Page 61 of The Snowflake Effect

I turn to find concern in his creased brow.

He scrubs his foot over the grass, back and forth, steady yet tense. “I knew being away would be hard on her. I just didn’t think it would be this hard. Marina was an only child, so Jackson’s the only grandchild she’ll ever have.”

My body shifts closer of its own volition, my hand skimming across his thigh. “It’s nice that she calls. That she cares. And it’s a good thing Jackson isn’t a typical seven-year-old who runs screaming when handed the phone.”

Kolton’s focus drags from his son down to my hand, to the curl of my fingers along his inner thigh. “It is.” He swallows. “It’s also really nice to have you here, Shay. Nice to finally spend time together.”

So nice, I can’t remember why I’ve put him off so long. “Am I still being wooed?”

“Do you want me to stop?”

“No,” I say, done fighting this thing between us. “Please, don’t stop.”

And God, that look. We’re in a public space, his son in visual distance, but Kolton’s hooded gaze and parted lips read S-E-X.

Sex we haven’t had in months.

“If we were somewhere private,” he murmurs, “if Jackson weren’t with us, I’d kiss you right now.” His admission hits me low in my belly, a lightning bolt of desire. “Question is, Shay…would you let me?”

I’m pretty sure I’d let him throw me over his shoulder and have his caveman way with me in the middle of the tundra, but all I say is, “Yes.”

Our chests rise in unison, air expanding with lust. He wets his lips, and I taste mine, wishing like heck I was tasting something else. Wishing his tongue were sliding against mine, desperate moans traded as we finally gave into this blazing attraction. An attraction heightened by the day with his son and our silly arguments and the complete rightness of being with him.

An eternity later, Kolton shakes his head. “That was intense.”

I pull my hand back and rub it down my thigh, a lame attempt to tame my goose bumps. “As far as imagined kisses go, that one deserves an Oscar.” I glance at my watch and, reluctantly, push to my feet. “I need to head out.”

He rests his elbows on his knees and looks up at me. “I’m still picking you up tonight, right? From work?”

“If I’m still being wooed, then you better.”

He winks, then I say goodbye to Jackson, unsure how I’ll get through my shift.

CHAPTER 26

KOLTON

I glance inside the large windows of Sass and Style. Even though it’s near closing, the place is bustling. Shay is pulling out a duvet for a woman, a few couples are milling around, the line at the cash register is three deep, and someone is letting their kid run around the place. The young boy is moving things on the shelves, things Shay will have to fix later.

I push through the door and amble through the space, listening as Shay explains the washing instructions for the purple comforter in her hand.

The lady at the register must be the owner, Angela. Shay has mentioned her bright red hair, and the fact that she’s been accommodating these past weeks since Shay’s had to give up hours. With my back to Shay, I glance at a wonky blue bowl on the square dining table, the ceramic uneven but funky. A masterpiece compared to Jackson’s ugly-ass pottery.

An artist, my kid is not.

I’m about to pick the piece up when my scalp tingles, my body always attuned to a certain woman’s attention. I don’t turn around. I wait and run my fingers over the bowl until heat radiates behind me.

Shay.

“That imaginary kiss of yours,” she says, “has left me brain-dead for my shift. You should come with a warning label.”

Instead of turning, I slide a hand behind me to her hip. “I’ll come however and whenever you’d like. And that imaginary kiss has nothing on the real thing.”

“I wouldn’t remember.”

A phone rings as the last customer in line files off. Angela picks it up, cradling the handset with her shoulder.

I spin, needing to see each shade of green and brown in Shay’s hazel eyes. “I do. I remember every detail. But I think this time will be even better.” Man, do I need to get her out of here, get her alone, and finally kiss her senseless. “You ready to head out soon?”