Chapter EighteenThe raucous screech of a magpie split the air, startling Van. He broke the kiss, and his arms sprang apart. What had he done? He licked his lips, Cora’s sweet taste lingering on his mouth.
Cora’s eyes flew open, and she stared at him for a long moment before rolling off his chest onto her knees. Pink to the roots of her golden-blonde hair, she ducked her head and struggled to rise.
He climbed to his feet then bent and helped her stand. Would she slap him as he deserved for taking liberties? He hadn’t meant to kiss her, but the glow in her gaze combined with the proximity of her soft-looking lips overrode his common sense. He’d taken advantage of her closeness and probably ruined any chance of continuing their tenuous friendship.
Still avoiding his eyes, she brushed dirt
