Page 7 of Cider for the Mountain Man

Instead, I see an unmistakable longing in his gaze, warm with desire.

Before I can unpack the realization that this man doesn’t see me as I thought he does, Caden swoops down and takes my mouth in a kiss that steals my breath.

This isn't my first kiss, but I've never felt anything like this—never felt a man kiss me like he’s starving. His teeth nip at my bottom lip and his tongue sweeps in, slick and hot, claiming my mouth in a way that leaves no room for hesitation.

My knees instantly turn to jello, and I’m forced to grab his arms to stay upright.

His entire front rumbles in approval as I feel his hands drift to my sides. He keeps his touch as respectful as he can in this moment, but part of me wishes I could feel his touch directly against my skin.

It takes the background noise seeping back in, the reminder that there are families roaming around the different paths, to give me the strength to pull away.

Despite biting my bottom lip, I can’t contain the grin spreading across my face. I shouldn’t be this happy, but the butterflies in my stomach aren’t just fluttering; they’re demanding an escape.

“We, uh, should try to finish this maze.” Trying to focus as I nudge a step back, I notice how his hands remain outstretched, like he already misses the contact. Woozily, I lean down to pick up my paper. It’s dirtied and rumpled from my accidental step crushing it.

He clears his throat, realizing the situation at the same time as I had. Grunting, he nods. When he scowls this time, I realize his frown might mean more than I first thought.

Because I'm in such a daze, barely focusing on the map, Caden volunteers to step in. Unlike me, who had struggled to decide left and right, he takes my sheet and moves as if he's already done this path a hundred times.

I don't know if my skin is flushed from the way that kiss made me feel, or how quickly he rushed us out.

Caden doesn't try to stay long to acknowledge John's surprised expression at seeing us pop out so soon. Or maybe he's more surprised by the fact that Caden has his hand securely wrapped around mine, guiding me away with a determined expression covering his face.

I don’t exactly know where he plans to take me, but I don’t even consider questioning it as I try to match his pace.

Only once we’re halfway through the festival, with happily chattering families surrounding us, does he realize what he’s doing. He slows to a stop and doesn’t release my hand. His fingers remain twisted in mine as he turns to face me.

“You were trying to enjoy the festival.” He states it as more of a fact than a question, and doesn’t consider that after sharing a kiss with him, the last place I want to be is surrounded by people.

“I was considering going home,” I say, my voice wavering.

His throat bobs as he swallows. “Do you still walk around?”

I’ve never told him that I don’t bother driving. Behind a steering wheel, I get as anxious as can be around all the other drivers on the road. For the last couple of years, I’ve relied on a good pair of worn-in sneakers to take me where I need to go.

Caden noticed the fact about me and memorized it. My heart flutters in my chest.

When I nod, he turns his attention elsewhere. “I can take you there, if you want.”

Is he kidding? Making it sound like there’s a possibility that I wouldn’t want to ride beside this man, I nudge closer to see if he’ll pull away. He doesn’t. Normally so shy when it comes to facing him, that kiss has made me feel bolder.

“What… about your home?” Squeezing his fingers, every second I wait for his response is making me feel more and more lightheaded.

There’s a chance I’m really jumping the gun, or…

“My cabin?” He tilts his head, his brows pressing together. “You want to go there?”

I nod. My apartment is way too small for a man his size, and honestly, this works out better. Going to his place gives me the perfect excuse to learn a bit more about him.

A shift passes through his gaze, and I can see that same hunger filling his stare, lying dormant earlier. It’s pretty obvious what I’m asking here, and if he says yes—

“Let's go.” Muttering his agreement, he guides me in the direction of the vendor’s parking.

I’ve never visited the mountains before despite them being the biggest appeal of this town, but I’ve always wondered how so many people could possibly live up here.

The higher we climb, the more I can feel the rise in my stomach. Who am I kidding? That’s most likely my nerves standing upright.

He doesn’t say much at all the entire way. From the way the wheel is crinkling under his grip, I can’t help but wonder if he’s feeling nervous, too.