thrummed wildly out of beat as she sensed he was reading her thoughts.
The song talked of falling in love, and as Justine held Burke’s gaze in the low light, she mused that those words, in this instance, could possibly describe her. But so what if she was falling? And so what if she was a fool? She’d be more of a fool to let an opportunity like this—a chance to have his mouth on hers—pass her by.
Burke’s actions at the bonfire were straightforward and outright. Not a hint of reservation slowing his moves. But now, as he brought a hand to the side of her face, ran his fingertips softly over her jawline, his moves were tentative. Testing.
Now she was the one with the goosebumps.
His fingers trailed up behind her ear next, and then around the back of her neck.
Her heart sped even more as Burke inched in slowly, gauging her response as the gap between them became sliver thin. She reveled in the feel of him so close, so warm, so willing.
At last he lowered his head, bringing his lips to where they almost touched hers. Anticipation shot through her in a hot streak. Please, Burke. Kiss me. It’s okay.
She formed the softest pucker on her lips as she sensed him moving in closer. At last, he allowed his mouth to touch hers in a gentle, heated kiss.
Mmm…bliss rushed through her body in a pulsing wave as she kissed him in return. Yes.
Burke tilted his head and came in for another kiss. This one slightly longer, but still too brief. She wanted more.
Premeditated thoughts were all but gone. She was moving on instinct now. On the blessed way her body responded to his. Justine gripped his forearm, encouraging him as his mouth lingered in a heated tease. And then she was moving in, her lips parted slightly to take in more.
She sighed as he responded with a deeper level of passion—a new and heated tension evident in the strength of his lips. He kissed her in succession, like the steady tide of the ocean, a push and pull that had Justine craving even more. Yet just as the thought came to her, Burke pulled back, just enough to eye her in the shadows of stage light.
Before she could reconsider the action, Justine shifted onto her side where she lay on the blanket.
Burke’s eyes widened in response, but only for a blink. At once he was moving onto his side as well and nuzzling into her. She breathed in his heavenly cologne, thrilling in the feel of him so close and warm.
His large hand moved firmly around her hip.
Holy smokes, it felt nice there. Yet just as they moved to close the gap once more, a voice boomed out over the speakers.
“That does it for night one of the Piney Falls autumn festival, folks.”
Justine pulled back; Burke did too. A desperate part of her wanted to ignore the announcement. But who could do that when it was still going?
“Gather your things, pick up your trash, and please, make your way to your vehicles. We’ll take care of the fire, friends, so leave that to us and we’ll see you back here first thing in the morning.”
A quick glance around her said that Brittany and Trevor had taken a spot on the grass as well. Not far behind them. The couple was leaving now, though Brittany shot glances over her shoulder as she walked.
“That ought to keep her from saying we’re related,” Burke said under his breath.
Disappointment weaseled its way in, disrupting the euphoric wave she’d been riding. “You heard her say that? At the bonfire?”
“Yep. She’s one of a kind, that one.” Burke rolled his shoulders back and lifted his brows as he seemed to think of something. “That reminds me…” He got to his feet and extended both hands toward her. “We’ve got a pie to make.”
Justine nodded, though inwardly, she was still sifting through things in her mind. “You’re right.” She placed her hands in his, and giggled as he popped her up and onto her feet.
Burke cradled her waist to steady her. “Dang,” he mumbled, “you were right.”
“Right about what?”
“Life in Piney Falls isn’t so bad after all.”
She bumped his hip. “Isn’t so bad?” She shook her head. “You’re terrible.”
“No, not terrible. But if we go by your assessment, we are both a little…” He paused to put a hand beneath his chin and looked up thoughtfully. “What was the word you used for couples who sprawl