Second First Kiss

“What do you say we eat somewhere quieter?” He led her outside and across the street. The rain had let up, and the sun came streaming between the clouds. “The park is deserted, with everyone being at the gym.”

“Perfect.” Sage’s shoulder brushed his, sending delicious tingles through him. “Since that’s where we ran into each other for the first time at Raspberry Days.”

“It’s also where your kissing booth was set up back in the day.”

“Um, the park isn’t totally deserted.” Sage pointed to the gazebo, where a few people were gathered around a couple. The woman wore white, and the man was in a black suit. “Check it out.”

A wedding. “You know, this park might just be perfect for another wedding.” He could picture Sage in the white gown, floating toward him. It was a good thing they found a park bench because his knee buckled at the image.

She will be mine.

“What a perfect idea.” She leaned into him, her scent enveloping him and whisking him into thoughts of what passion-filled moments awaited them in the months and years to come. “I can’t wait to be with you, Jasher. In every way.”

When Sage next kissed him, Jasher forgot about his hunger and barbecue. He lost himself in her and the kiss for an indeterminate amount of time. When he next looked up, the air had turned from golden daylight to a twilight purple hue that matched the shade of her irises perfectly. The wedding had ended, and the guests had filtered away.

Yes, her kisses sent him into a time warp, in the best way possible. Eventually, they made it to the gazebo and sat down to eat.

Sage’s eyes sparkled in the fading light. “I can’t tell you how many nights I relived our first kiss in this park.”

“Is that right?” So, he hadn’t been the only one. “My kiss made an impression from the start, I take it.”

“You have no idea.”

The words made his shoulders square. “Count on me to make many other impressions on you in days to come. You’ll find them even more unforgettable.” He was getting ahead of himself. They still had far too many days before that wedding night.

She nodded, a sly smile dancing over her gorgeous mouth. “When you marry me, I’m going to tell you the nickname I came up with for you after that day.”

Nickname! “You didn’t.”

Laughter danced in her eyes.

“Tell me.” He placed his arms around her. “Don’t make me kiss it out of you.”

“Many good things come to those who wait, Jasher.”

Oh, yeah. Indeed.

The rain started to fall again, pelting the roof of the shelter, but it was a warm rain, accompanied by a warm breeze—and another very warm kiss from the woman he’d always loved.