hill.
Excitement grew like ice on windows doing a cold front. “Hmm.”
He glanced down at Faith again. “I can promise you I never took Hazel on a sleigh ride.”
Faith giggled. Even though it seemed silly, she liked the idea that warm bricks, blankets, and riding in a one-reindeer sleigh was their thing. Her attention was diverted as they drew closer to the gazebo. The steps were lined with bright red poinsettias, and Edison lights hung across the ceiling, creating a soft glow that would be stunning as soon as the sun went down, which would be any minute.
“I hope you don’t mind an early supper.” Caleb pulled the reindeer to a stop, and they lurched as the runners gained traction.
“I skipped lunch today, so I don’t mind at all.” She folded the blanket and put it back over the brick to hold in the heat.
Caleb frowned. “Why?”
“Because I was in a hurry to get everything done.”
“I would have waited,” he argued.
She spun west and opened her arms wide, soaking up the last rays of sunlight. “But this wouldn’t have.” The orange sun was big and softened at the edges as it touched the horizon.
Caleb came to stand behind her and placed his hands on her hips. Her heart leapt and she leaned against him, afraid her knees would give out. His woodsy scent, mingled with the crisp air and the smoke from nearby chimneys, filled her senses. “This is the second-best place to watch a sunset,” he said low, his breath warm against the sensitive skin beneath her ear.
“What’s the first?”
He chuckled, the sound coming from deep in his chest and reverberating through her. “I’m going to keep that as a surprise.”
She took his hands and folded them over her front. “I can live with that. Although it’s hard to top this moment.”
“I can think of a couple ways to make it better,” he mumbled.
She thrilled at the possibilities, because she could think of some pretty wonderful ways to kick up a sunset too. Remembering the reasons not to fall for Caleb was getting harder and harder. While they were being friendly and exploring the waters, that didn’t mean she had to go and give her heart away even if he was intent on sneaking off with it.
The hill was the perfect spot to observe every shade of the sky as it dropped from gray white to scarlet and then navy blue. When the first star came out, she pointed. “Make a wish.”
Caleb gazed down at her. “Mine already came true.”
She turned in his arms and wrapped her hands around his neck. “Did you happen to bring some mistletoe?”
His face went white. “Shoot. No.”
“Really? I’m shocked.”
He looked like he could kick himself. “Jack told me I should, but I didn’t want to see too forward—since it’s a first date and all.”
She laughed, feeling heady and reckless. “We lived together for two days. I don’t think it would have been too forward.”
“No?”
She reached up and kissed his cheek, slowly, deliberately, letting her breath warm his skin. “Was that too forward?” she whispered.
“I don’t think so.” He pulled back so he could see her face. He nuzzled her nose. “I like being with you, Faith.”
“Me too.” She relaxed a bit into that phrase. They weren’t promising the world, their futures, or anything beyond enjoying some time together, which took a lot of stress off this almost kiss. If he’d just lean in and get it over with, then her heart would stop hammering against her ribs and she’d be able to take a full breath.
He kissed her cheek, and then her jaw. She angled to give him better access to her neck, but he used his thumb to pull her chin back down and brushed his lips across hers.
Sparklers! Her skin prickled with awareness, and she moaned involuntarily.
Caleb answered with a growl and kissed her again, slowly, exploring the feelings growing between them. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on. When they pulled apart, she glanced down, feeling shy. She’d never put that much feeling into a kiss before. It was like all the other times she’d kissed, she’d been worried about what the guy was thinking or if she was screwing things up. But with Caleb, she’d lost herself and just … felt. And the feelings were beautiful.
“Hey.” Caleb lifted her chin. “I don’t know how much time we’ll have together, but I’d like to make the most of it.”
“So you want to kiss me again?” she teased without