Fake Engagement - Real Attraction

Hi! My name is Kara Lynn Russell and I've written a series of lighthearted contemporary romances set in the fictional small town of Orchard Hill, Wisconsin. The plot of the series centers around a contest between to matchmakers to see who can make the most matches in one year's time. Each story is a bout a couple that one of the matchmakers brings together. You can find out more about the series here.

When Goddess Fish asked for a "first kiss" excerpt I thought of David and Sarah from Accepting Charity. Sarah has agreed to a fake engagement to help David keep unsuitable relatives from gaining custody of his orphaned niece Charity. Along the way they discover the perils of a pretend romance. 

David knew he was treading on dangerous ground, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself. “Maybe we should practice?”

“Practice?”

“Yeah. I think we should try a practice kiss, so the first time we have to kiss in public, it won’t be so awkward.”

“Why would we have to kiss in public?”

“Because that’s what people who are in love do, Sarah.  I’m not saying we have to put on an exhibition, but we should at least kiss each other hello and good-bye.”

Sarah looked doubtful. “I suppose.”

“So I think we should practice.”

“When?”

“How about right here, right now.”

“Are you serious?”

“Totally. Trust me, this is the best thing to do. We’ll just get it over with and then the next time won’t be so awkward.”

Sarah considered. “Maybe you’re right.”

“I know I am. He reached across the seat and took Sarah in his arms.

She giggled nervously. “This is ridiculous.”

“Usually I get to kiss a girl before she laughs at me.”

“I’m not laughing at you. Just the situation.”

“Enough talk. How about some action?” he teased. 

David’s only intention had been to steal a simple kiss, but the moment his lips touched hers, he knew nothing would ever be simple between them. Instead of letting go, he pulled her even closer. She felt perfect in his arms.

The world faded away, and he was aware of nothing but Sarah. He felt her heart beating against his chest, her form filling his arms, her lips moving against his. The word ‘home’ drifted into his mind.

From what seemed like a long way away, there was a sharp knocking sound. Suddenly Sarah shoved him away. Confused by the abrupt shift back to reality, David blinked and the world swam back into focus. Sarah’s  friend Hope was knocking at the window.

“Come on, you two,” she shouted. “You’ll have plenty of time for that later. I’m starving.  Let’s go eat.”

Sarah opened the door a crack and said  “We’ll be right there.”

No way,” Hope insisted. “If we leave, you’ll just go back to what you were doing.”

Oliver stepped in and pulled Hope away. “We’ll be inside,” he called back.

Sarah turned back to David and speared him with a sizzling glare. “Got any more bright ideas?”

I hope you enjoyed the excerpt and will consider a future visit to Orchard Hill, where no heart is safe.