weaving through couples on blankets just off from the fire and in front of the amphitheater, where Frank strummed a tune on his guitar. The small scene with the cotton candy was nothing compared to Brittany and Trevor’s make out session. At least the couples on the blankets were more discrete. It was much darker over here, just beyond the fire’s glow and the lights illuminating the small stage up front.
Did Burke want to come here to do what most of the other couples were doing? Or did he want to be far enough away that people could simply assume that’s what they were doing, without really doing it?
Another sigh pushed through her lips. She hated not knowing. And the combination of nerves and anticipation and residual bliss from the feel of his mouth…all of it had her feeling disoriented.
Burke surprised Justine yet again by picking a spot quite far from the others. He was quick to release her hand, spread out the blanket with a snap, and lower it to the ground.
“Shall we?”
Burke was a man who took control. He’d demonstrated that when she’d pulled her truck off the side of the road. First, by digging a hole for the cat and second, by getting her truck towed home. He’d stepped up when Wilfred arrived and played the part of her fake fiancé in a pinch. And after offering to show up to dinner and even the festivities this weekend, he’d done that very thing. And more.
A man who took control, that was Burke. So just what would taking control look like as they cuddled up to one another on the blanket?
Justine settled herself onto the soft, plush surface as Burke did the same. Most couples were not sitting up, but since Justine couldn’t fathom suddenly lying beside him, she leaned a hand back to support herself and tucked her legs up alongside. There. She turned her attention to the band—Frank, his brother, and a couple of friends—as they played a Beatles song.
Burke scooted a little closer and followed suit, watching the stage as if they were simply at a concert.
After a while, Justine smiled. This was nice. Relaxing. She felt her limbs going lax with each breath.
They stayed that way through two full songs. And while Justine was still enjoying the ease and the comfort of just sitting side by side to take in the music, she also wondered if Burke had more in mind.
Sure, she was nervous before, but as the band started yet another song, Justine realized how very much she wanted Burke to kiss her. Really kiss her. She’d had only teases to this point, hints as to what it might be like to fully lock lips with him. And who knew when her chance would come again? If she really did plan to stay in the town of Piney Falls, she may never find a man she liked as much as Burke.
Perhaps he was only willing to take control up to a point. He was a gentleman, and he wouldn’t want to pressure her into something she might not want.
Another song came to an end. Would the night be over before she got that kiss? She could hardly believe how very much she wanted to feel his lips on hers. Wanted it whether people were watching or not. But would Burke?
There was only one way to find out.
Many in the crowd clapped in applause. Justine did the same, working to tame the wild thumping of her heart. The rapid breathing that had taken over her normal pace as she considered encouraging him somehow. But how?
The next tune that floated over the grassy hill was a familiar one. She recognized it after just a few strums. “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Ah, her heart nearly melted. She leaned into Burke, bringing her mouth close to his ear. “I love this song.” Justine brought her hand to his forearm to steady herself. He’d rolled his sleeve up a few times throughout the night and, she couldn’t be sure, but it felt as if goosebumps had surfaced over his skin beneath her touch. Or had the feel of her breath so close to his ear affected him the way his had her?
She pulled back slightly to search his face. It was definitely darker over here than other spots throughout the area. But despite that, Justine’s eyes had adjusted enough to see his features. He searched her face in return, that furrow at his brow softening a bit.
Her heart