I pull my phone out of my purse and check for any messages while I walk to Luke’s car. I know Luke was a little worried about me meeting the Wicked Witch of the West by myself. Little does he know that it wasn’t half as bad as I was expecting. She was actually quite pleasant.

Luke: Hey Sanka, ya dead?

I laugh at his Cool Runnings reference.

Liv: Yeah, mon.

Luke: Ha ha. I’m glad you survived. How was it?

I lean against Luke’s car and contemplate my answer.

Liv: Good? I think?

Liv: It was very enlightening.

Liv: She apologized for being an awful person.

Liv: She would love to help with Little Man in any way she can.

I see the little bubble with dots and wait for his reply. Opening the car door, I throw my purse into the passenger seat before sliding into the driver’s side. I immediately start the car and turn the heater on full blast, wiggling my bottom in hopes of making the seat-heater work faster.

My phone buzzes again.

Luke: Good! As long as you trust her, then I think that’s great.

Luke: Just make sure you’re careful.

Liv: I will, Mr. Bossy Pants! Don’t worry!

Luke: I always worry about you.

Luke: BTW- Bree is driving me nuts! She keeps giving me mischievous looks and even gave me a chapstick. Did you tell her about last night?

Luke: Were my lips chapped?

I close my eyes as I relive last night, giggling lightly and sighing dreamily.

Liv: Maybe….

Luke: Maybe my lips were chapped? Or maybe you told her?

Luke: I don’t want to be your dirty little secret.

Luke: But I’m cool getting dirty every once in a while. ;)

I laugh out loud at his ridiculous text.

Liv: Ha ha. Whatever, weirdo. Your lips weren’t chapped.

Liv: They were delicious.

Liv: Now stop texting me! I need to drive home!

Luke: Friends don’t let friends text and drive.

Luke: Buckle up!

Luke: And be safe!

Luke: But drive fast ‘cause I may or may not strangle Bree before you get here.

Luke: Ps- She says Hi.

Luke: Okay, now I’m done.

Luke: See you soon!

Liv: You’re not my dirty little secret. See you soon!

I roll my eyes before tossing my phone into my purse and backing out of the parking lot, a grin pasted on my face the entire ride home.

I get to the house just in time to see Bree throw a snowball at Luke’s head, and a partially built snowman is under the tree where Luke and I kissed last night. I burst out laughing as he takes off after her and tackles her into the snow. I’m not sure what they’re doing outside, but I’m suddenly very glad I ran that nearly red light a few minutes ago, or I would’ve missed the epic snow fight.

Stepping out of the car, I hear Breezy scream bloody murder and see Jake with his iPhone in the doorway, recording the whole thing. Sharon and Jim are laughing hysterically behind him, watching the chaos ensue.

This family is crazy. And I love every minute of it.

I’m sad when I think about going back with Luke in just a few short days. I love Luke’s condo, but I’ll miss his awesome family. They’ve kind of adopted me, and I kind of love them for it.

“What in the world are you guys doing?” I yell across the yard.

Luke is straddling Bree and shoving snow in her coat as she kicks and screams wildly. He looks over his shoulder at me and grins like the Cheshire cat.

“Bree kept asking me if I wanted to build a snowman. You know, like in Frozen? Anyway, I got so sick of her singing I finally dragged her outside to actually build one. And guess what the little brat does? She throws a snowball at me!” he yells, pretending to be annoyed.

Luke turns back toward his sister. “Jokes on you, little girl, ‘cause I never lose a snowball fight.” He throws his head back, laughing maniacally, making her admit defeat, then jumps up and runs toward me.

I laugh at his childlike playfulness, loving how carefree he is with his family.

He picks me up in a whirlwind and spins me around enthusiastically. I squeal with delight, shocked he can still lift me with a 20-pound basketball in the way. My arms are wrapped around his broad shoulders and I tuck my face into his neck as he gently sets me down. He leans forward so I can nuzzle him further. I breathe in his fresh scent, his cool skin tickling my nose. They must’ve been outside for a while.

“Hey you,” he whispers into my hair.

I pull back slightly and stare at his piercing green eyes, a shy smile touching my lips.

“Hi.”

He tucks a piece of my wavy hair behind my ear before placing a light kiss on my lips, his arms still holding me close.

I gasp at his familiarity, surprised he just kissed me in front of his family.

Even if it was just a peck.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for years, and since you gave me permission last night, I’m going to take full advantage of every opportunity from now on.” He smirks, devilishly.

My shy smile turns into a full-on grin, and I shake my head back and forth.

“Well then, you better get to work.”

I should’ve known better than to throw down the gauntlet like that. Especially to a man like Luke. I’m definitely not going to say I regret it though, because he immediately tangles his fingers in my hair with one hand, grabs my lower back with the other, and kisses me as if the world is ending. Hell, even if the world was ending, I would have no idea because every inch of my skin is already on fire from the heat of this kiss. His tongue tangles with mine, tasting every inch of me. I’m grateful for his firm grip, because I’m pretty sure I’d be a puddle on the pavement if he weren’t holding me so tightly.

It’s mind blowing. Incredible. All encompassing. Unforgettable. I would think of more adjectives, but I’m too busy experiencing the best kiss of my entire life.

He pulls back, a cocky grin on his face as I try to catch my breath.

“Whoa.” I swallow thickly.

Talk about knocking a girl’s socks off.

Or panties.

He chuckles before leaning in slowly and placing one more kiss on my lips. This one is sweeter. Softer. Less aggressive. More Luke. He lightly nibbles my lower lip before I feel his smile against my own.

Luke pulls back with the sweetest look on his face. Like he worships the ground I walk on. Like he adores me. Cherishes me. Maybe even loves me.

I hear hooting from the front porch, and I am quickly brought back to reality.

Did I really just make out with my not-boyfriend in front of his entire family?

I peek over Luke’s shoulder and see Breezy proudly giving me the thumbs up and making kissy noises, while her parents cover Jake’s eyes and laugh hysterically.

My cheeks immediately burst into flames.

Yup. I definitely did.