions?”

“I’ve gotten him a few busy toys, and that’s helped occupy some of his energy. Thank you for asking, by the way. Not many people remember Henry’s struggles.”

“Well, I’d been wondering. Oh, and we received a whole new shipment of those dried pineapple rings you love.”

“It’s a good day, then. Gonna grab some right away. I saw Linda Robinson on aisle four and she always hoards those rings. I’m gonna beat her to it and skip all the way there.”

“Aisle ten,” I said.

She whirled back, a thought hitting. “And I have to tell you, those rosemary crackers you recommended for my charcuterie party were such a hit.”

“Perfect. They’re a well-kept secret that shouldn’t be, you know? I buy a box every time I think about it.”

“You’re a gem, Savanna. Have a good day. Off to fight the pineapple ring battle. Linda better look out.”

“Linda’s feisty. Be careful. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do.” She returned to her pineapple ring mission. “Woman with a cart! Coming through!”