Chapter Eight

Drake

I’ve been staring at her for way too long, watching as Wynter flips through the menu like it’s the most fascinating thing she’s ever seen. Meanwhile, all I can think about is how I’m going to kiss her before this night ends.

I don’t just want to kiss her. I need to. It’s been gnawing at me since the second she walked into the library, since the moment she called me a Grinch with that sweet, sexy little smile of hers.

She’s crawled right into my heart without even trying.

“So,” she sets the menu down. “Do you always take women out for dinner after their cars break down?”

I smirk. “Only when the universe tells me to.”

She rolls her eyes, but I can see a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “The universe, huh?”

“Yup.” I lean back in my chair, watching the way her eyes flicker like gemstones in the candlelight. “It whispered right in my ear.”

“Did it now?” She takes a roll from the bread basket. “And what exactly did it say?”

I lean forward, lowering my voice. “That I should make sure you never leave my sight again.”

Wynter freezes, her cheeks turning a gorgeous shade of pink as she swallows a piece of roll. “Do you have a book of lines?”

“A book of lines?’ I snag a poppy seed roll. “You don’t really believe that, do you?”

“Honestly? I don’t know. When we met, you were pretty tight-lipped and moody. Now you’re Drake the Cake on steroids…” her eyes widen. “Ohmygod…I shouldn’t have said that. I…I…when I get nervous…I…umm…I…”

“Drake the Cake?” My face hurts from smiling so wide. “You call me Drake the Cake?”

“Umm, well, yes and no. You see…umm…the girls in town call you that.”

“Is that so?” I reach over to touch her shoulder to reassure her. “It’s all good, sunshine. Drake the Cake isn’t so bad. Now, if it were Drake the Snake, we’d have to talk.”

Wynter laughs so loud she slaps a hand over her mouth to keep it in.

“Let it out, sunshine. I don’t care what anyone in here thinks.” I lean in close. “Except you.” I wink.

The waiter bustles over with our drinks, takes our orders, and rushes away. As I contemplate toasting my good fortune, I hear someone call out her name.

“Wynter!” A tall brunette is waving from the ma?tre de station.

“Oh, no.” Wynter groans softly.

“Is there a problem?” I sit up straight. “You want me to take care of it?”

“Calm down, Thor.” She rolls her eyes. “That’s my best friend Rachel and her husband, Lincoln.” Wynter throws her hand in the air.

“Then why the ‘oh no’?”

“Because she’s never going to let me live this down.”

“You’ve lost me.” I put my arm around her chair and drag it closer. “Fill me in.”

“What are you doing?” She swats me on the arm. “She’s watching.”

“Good,” the air between us shifts, and I can’t hold back anymore. ”Wynter,” I brush my thumb across her cheek, “I’m going to kiss you now.”

Wynter gives me a little nodandleans closer, inviting me in.

“Yes?” I ask.

“Yes,” she sighs.

I cup her face, bringing my mouth to hers. As soon as we touch, it’s like everything falls into place. Her lips are softandwarmandtaste better than I imagined. I deepen the kiss, pulling her closer as a soft sound escapes her throat—something between a sigh and a moan that drives me absolutely wild. She melts into me like she’s been waiting for this kiss as much as I have.

When I finally pull back, we’re both breathing hard, her eyes wide and a little dazed.

“Wow,” she whispers, her fingers brushing her lips.

“Yeah,” I murmur. “Wow.”

“What’s this?” I look up to see Rachel beaming down at us. “Are you two a couple now?”

Wynter looks ready to crawl under the table, but I don’t hesitate. “Yes, we are.”

Rachel’s grin widens. “Well, well, well. I guess miracles do happen. It’s nice to finally meet you, Drake. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Wynter shoots her a look.

“Rachel talks about the festival all the time. I can’t wait to see what she’s doing.”

I reach for Wynter’s hand under the table. She’s definitely been talking to her friend about me, and I’m glad about it. “Stop by anytime,” I squeeze Wynter’s hand. “Wynter’s turned the library on its ear, but in an excellent way.”

“Darn it, I wish our table wasn’t ready.” Rachel sighs. “I’d love to talk more. Well, you two lovebirds enjoy.” She kisses Wynter on the cheek. “Details.” I hear her whisper in her ear. “I want details.”

Wynter mutters something under her breath as Rachel leaves. The second she’s out of earshot, she turns to me, shaking her head. “I’m sorry about that.”

“About what? I like her. She’s got spunk like you.”

“The lovebird comment was over the top.” She takes her hand back, and I instantly miss it.

I shrug. “I don’t know about that. I kinda liked it.” I wiggle my brows.

She snorts, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

“Guilty as charged.” I smile. “How about another kiss?”

Before I can steal another kiss, my phone buzzes in my pocket. Reluctantly, I pull it out and see Joe’s name on the screen.

“It’s Joe,” I take the call. “What’s up?”

“Hey, Drake. Just wanted to give you a heads up—your girl’s car needs a part, and I’ve gotta order it. It’s going to take at least a week, maybe more.”

I glance at Wynter. A week without her car? Merry Christmas to me. This means I get to drive her around. Every. Single. Day.

“Got it,” I reply, already smiling. “Thanks, Joe. I appreciate you. Now stop working and go home to those kids of yours.”

I hang up and lean back in my chair, grinning at Wynter.

“What is it?” she asks. “Please tell me I don’t need a new car.”

“Nope. However, it does look like your car will be out of commission for a while. Joe needs to order a part. Might take a week.”

Her face falls. “A week? That’s awful news. I have so much to do.”

I don’t miss a beat. “You don’t need to worry about that, sunshine. I’ll be driving you everywhere.”

Her eyes widen. “What? You can’t—”

“I can,” I say firmly. “And I will. No arguments. The universe is whispering in my ear again. And I’m not letting you go, sunshine. I meant it when I said you’re mine.”

“Drake,” she leans over, brushing a whisper-soft kiss across my lips. “I don’t know how to repay you.”

“A lifetime supply of these will do.” I kiss her once more.

She moans again, and my soul is seton fire.

By the time we come up for air, I know that, without a doubt, I’m never letting her go. If that means I will have to be surrounded by tinsel, twinkling lights, and garland all the days of my life, I’m in.

All the way.