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We stand there for a while, wrapped up in each other, the festival sounds fading away as we savor the moment.
Chapter 17
Billie
My mind is still spinning from everything that happened. Rayne and I are finally out in the open. No more stolen moments or sneaking around. It’s all real now, and as crazy as the last few weeks have been, it feels like we’ve settled into something solid. Something I can trust.
Today’s one of those rare days where the bakery isn’t completely slammed, and I’m actually able to take a breather. It’s a crisp fall afternoon, and the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm apple cider fills the bakery. I’m sitting at one of the small tables by the window, enjoying the quiet, when the door swings open.
Rayne.
He steps inside, filling the space with that rugged, quiet presence of his. He’s wearing that damn cowboy hat again, a flannel shirt that’s just snug enough across his broad chest, and his usual worn jeans. My heart skips a beat, even now.
He looks over at me, his dark eyes softening, and that familiar heat stirs in my belly. “You free?” he asks, his voice that low, gravelly tone that still does things to me.
I grin, setting my coffee down. “For you? Always.”
Rayne gives a grunt of approval before walking over, and when he’s close enough, he leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead. It’s a simple gesture, but it makes my chest warm.
“Thought we could take a drive,” he says, pulling out the chair across from me.
I raise an eyebrow. “Oh? Where to?”
He shrugs, leaning back in his chair like he’s got all the time in the world. “Just around. Thought we could enjoy the fall colors before it gets too cold.”
I smile at that. It’s such a simple thing, but that’s what I love about Rayne. He doesn’t need anything flashy or over the top. Just being with him, driving through the countryside, sounds like the perfect afternoon.
“Let me close up, and we’ll head out,” I say, standing up to grab my apron.
Rayne stands too, taking a step closer, his large hands resting on my waist. “Take your time,” he mutters, his lips brushing against my temple.
I can feel the heat of his body, the roughness of his hands through my shirt, and for a moment, I forget about everything else. All I want is him.
“Be right back,” I murmur, pulling away reluctantly.
—-
Rayne
I watch Billie as she heads toward the back of the bakery, myeyes lingering on the sway of her hips. She’s been driving me crazy for years, and now that I’ve got her, I’m not letting go. I meant what I said—I don’t do casual. Especially not with her.
When she comes back a few minutes later, her apron’s off, and she’s grabbed a jacket. She looks up at me with those big, dark eyes, and it’s everything I can do not to pull her into my arms right then and there.
“You ready?” she asks, her lips quirking up into a grin.
I nod, reaching for her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. “Let’s go.”
We walk out to the truck, the crisp fall air wrapping around us as the leaves crunch under our boots. The sky’s clear, a bright blue against the reds and oranges of the trees, and it’s the kind of day that makes you appreciate the little things. The quiet moments.
Once we’re in the truck, I help her up into the passenger seat, my hands lingering on her waist a little longer than necessary. She gives me a teasing look, but she doesn’t say anything. Just slides into the seat with a smile.
As I get behind the wheel, the truck rumbles to life, and we start driving through town, past the fields and farms, out toward the country roads where everything feels a little quieter. A little more private.
Billie leans back in her seat, watching the scenery go by, her hand resting on the console between us. Without thinking, I reach over and take her hand, threading my fingers through hers.
“You ever get tired of this place?” she asks suddenly, glancingover at me.
I raise an eyebrow. “This place? Silver Creek?”
