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“Tils, he sounds like a keeper. If he likes you wearing waffle batter and milkshake,” Emmy teased, stepping around us and continuing to clear tables like we weren’t making a scene in the middle of the diner.

“Everyone’s watching,” Tillie whispered, letting her guard down and snuggling even closer.

“Well then, I’d better give them something worth watching,” I suggested. I didn’t give her time to measure my words or consider what I was up to. Instead, I tipped her backward, capturing her lips in a kiss that left no room for interpretation. I didn’t give a flying fuck if my actions were read as a declaration. Hell, it’s what I wanted. And from the way Tillie kissed me back, it felt like we were on the same page.

With my lungs burning, I knew I had to let her up for air. I righted her on her feet but didn’t let go. I wasn’t letting go. Not today. Not tomorrow or if I had my way, not ever.

Tillie’s eyes were dark, and her lips swollen. “Well, that was one way to say hi.” She giggled.

I kept my voice low, only loud enough for her ears. “I could think of a few other ways,” I suggested, and her cheeks turned the most adorable shade of pink.

“Don’t promise a girl a good time if you’re not planning on following through,” she tossed back sassily.

“Oh, sweetheart, you know I’ll follow through. Or do I have to remind you about the night in the hot tub when I—” she silenced me with her hand over my mouth. Her pink cheeks had turned a bright red, and her eyes were alive with mischief. It was no wonder I was head over heels for this woman.

“I’m working,” she reminded me.

I lifted my gaze from her only to find everyone in the diner watching us, unashamedly.

“How much longer?” I asked, desperate to steal her away.

“Tillie!”

She didn’t get a chance to answer. Emmy’s shrill voice silenced the diner.

“Yeah?” Tillie replied, not realizing the gravity of the situation.

“You’ve gotta get to school.”

She dropped my hand and took a step back.

“It’s River. He’s been in an accident,” Emmy rushed, holding the phone and walking toward Tillie.

She went pale.

Her eyes widened.

Then they rolled back in her head.

Then she was going down.

I caught her before she hit the ground, but she was out like a light.

Chapter twenty-two

Tillie

Iforced my eyes open, trying to squash the feeling that I was spinning out of control. It took a few tries and a deep breath, but once I managed to focus, all I could see were terrified cognac eyes staring down at me.

“You’re back with us,” his deep voice declared gently.

“Wh-what happened?” I asked as I struggled to sit up.

“You passed out. Thankfully, I caught you before you hit your head.” He smiled. It was one of those devastating smiles that could ruin a girl.

He helped me to my feet, never letting go. It was like he was terrified I would fall again.

“Geez, Tillie! Way to give me a heart attack,” Emmy accused dramatically, handing me a glass of water.