She struggled to keep her tone as light as the summer air. “I guess we’ll meet pretty regularly to plan the ball.”

Bending his arm, he angled even nearer. “Not just for the ball…I want to see you.”

He leaned into that single word, “you,” until her knees buckled. After years of crushing on unattainable fantasy men, had she really met an attractive, available guy? And in her hometown of all places?

He settled his free hand on her waist. “I intend to woo you, my darling.”

“Oh, do you?” Her voice, while still breezy, fell an octave where it quivered deep in her chest.

“Mm-hm. I’ve made it my personal mission to sweep you off your feet.”

She breathed him in, and notes of citrus mingled with sunscreen in a scent more intoxicating than any cologne. Lightheaded, she pressed her palms into the tree trunk. “I’ve got a pretty long way to fall.”

He inched closer.

His cheek just barely brushed hers. A coarse curl grazed her temple. She allowed her eyes to drift closed.

“Just let yourself be spoiled. Wouldn’t you like that?”

The husky whisper warmed the inside of her ear. Her breath caught in her throat. “I think I would.”

He let out a low chuckle. “Well, you just go ahead and think about it.”

The teasing rasp of his chin made her giggle. But he just nuzzled closer, his lips tracing a soft line down the side of her neck. Her captive breath escaped on a sigh.

Inhaling deeply, he tightened his fingers around her waist. “Do you always smell this good?”

The words tickled sensitive flesh. She took in a breath to respond, but he slid a foot between hers, and his crisp button-down skimmed her tank, depriving her of speech.

“I wanted to kiss you from the second I saw you. You and your lilacs.” He met her gaze. “May I?”

Her feelings refused to be wrangled into coherent sentences. She nodded.

In an instant, he pressed into her, covering her mouth with his own.

The force of his kiss chased the breath from her lungs. She stiffened, but he didn’t seem to notice. Rough bark dug into her shoulders, and she swiveled her head to the side, scraping her temple.

Just as quickly, he shifted away, gilding her jaw with kisses.

She drank in sweet, summer air and relaxed again, wriggling at the featherlight touch.

Dropping a kiss atop one shoulder, he trailed fingertips down her arm.

Goose bumps emerged in their wake. She shivered and slid her arms over his shoulders, lifting her lids to meet his gaze. His eyes flashed with simmering intensity, but the expression held a hint of humor.

Taking her hips with both hands, he raised his brows.