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Chapter 4
Roger
Today is a good day. I found my dream restoration car—a 1955 Ford Thunderbird—at just the right price. I’ve been saving for this car all of my adult life. It’s the car my grandfather told me stories about when I was a kid. We’d spend hours each week fixing cars. Well, him fixing and teaching, and me soaking it in like a sponge. Grandma always had some cookies for us when we were done. I smile at the memories.
Now I’m here at the library, ready to spend the evening with my perfect girl. Everything's coming together. Dream car. Dream girl. Dream night. I can feel it.
I scan the event looking for Tootsie. The place is hoppin’—half the town must be here. Kids race around with cotton candy sticking to their cheeks. People browse the book sale, while others stand in line for a cup of good coffee or hot chocolate. This is part of why I love living in Fairview. The community always comes together for a good cause.
There she is, my girl. Damn, she looks good. She’s wearing a fitted cherry-red shirt, a matching pencil skirt, and a black belt emphasizing her curves. Her auburn hair is curled and set. She looks so put together, it makes me want to see her being naughty. Painted red lips parted, chest heaving, while I touch her intimately.
Wait a minute. Tootsie’s puckering those sweet, full lips for someone else.
What the hell?
I’m stalking over to figure out what’s going on when I notice what I missed before. The sign above her says, “Kissing Booth $2.” People are in line, waiting to pay to kiss my girl. Oh no, this isn’t happening. I know we haven’t had the “official” conversation, but I’m already there in my heart and mind. It’s too late to go back now.
I reach the booth, shoving my way to the front of the line. I may put a little extra muscle into it when I notice the guy at the front already has a lipstick print on his mouth. I give Tootsie a hard stare, and she has the good sense to look chagrined. But even when I’m furious and she looks nervous, I still want her. Maybe even more. I want to put my mark on her, and be marked by her. I want her lipstick all over my lips and neck. I want her bite marks on my chest.
“What the hell is going on here, Tootsie?” I demand.
“It’s a kissing booth. A few of us are taking turns giving kisses. Valentine’s Day is a week away, and that’s what made me think of it.” She smiles weakly. “It’s been a huge success.”
“Yeah, and it’s my turn buddy,” the guy behind me declares.
Oh, hell no.
“This one is mine,” I growl. To make my point, I pull my wallet out and slap a hundred dollar bill down on the counter. “Come on, Toots. We need to talk.”
I don’t drag her out, but I’m tempted. This woman has lit a fire under my skin. Normally, I’m cool as a cucumber, but she brings out the beast in me. “Is there somewhere private?”
“In here.” She leads me into what looks like the library storage room. Shelves line the walls, filled with books and boxes. An emergency light dimly illuminates the room. I barely notice any of it.
Tootsie leans hesitantly against a shelf, hands folded behind her back, looking up at me through her lashes. She looks like a damn pin-up girl—lush red lips, red shirt and skirt, and curves for miles. I feel myself harden in a rush.
I rest my forearms against the shelves near her head, forcing us close together.
“What was that out there?” I’m furious, but I can hear the hint of pain in my voice.
“It’s a kissing booth—”
“I know it’s a kissing booth,” I interrupt harshly. “But why didn’t you tell me you’d be the one doing the kissing? We’ve been texting all week. I know we haven’t specifically discussed it, but you're my girl, Toots. I don’t want to see you kissing other guys.”
“I know, Roger. I’m sorry.” A tear slips down her cheek. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m just so scared and overwhelmed. I don’t even know what I’m doing.” It’s like the floodgates have opened, and tears run down her face like raindrops rolling down a window in a spring storm.
Shit. I didn’t mean to make her cry. I need to fix this. I wrap my arms around her. She tucks her face into my chest, and I hold her against me until the tears slow and her breath evens out. “Baby girl, what’s going on?”
“Oh, Roger.” Her voice cracks as she explains, “The library’s budget was cut. That’s why we’re having the fundraiser. Last week I found out if we don’t make enough to cover the deficit, then they’ll have to let me go at the end of the month.” She shudders in my arms, and tries to gather her composure with a deep breath. “I would do anything to stay here. I work at my dream job. I have good friends. Fairview is exactly the kind of place I’ve always wanted to live. And then I met you…”
My knuckles gently press her chin up so I can look into her gorgeous hazel eyes. “Baby girl, why didn’t you tell me? You shouldn’t have to deal with this on your own.”
“I just met you. I didn’t want to scare you off with my problems.” Her lower lip quivers. “I thought I could take care of it myself.”
Leaning down, I capture her lips with mine. I can’t stand to see her hurting, thinking she’s alone. She gasps, letting me into her mouth, deepening the kiss. I want to taste her, devour her, wipe away her salty tears and comfort her with my love. The thought of her leaving Fairview makes me feel crazy, which swiftly transforms into a desperate desire.
She can’t leave. She’s mine, and I’m going to make sure she knows it.
