Fall Into Love

By Alexa Riley

Get a sweet distraction from the chaos of the holidays with this 5 book bundle! Fall into Love has some of our favorites including His Pumpkin Pie, Cozy, Hungry For More, The Fall Bride, and Thankful for Her. Grab this limited time bundle in one click and ignore the mess for a little while longer. 

 

His Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin is on a plane back home for Thanksgiving when the man beside her becomes the jerk nobody wants to sit beside. When a dark and handsome Russian comes to her rescue and makes the sleazy neighbor switch seats, she's forever in his debt.

 

Miller wasn't planning on coming back to Texas this soon, but an emergency lands him on a commercial flight with a woman that he can't keep his eyes off of.

Will this chance meeting change their lives forever? It's Thanksgiving…and anything can happen!

 

Cozy

Timber Grayson likes living alone in his castle far from people and crowds. So when a company wants to use his place for some corporate party, it's a flat-out no. That's until she comes knocking…and suddenly he's changing his "no people" rule.

 

Pippa Michaels has been recruited by her sister Myra to get a castle secured for an event space. Pippa would do anything for her, but after meeting the hulking lumberjack, she's having second thoughts. When Timber tells her she can have it if she stays for the duration of the planning, she's making promises she's not sure she can keep.

 

Hungry For More
Sage Carter has spent her whole life surrounded by her family that treats her like a child. When she finally decides to live life on her own, it's still under the shelter of her brother's apartment. But the day before Thanksgiving, his business partner comes to visit and just so happens to find her in the kitchen…in her underwear. Can she make it through the holiday without dying of embarrassment? Or will the incident be the spark that lights the fire from within?

 

Jensen Powell has done things in his own way on his own timeline. When he's forced to go home with his business partner for Thanksgiving, he doesn't expect to find a curvy bombshell waiting for him. One look and she belongs to him, if only she'll give in. He hasn't had a reason to be thankful until now, and he's making the most of it.

 

The Fall Bride
Valerie runs a wedding dress boutique. Love is her business, and that's where she'd like it to stay. But love isn't so easily contained. It doesn't help that the hot jerk next door won't stop getting under her skin. She's frustrated–and not only because he refuses to give her space.

 

Tidas has always had his eyes on Valerie and seeing her temper only makes him want her more. What's he to do when she won't give in? Trick her into marrying him.

Thankful For Her
Autumn has always felt a soul-shattering pull to her stepbrother, Hunter. The only problem is that they've never met. But this Thanksgiving they're finally going to meet and when they do, all her desires will be confirmed.

 

Hunter Danvers has lost a lot, and seeing his father marry a nightmare of a stepmother, he thinks he's lost him, too. He reluctantly comes home for Thanksgiving. And then everything he knows to be true changes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexa Riley
• Release date: Nov 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215323243

Alexa Riley

New York Times bestselling author Alexa Riley is two sassy friends who got together and wrote some dirty books. They are both married moms of two who love football, donuts, and obsessed book heroes. They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you! www.AlexaRiley.com

Book preview

Fall Into Love

Fall Into Love

ALEXA RILEY

Contents

Chapter 1

His Pumpkin Pie

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Epilogue

Chapter 1

Cozy

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Epilogue

Epilogue

Toasty

Prologue

Hungry For More

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Epilogue

Epilogue

Naughty or Nice

Prologue

Chapter 1

The Fall Bride

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Epilogue

Epilogue

Chapter 1

Thankful For Her

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Epilogue

Epilogue

Home For Christmas

Chapter 1

Read Me Romance

Stalk the Author

Chapter One

Copyright © 2022 by Author Alexa Riley LLC. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email to [e-mail]

http://alexariley.com/

Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

Edited by Aquila Editing

His Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin is on a plane back home for Thanksgiving when the man beside her becomes the jerk nobody wants to sit beside. When a dark and handsome Russian comes to her rescue and makes the sleazy neighbor switch seats, she’s forever in his debt. 

Miller wasn’t planning on coming back to Texas this soon, but an emergency lands him on a commercial flight with a woman that he can’t keep his eyes off of. 

Will this chance meeting change their lives forever? It’s Thanksgiving…and anything can happen! 

Warning: Kick your feet up on Turkey Day and escape those family judgments with a little romance. 

Chapter One

PUMPKIN

Igroan as I roll over in bed, not wanting to get up yet. Then I let out a scream when I almost roll right off the edge. Thankfully I catch myself on the nightstand and push myself back up. How in the world am I not used to this hotel bed by now? 

I’ve been sleeping here for over a month, and I should be aware of the bed size in my sleep. Plus it’s bigger than the twin bed I slept in when I lived at home. I miss that bed, but maybe I also miss waking up in a place filled with family instead of a cold hotel room. 

As excited as I am about going home, I’m worn out. I hate my job, I miss my family, and I’m not sure how much longer I can do this. I’m supposed to be settling into this career change, but all I want to do is go back home. I’ve done all of this so that I could stand on my own two feet for once. But instead it’s led me to jumping in with both feet, and now I want to jump right back out. My feet are so damn tired. 

The screen on my phone lights up, making me wonder who could be messaging me this early. It has to be my sister with another great idea for something we should make. She finds inspiration while scrolling through Facebook, and seventy percent of the time it’s a food idea. We spend hours making them, and they never turn out like the two-minute video makes you believe they will. 

Oh crap. I spring up to a sitting position without clicking the text when I see the time. 

How? How is that even possible? I set an alarm! I click on my alarm in disbelief to see that I did in fact set it for seven. But I clearly wasn’t paying attention and clicked p.m. instead of a.m. Yet another reason I’m starting to think I’m not cut out for this whole adulting thing. Especially when it comes to selling medical supplies. How can I sell them when I can’t even work a damn cell phone? But here I am, thousands of miles from home, selling them and actually doing well at it. 

In a mad dash, I run around the hotel room trying to get all my shit shoved into my bags. I don’t bother with showering or anything that’s going to waste time like hair and makeup.

The original plan was to be in Seattle for a week, but that quickly turned into a few months. My employer said I would travel, but somehow I’ve been stationed in one spot for what feels like forever. They were short-staffed out here, and I’ve been going from one medical building to the next. They have me lined up for work six days a week and have slipped in a few Sunday jobs too. I can’t complain, or at least I shouldn't. I make commission and I’ve been killing it, but I’ve never felt more lost in my life. 

I’m dying to get back home to spend Thanksgiving with my parents and to be around people I know and love. I’m going to soak up every minute of it, and then I’m going to get some much-needed advice from my mom and sister. 

I’ve been second-guessing giving up my job, but I know I could get it back in a heartbeat. I roll my eyes at myself as I slip into my boots. People are trying to find jobs all around me, and here I am complaining about having one that pays well…but at what cost? 

I let out a happy scream when I get my bag closed, and I stare at it for a moment. This is pretty much my whole life in one bag. I don’t let myself think about it too much or I’ll begin to spiral. Instead I grab my purse and my other bag before I roll out of my hotel room and hustle my booty down to the lobby as fast as I can. 

Thank goodness my favorite valet is out there, and Laura snags me a cab, seeing me in my hurried state. I blow some of the curls out of my face and smile. 

Thank you, I call as I run over to the cab, and she helps me toss my bags into the back. I give her a quick hug. You have a good Thanksgiving. 

You do the same, Pumpkin. She kisses my cheek. This is your big holiday, after all. She winks and steps back to motion for another taxi to pull up behind mine.

So my mother tells me. 

My mom has been obsessed with Thanksgiving my whole life. She’s pretty crazy about Christmas too, but it’s how I ended up with the name Pumpkin and my sister got the name Cookie. Not that I’m complaining. She really did give us the kind of holidays that you remember most. 

Get her to the airport quick but safe. Laura hits the top of the taxi, and the guy takes off.

Living in a hotel, you start to make a lot of friends with the staff. I didn't do it because of the perks. Hell, I didn't know there would be so many, but they treat me well. That will be one thing I’ll miss if I decide to quit my job. 

I let out a breath and check the time again. I cannot miss this flight. Everything was booked solid, so who knows if I’ll be able to get on a later one? Plus I don't want to be delayed any longer because I want to be home. 

A smile spreads across my face when I not only see that I’m making good time but I’m being offered an upgrade. I debate spending the extra fifty dollars but decide to treat myself with how hard I’ve been working. I’ve never flown first class before, and I bet it’s amazing. 

I guess my luck this morning is turning around. At least I thought so, until I landed in my first class seat next to an arrogant jerk that no amount of champagne could drown out.

Chapter Two

MILLER

My brother speaks to me in Russian as the flight attendant offers us champagne, and I shake my head. I answer him back in our native tongue, and he huffs and looks out the window. 

Frost doesn’t like to fly and wants to get drunk. But I prefer we keep a clear head until we’re safely back home, even if he’s annoyed with me. I don’t care. We’re only on this flight for a few hours; he can manage until we land. 

This is how it is with brothers, but even more so with twins. We look identical, but we are very different in our personalities. Our mother and father immigrated from Russia before we were born and raised us in Texas. 

We were born there but spent much of our youth studying abroad and building our business. Frost and I own one of the world's largest oil refineries and have production all over the world. Thankfully we are at the point in our careers that I don’t have to make Frost fly much anymore. At least not after this week. 

We sold one of our largest refineries for a sum of money that made national headlines. We were the first ever to have that many zeros attached to a company, and it’s cause for celebration. So why is it that we’re both so miserable? Oh yes, that’s because we’re going home. 

Our mother and father might have done the best they could for us by sending us away, because being at home with them is always hell for us. They are cold and calculated in how they speak, and there is always penance for being away for so long. My mother was never warm, nor did she possess a mother's instinct, and my father only knew how to discipline with his hands. 

When Frost and I became larger than him, he stopped physically hurting us and used our mother's methods of emotional blackmail. Since they came to America, they have adopted American traditions, one of which is Thanksgiving. When our mother asked us to come, she said that she had important news to discuss, which is why we’re on the way back from Europe so soon. 

Frost and I have homes in Texas right next door to one another. Maybe it’s a twin thing, but we can’t stand to be too far apart, even when living on our own. We call Texas home, but we would never confuse that with the place where our parents live. We’d planned on being in Europe for another month celebrating our negotiations, but instead we’re on a plane and dreading the reason for it. 

You know I never get to sit next to pretty women on a plane, I hear the man in the seat in front of me slur. 

I look at my watch to see we’ve only been on the plane about an hour. I don’t know how the man can be so drunk, and I look at Frost as he rolls his eyes. We both have the same thought—that the guy was probably hitting the bar before he got on the plane, and he definitely can’t handle his liquor. 

A soft feminine voice pipes up from beside him, but I can’t hear what she says. The cabin is noisy, and there are people talking in the row behind me. I think back to when I got on the plane. The cabin was almost empty at the time. Frost and I arrived early and were able to get on first. 

Oh come on, don’t be like that, I hear the man say, and his voice is a bit louder. I’m just making conversation. 

I can see a small crack between the seats, and the man leans over to where the woman is in the window seat. He’s bald on top with gray fluffy hair on either side, and his face is red like he drinks more than just before he gets on a plane. 

The hair on the back of my neck stands up, and I reach back and rub it. I don’t like the feeling in my stomach, and as if Frost can sense it, he nudges me with his elbow. 

You okay? he asks, his accent thick. 

"Da," I answer as I try to shake it off. 

The woman speaks, and this time it’s loud enough for me to hear her. Sir, please, you need to back away and give me some space. 

You bitches are all the same. Showing it off and then getting pissed when a man looks at it. 

I’m unbuckling my seatbelt before he’s finished speaking, but Frost grabs my arm. 

Be calm, he warns, and I yank out of his hold. 

He knows I have a temper, because his is as bad as mine. Growing up, we saw our fair share of our father putting hands on our mother until we were old enough to stop it. But even after we put an end to it, she was still just as cruel to us as before. I think she resented the fact that we were able to walk away from him and she chose to stay. 

When I hear a man speak like this asshole in front of me, I have flashbacks, and it sends me into a rage. 

Sir, you’ll need to take your seat while the captain has the light on, the flight attendant says from behind me. 

I’m about to, I tell her as I step forward and look down at the small drunk man. You’re in my seat. 

It takes him a second to look all the way and find my eyes scowling back at him. W-what? He smiles like I’m joking and looks around. This is my seat. 

No, you are in my seat, I repeat, and now his smile drops. 

I have my ticket— 

I lean down so that he can get the measure of me properly. I don’t give a fuck what your ticket says, you cunt, you’re going to get up and move. I clench my jaw and then relax it. Or I will remove you. 

He swallows hard as I straighten and pauses only a second before unbuckling his seatbelt. 

I look at the flight attendant standing in the aisle, and she watches silently as the man stands up and moves out of my way. 

Sit. Frost points to the empty seat beside him, and the little man follows directions like a child. 

I nod to my brother, and he nods to me as I unbutton the front of my jacket and take the seat that the drunk vacated. The flight attendant moves past us and to the cabin without a word, and I take a deep breath to settle my anger. 

Thank you, I hear whispered softly from beside me, and for the first time I glance over to the woman he was bothering. 

My mouth opens as I’m stunned silent by her beauty. Her dark hair is curly and long around her face like a waterfall. It looks soft, like it would feel good to bury my face in it. Her eyes are ice blue like the waters in Russia, and they make me homesick for a place I’ve never been. 

"Da," I say, because it’s all I can manage. Her full lips curve on one side, and she looks away. I want to call her name so she will look at me again and I can get lost in whatever that feeling was. 

I clear my throat as I look away, trying to gather my thoughts. I glance back at my brother, who is watching me with his eyebrows pulled together in concentration. 

It’s no problem, I say, looking down at her arm resting between us. It’s so small and her skin is so fair, I want to touch it and see if it’s warm. 

She leans a little closer to me like she’s going to say something, and on instinct I lean in closer to her at the same time. I think maybe he’s just really drunk. 

I think maybe he’s just an asshole, I respond, and she covers her mouth with her hand to smother the laughter that bubbles up. 

I feel a hint of anger that she’s keeping the sound of her laughter from me, and I don’t know why that annoys me. 

Maybe you’re right. He asked me to join the mile-high club. Her cheeks flush as she looks away, and I clench my fists on either side of me. 

He did what? I bark, but when I turn around, I see the little man slumped over in the seat behind me, passed out. I’m going to break his neck when we land. 

You came to my rescue. I feel her gentle fingers on my wrist, and I look down at the contact. She quickly takes her hand away and apologizes. Sorry, I’m just a mess today. 

It’s okay, I reassure her. Work or pleasure? 

When I say the word pleasure, I think about what that would be for this little kitten. She looks like a small thing I would like to cuddle. A pet I could keep in my bed. Thoughts of taking her from the airport and to my home make the arrival home seem much sweeter. 

Um, Thanksgiving. She smiles at me as she takes a sip of her champagne. 

For a moment I miss what she’s saying because I’m thinking of how the bubbles on her tongue would feel against mine. 

My sister is making me bake a million things. She shrugs, and the sweatshirt she has on slips over her bare shoulder, exposing a triangle of skin. 

My mouth waters at the silk I’m suddenly hungry to taste, and I have to look away. I’m no better than the lecher that was in this seat before me with how my mind is wandering. I don’t want a quick fuck in the bathroom, I want to lay her out on a table and feast on her body. 

Are you going home for the holiday? 

Da, I say as I nod back to Frost. My brother and I are traveling together. The plan has my mind coming back to the present, which is good. I need to concentrate on something that doesn’t include seeing more of her skin. 

My name is Miller, I offer and hold out my hand. 

Pumpkin. She smiles and slips her hand in mine. 

I try not to hold it for too long, but my thumb lingers for a moment after I let her go. Afterwards, I place my hands in my lap to keep them to myself as I spend the next four hours listening to all the things Pumpkin is going to make for Thanksgiving.

Chapter Three

PUMPKIN

I ’m so sorry. I look down at my third glass of champagne. They don’t really ask if you want another, they keep topping you off. I’m going on and on about my job. 

I enjoy listening to you speak. 

I really hope that the blush that lights up my face is hidden by the few drinks I’ve already had. Miller doesn’t speak much, but when he does, it warms my insides.

I’m sure me talking about medical transcribing and selling medical supplies can’t be that entertaining. Something that takes up so much of my life makes it feel like there’s nothing else to talk about.

But you like it. 

I pause for a moment as I take another sip of my drink. I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, and before now our conversation has been light and easy.

Transcribing, yes because it’s flexible and I could do it from anywhere. But anywhere to me isn’t a home, and that’s where I want to be. That might just be because I’m feeling homesick, and I’m sure he probably thinks that’s super lame. Most people want to travel the world and see what’s out there. I thought I did at first, but I’m stuck in one spot so far. 

I travel a lot for work too. I perk up, wanting to learn more about the Russian man who stole the seat next to me. 

He’d been sweet to make the other man move, but I was sure a fight would break out. Thankfully the man next to me took one look at Miller and he was up and out of his seat. Watching the whole thing go down was so hot. I don’t think a man has ever come to my defense like that before, and I can’t say I didn’t love it. 

I hadn't even looked at Miller’s face when he’d issued the order to the drunken man next to me. Just hearing his voice made my whole body light up in a way it never had before. Then when I finally looked up, some of my excitement ramped up. He was so big he probably didn’t have another option but to sit in first class. Seeing him looming over the drunk guy and taking charge made my panties melt. 

When he sat down next to me and hung on every word that came out of my mouth, it was like I was dreaming. I’m not sure if he’s being a gentleman, but ever since he dismissed the other guy I think he’s been flirting with me. It’s hard to get a read on him when he doesn't say much, but he keeps pressing for me to tell him more and keep talking. 

I’m used to the doctors and medical professionals that I work with. It’s safe to say that from my experience, most are men wearing the same kind of fancy suits, but Miller’s demeanor is totally different. He puts me at ease, and I haven't once reached for my headphones to try and stop the conversation. 

And now that I’ve bored you with all my medical talk, what do you do that has you traveling so much? 

Oil. 

Seems fitting since we’re on a plane to Texas. I give him a smile as I steal another sip of my liquid courage, not wanting to stop talking because I’ve grown shy. It’s something I don’t normally do until I start to develop a small crush. 

Not so sure anymore. Had a big sale this week. Retirement might be in my future. 

When I really take in the Russian, there’s no missing that he’s got money. His hair is dark and short on the sides but long enough to run fingers through on the top. From a glance I would have guessed he was a bodyguard and wearing a fancy suit to try to fit in. I’ve never been good at guessing age, but I think he’s maybe in his mid-thirties. It’s crazy he’s even thinking about retiring so young, but it goes back to my assessment about him being rich.

How about you? If you’re selling medical equipment and not enjoying it, why keep going? Why not go back to your old job? 

I’m still fighting that battle in my head, but it might feel good to talk to a stranger. Someone that can give me a perspective from the outside and away from my family wanting me home. I know my parents will push for me to be closer, even if it’s not what’s best. Miller can be objective and honest. 

I’ve been telling myself I miss my sister and parents. 

Is that true?

Yes, so much. I nod and I can feel tears sting in my eyes just admitting it out loud. 

You have a good family then. It’s not a question, but I answer. 

Not to brag, but I’d like to think they are the best. We might not have a lot of money, but we’re rich in so many ways. We laugh hard and love even harder. I catch something in Miller’s eyes, but it’s gone quickly. 

There is something else, he says, and I realize he’s good at reading people. 

I’m good at selling medical equipment. I’ve been proud of myself for that. 

As you should be. 

I nod in agreement. You know what these machines cost? I let out a humorless laugh. Machines that not everyone can afford, even though they could save lives every day if they did have them. I drop my head. As great as it is to sell these things, it’s heartbreaking to walk away from others that need them. 

He stares at me like he’s taking in every single word of what I’m saying. His gaze makes me feel like he can see into me and understand my frustration. I fight the instinct to fidget in my seat under his intense stare, and when I bite my bottom lip nervously, his eyes stay on my mouth. 

It’s then I know I’ve lost my mind because there’s no way this man is into me. I shoot up from my chair and almost forget my tray is out. This sexy Russian man doesn't, and with effortless grace, snags my drink without spilling a drop and manages to close my tray for me. 

Bathroom, I blurt out, and he nods as he steps out of the way, still holding my drink for me. 

When I escape into the small bathroom, I get a good look at myself. My hair is still a wild mess from the mad dash this morning, and I pull it up in a bun. I don’t have a speck of makeup on, and to top it off, I’m in slip-on shoes with leggings I slept in last night. I grabbed a sweater out of my bag after I boarded, and it hides some of the best parts of my curvy body. Yeah, he was so not looking at my mouth like he wanted to kiss me.

I take a breath and give myself an internal pep talk. I’m going to go back out there and speak to Miller like two people making small talk and nothing more. This isn't flirting, he’s just a nice guy that did me solid. He’s proven that point from the second I met him, and I’m not going to flirt with him and make him feel awkward. I don’t want to do something he doesn't want to do because he is a nice guy and might agree to be polite.

After I get myself together and find my way back to my seat, I don’t miss Miller’s brother giving me a curious look as I move in beside Miller. Once I’m seated, Miller hands me my champagne glass, and I smile at him. 

You and your brother look so much alike, yet there’s something so different. I can’t place what it is, but maybe it’s the eye color. I don’t say that there’s something about Miller that I find more comforting. His brother has a coldness behind his eyes, and I don’t believe for a second it’s because they are blue. 

Do you and your sister look alike? 

Night and day. I reach into my purse and pull out a picture. We have a lot of the same features, but our hair and eyes are so different. 

The dimples. He points at me, and it makes me smile bigger, which shows them off. 

He gives me a heated look that has me averting my eyes because I’m not used to a man looking at me like that. So I do what any girl would do to get the attention off her—I change the subject. 

What are your plans for the holiday? Are you going to see family? When I finally steal a glance back at him, I notice his mood shifts. 

Not really. 

Knowing we’re both heading to the same city, I blurt out the last thing I ever thought I would say in my entire life. Then you should come with me. You’ve never had a Thanksgiving unless you’ve had one at the Williams’ house. He looks unsure of how to respond to my request, so I use the one trick that always works on me. You wouldn't want to disappoint my mom, would you? She’s what sweetness is made of. I’m pretty sure without her holidays would cease to exist. 

When I watch one of the corners of his mouth turn up in a smirk, I’m pretty sure I’ve won this battle. I’m also pretty sure I might be turning into my mother. It’s certainly not a bad thing, but I’m not about to let her know.

Chapter Four

MILLER

The light above our heads comes on, and the plane begins to rattle a little. Turbulence is something that happens on occasion and doesn't bother me. But Frost? I glance back at him and see his hands gripping the arms of the seat and his knuckles turning white. 

This is your captain speaking, please fasten your seatbelts. The voice comes through the cabin, and I glance over at Pumpkin. We’re getting ready to land in the next twenty minutes, but we’re going to have a few bumps along the way. 

I hear Frost from behind me cursing in Russian, and I turn around. It’s going to be okay, I say to him in a low voice, and he presses his lips together tightly. 

I hate when the plane bounces, Pumpkin says, and I see a hand go to her stomach while the other grips her arm rest almost identically to Frost. 

It will be okay. Without a second thought I place my much larger hand over hers and squeeze a little. She looks up at me and then away quickly. 

Tell me something. 

Tell you what? she asks distractedly. 

Something that will keep your mind off of the bumps. The plane dips again as I say it, and there are a few sounds from people behind us in the plane. 

We’re moving quite a bit now as the plane rocks, and the flight attendants strap into their seats. The captain comes back on and tells us it won’t be much longer, but I can feel the anxious panic from Pumpkin beside me and Frost at my back. 

I turn to face her but speak loud enough for my brother to hear. Thanksgiving is in two days. Are you sure your family will welcome the both of us? 

Um yes. Pumpkin swallows and then looks at me with more confidence. They’ll love to meet the both of you. 

"Da, and will you cook for me?" 

The flush of her cheeks isn’t from nervousness as she smiles. Yes, I’ll cook for you. 

My brother loves desserts, but I prefer… I take my time glancing down her body before I look into her eyes. Savory. 

L-like what? She leans closer to me, and I do the same, like we’re sharing a secret. 

Something warm. I use the tip of my finger to trace the shape of her jaw before I graze her bottom lip. Something decadent. 

I hear Frost speaking in Russian, but I ignore him, and Pumpkin doesn’t seem to hear him. I lean even closer to her, to where I can feel her breath against my lips, and I can see the flecks of gold in her ice blue eyes. 

Tell me, sweet Pumpkin, do you have something like that for me? If I pressed my lips to hers right now, I think her desire would taste like the first drink of coffee on a cold snowy morning. This little woman could make me addicted with one tiny bite. 

Her eyes slowly close, and my finger traces down her chin and to the delicate skin of her neck. I can feel her heartbeat thumping against my thumb like a baby kitten in my arms. I want to cuddle her in my lap and use her as the comfort I have been without for so many years. 

Thank you for flying with us today, please be careful when opening your overhead compartment. 

The sound of the flight attendant’s voice breaks the moment between us, and Pumpkin blinks her eyes open and leans back in her seat. She’s left me cold and separated from her, and I don’t like the dismissal of what just happened. 

Without my realizing it, the plane has landed, and they are opening the cabin door. I glance up in time to see the little drunk man is the first to scurry off the plane and I grind my teeth. I would have loved one more chance at him once we were off the plane. 

I stand up, and Frost shoves my bag against my chest as he walks off of the plane without me. I want to go after him, but I see that Pumpkin has turned away from me while she gathers her things. 

Do you have a bag? I ask her, and she nods as she stands. 

Yeah, but it should be right by the exit. 

I will walk with you, I say, and it’s not a request. 

I don’t understand why she won’t look at me as we exit the plane and walk through the lobby of the airport. I need to make her smile and talk to me like she was just before we landed. Before we almost kissed. 

Give me your phone. I see Frost in the distance at the exit doors checking his watch. I need to leave, but I want to call you. 

Um, okay. She stops at the carousel where the luggage is going around on a belt and takes her phone out of her bag. 

I use it to call my phone first and then save the contact. I will call you tonight. 

Look, it’s okay. 

What is okay? My eyebrows pull together in confusion. I don’t like the tone you use. 

What I mean is that I appreciate you moving that jerk out of the way, and for talking to me on the flight. It was nice to just…I don’t know…talk to someone. 

I enjoyed our conversation too. My blunt statement makes the corner of her lip turn up and I like that. 

You don’t owe me anything. That’s all I'm trying to say. 

I step closer to her and take her hand in mine. You don’t owe me for saving you. She swallows as she looks up at me, and I hold out her phone for her. I will call you tonight. 

She bites her bottom lip in that worried way like she did on the plane and takes the phone from me. Okay, I guess I’ll talk to you later. 

When I lean down, I press my cheek to hers and put my lips to her ear. I will think of you until then, Pumpkin. 

I breathe in the scent of lavender before I force myself to take a step back and walk away. I look back at her several times as we exit, and the whole time she’s standing there with her hand pressed to her cheek. 

You’re a fool, Frost scolds me as we meet our driver at the curb. 

"Da," I agree, grabbing his arm to keep him from getting inside. 

What are you doing? He looks at me like I’m crazy as I walk over to our driver. 

See that girl in there, with the dark hair. I point to where Pumpkin is turned away from us, and my driver nods. Take her wherever she wants to go. Name is Pumpkin. That’s an order. 

It will be done. He bows his head and walks into the airport to go speak to her. 

Miller, we are late, Frost scolds as I hold my hand out and wave for a taxi. 

When one pulls up to the curb, I open the door for him and wait expectantly. After a moment he rolls his eyes and gets in the back, and I follow in after him. We were supposed to be on an earlier flight, but I hadn’t really thought about it until now. I forgot about our investors’ meeting, forgot about missing our flight earlier in the day, forgot about everything when I saw her. 

Was it fate that I happened to be on the same flight as her? Maybe. Am I going to do everything I can to make her mine? Definitely.

Chapter Five

PUMPKIN

With each step I take away from Miller, there’s a sinking feeling forming in my stomach. I know I got his number, but what will come out of it? We flirted most of the flight, but he might have thought it was all in good fun. When the plane landed, he could have felt obligated to give me his information, and for all I know the number isn’t even real. 

We live in different parts of the world doing different things. It's so hard to see how something like that could ever work. I don’t think it’s smart to allow myself to imagine it. 

If I called him and the number wasn’t real, it would super suck. But if I called and he answered, that makes me a clinger that can't go two seconds without finding out what he’s up to. So, I’ll do the rational thing and wait. Even if it kills me. 

Miss Williams? A man in an all-black suit calls my name, and I look behind me to see if he’s talking to someone else. Williams is a common name, but then I hear him say Pumpkin and realize he’s for sure talking to me. 

That’s me, but I didn't call for a ride. I feel like an asshole because I just assumed he’s a driver. "I'm sorry, I don’t know why I said that. Is there

Reviews for Fall Into Love

[AnIncrediblyGinormousBookaholic · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I just loved many of the stories that were included in this bundle. I know some people love autumn.