Chapter 32
Magnolia
I’m not sure how long we stand there, locked in each other’s arms. But I can finally admit to myself that Nash feels something for me. I just hope it’s more than lust.
I pull back and look him in the eye. It’s absolutely unfair that he’s so good-looking. He can take my breath away just looking at him…but now? After kissing him? I’m especially a lost cause.
“What are we doing?” I manage to ask. I glance around to make sure Natalie is actually gone this time. She is, thank goodness. How awkward to kiss her son in front of her on the same day I met her?
“We’re kissing,” Nash says firmly as he leans down to press his lips against mine again. I sigh and lean into him again.
This time, he lifts me off the ground, and I’m reminded that this man is strong-strong. Those muscles are not just for looks—this guy can do things. He’s not even shaking, holding me while he kisses me.
I slide a hand up the back of his neck and into his hair. He groans against my mouth and parts my lips with his.
His kiss is consuming, and I never want it to end. But I also need some clarification. I need a direction to go.
This time, it’s Nash who pulls back. “Am I moving too fast for you?”
Shaking my head, I look down into those gorgeous blue eyes. “I know how I feel about you. I just am not sure where you see this going.”
Nash sighs and slowly lowers me back to my feet. I hang on to him still, afraid that if I let go, this whole situation will go away.
“What are we going to tell people when they ask how we met?” I ask.
“I’ll tell them I tried to push you down some stairs, but then you forced me to propose to you instead,” Nash replies without missing a beat. He flinches when I glare at him. “Okay, fine. I think we’ll tell them the truth. You became my fake fiancée, and we developed feelings for each other.”
It’s the truth. And I thought this was all that I wanted.
For Nash to admit that he felt something for me.
But it turns out I’m greedy. I want to know that he loves me.
Because I know without a doubt that I love him.
But maybe this is enough for now. Maybe we can just be happy with this.
Enjoy the moment and stop rushing through each phase.
We’re going about our relationship all backwards.
“We need to tell Grandpa the truth,” Nash says.
“I think you should let me tell him the truth.” I didn’t mean to volunteer, but it makes the most sense.
“No, you shouldn’t feel pressured. I can tell him.”
I shake my head. “I’ll tell him. It’s my fault that we hit it off so well, anyway. Plus, I think we’re friends now. It makes sense that I would be the one to tell him.”
Nash reaches a hand up to brush the hair out of my face. “You’re always looking out for me, aren’t you?”
I blush. “Someone has to.”
“I have to go back tomorrow. Do you need to stay here and keep working on the bakery and distillery building?”
I shake my head. “I need to talk to Charlie about some of the structural changes. So I’m ready to go tomorrow if you need to.”
Nash sighs. “I don’t even want to talk about business right now. I’d rather keep kissing you.”
“That sounds nice,” I encourage him.
He throws back his head and laughs. “You might be a bad influence on me, Magnolia.”
“I try.”
He sobers and stares at me. “You have brought fun back into my life. I’ve never smiled or laughed so much with anyone, and I’m so grateful to you for that.”
I step out of his arms and clasp both his hands in mine. “I think you just needed somebody who liked you. And didn’t need you to change for them.”
Nash shrugs, embarrassed. “Maybe. But it doesn’t change the fact that you’re one in a million.”
I just hope that’s enough for him in the long run.