Page 26 of Whisk Me Away

"I was busy," I tossed out with a shrug of my shoulders. I desperately tried to come across as unfazed but wasn't sure I’d been successful.

Based on the mischievous glint that formed in Brant's eyes, I wasn't pulling it off.

"I see that,” he said as he pushed off my car and took three large strides before stopping in front of me.

Watching him stalk toward me in his uniform with his large frame was a little unnerving. It felt almost like a prey being hunted by a predator.

I took a small step back but never dropped my gaze from his.

His hand slowly moved to the side of my cheek, where he used his fingers to brush what must have been flour off my face. I should have known I'd look like a hot mess. It was impossible to stay clean when I was baking. The gentle touch of his finger lit a fire across my skin from the contact. Finally, I dipped my head, breaking eye contact with him before taking another small step back. I bumped into the wall, leaning against it, hoping it would support me.

Brant's hand moved from my cheek until his fingers were below my chin and his thumb caressed my jaw, while lifting my head to meet his gaze. He placed his other hand against the brick wall just above my head. Every part of him was surrounding me.

"Brant," I whispered.

"I'm sorry, Peach," Brant whispered, bringing his face dangerously close to mine.

If I didn't know better, I'd think he was going to kiss me. Did I want that? Well, of course, I did—but I really needed to know who the mystery girl was.

"How's your friend?" The words came out in a shy whisper as my eyes darted to the side.

"Look at me, Peach,” Brant's firm yet kind command had my eyes trailing back to his. "She's not my friend."

I couldn't control the swift rush of disappointment that coursed through my body. I was about to pull my face from his grasp when he continued.

"It's a long story that I will tell you one day, but right now, all that matters is you know she doesn't mean anything to me. She’s someone from my past that I'd like to stay in the past,” his words held a hint of bitterness in them, and the look in his eyes told me I could trust him.

"Okay."

A sigh of relief escaped my mouth before Brant's lips landed on mine. His touch was gentle as he moved his hands to cup my cheeks, deepening the kiss. This was a kiss like none I've ever experienced. His lips were soft and sweet, promising so much more. As our lips moved in sync, time seemed to stand still in that fleeting instant, and the world faded away.

My heart fluttered with a mix of anticipation and excitement. This was really happening. After months of not knowing how he felt, I'd say this laid it all out there pretty well.

Slowly, Brant pulled his lips away only to lean back down for two more quick kisses. He pressed his forehead to mine while we took a few seconds to catch our breath. When my gaze met his, I was taken aback by the emotion in his eyes. Maybe I hadn't been imagining the sparks between us all this time.

Brant's hands slowly dropped from my face, but before I could mourn the loss of his heat, they slid down my arms, and he grabbed one of my hands in his and led me to my car.

"It's late. You should get home, and I need to get back to the station,” Brant's deep voice whispered quietly in my ear.

After opening the driver's door, I turned around and gave Brant a small smile.

"Goodnight," I whispered.

"Night, Peach. Merry Christmas.”

My stomach did a few flips at the new nickname. Outside of my parents, I hadn't had anyone give me a name of endearment. I wasn't sure what caused Brant to use the word peach, but I could honestly say I didn't hate it.

CHAPTER 17

KARIS

"Morning, Peach,” Brant called as a grin spread across his handsome face.

It had been a few weeks since that first kiss in the lot behind the bakery, and Brant hadn’t missed a day of coming in here to hang out or grab a quick treat and coffee on his way to the station.

This morning, he wore his dark navy uniform with a hat covering his brown hair. I couldn't help but admire him standing in my space. He was tall with broad shoulders, causing him to look too big for my cute little chairs in the corner. Brant didn't seem to care as he settled in and made himself comfortable.

I helped the last few customers in line before making my way around the counter and propped myself on the arm of the chair across from Brant.