21

Sienna

Forrest's strong arms drew me into his powerful embrace. In an instant, his lips captured mine in a passionate kiss. The taste of his mouth awakened my senses and ignited a fire within me. His hands roamed over my body, leaving a trail of heat wherever they touched.

When we finally broke apart, both breathless, I gazed up at him through hazy eyes. The intensity in his gaze took my breath away and stirred something deep inside me that I couldn't quite name.

"Your presence cast a spell over me, even without the aid of magic," he said. "The graceful way you move around your bakery as if dancing to an unheard melody, leaves me spellbound. Your melodious laugh echoes in my mind like a siren's song. The effect you have on me is nothing short of magical. When I'm with you, the world feels like an enchanted realm where only you and I exist."

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came. Instead, I pulled him in for another searing kiss.

"Thank you, Forrest," I said into his lips, "for coming to Cider Falls. For helping me and my coven." I continued to place soft, tender kisses on his face and neck, my gratitude pouring out through each touch of my lips.

"Does this mean I can stay in Cider Falls?" he asked, taking my hand.

"As long as you're okay with living in a witch's world," I teased.

"I think I can manage," he said as he pulled me onto his lap. "On one condition."

"What's that?" I asked.

"You—"

I barely registered the words coming out of his mouth. My gaze drifted to his full lips as they formed syllables I was no longer processing. A lock of dark hair fell across his forehead, and I reached out and brushed it back.

"Did you hear me?" he asked.

"No," I admitted with a giggle. I was lost in the memory of our earlier kiss. The softness of his lips, the heat of his breath, the gentle pressure of his hand at the small of my back. I bit my lower lip, willing him to notice. I wanted him to press his lips to mine once more.

"Where did you go just now?"

I felt a blush creep up my neck. "Nowhere," I lied, averting my gaze. "I was just, thinking."

"About what?" he asked, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

I looked up, meeting his intense gaze. His eyes were dark, filled with a hunger that matched my own. Everything seemed to slow down as he reached out, his fingers grazing my cheek.

"About this," I breathed, my lips finding Forrest's once more.

Our tongues danced until our eyes were heavy with sleep. But even then, we didn't stop. We couldn't get enough of one another.

"What was the one condition you had?" I asked, my lips still on his.

"What?"

"You said you'd stay in Cider Falls, on one condition."

"I want my second date," he whispered.

"Okay," I giggled. "It's the least I can do, seeing how you restored my coven's powers and all."

"I don't want a pity date. I want you to want to go on a date."

"Forrest," I whispered. "I want to go on a second date with you."

His calloused hand firmly grasped my chin, tilting my face to meet his once more.

As I drifted off into slumber in his embrace, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. I had never fallen asleep so quickly, my body was completely relaxed in his presence.