She was still reliving the magic of Tarn’s kiss, replaying every glorious sensation, every delicious taste. She popped another hard maple candy into her mouth from the bag he had given her. Sucking on the sweetness, remembering his kiss that tasted much the same, was almost a sensual delight. And yes, the man did taste like maple syrup! Maybe he had maple candy in his mouth, maybe he had it flowing through his veins. It didn’t matter; his kiss was deep, delicious, and sweet, and the most spontaneous thing that had ever happened to her. It did not matter that he was a total stranger. It mattered that she might never see him again — the mere thought made her heart ache in the craziest of ways. Nevertheless, she could not dwell on that fact. His kiss was the catalyst she needed to break free of her stagnant rut. It was time to make changes in her life. She could not afford to stay in her apartment and she did not want to move in with her stepsister, but Tarn’s kiss reminded her there were other options.
