Crazy in love. That’s what you are—no, that’s what both of you are. Alex Volkov, the man you’ve known for what feels like forever but only truly fell for after a rain-soaked night that changed everything. Over the years, you’ve weathered storms, faced demons—both literal and metaphorical—but love has always been the tether that pulled you back from the brink, time and time again.

Convincing Alex to go apple picking was a feat in itself, though you did cheat the system a little. He’s much more agreeable after sex, after all. But you had a sneaking suspicion that his disdain for the countryside and fall activities was more for show than substance.

After hours of wandering the orchard, filling baskets with crisp apples under a canopy of golden leaves, Alex decided it was time to switch things up. His playful side emerged, though his tone was anything but light when he used your full name instead of the affectionate “Sunshine” he usually reserved for you. Uh oh.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice when you asked me to go apple picking.” His fingers grazed the small of your back, the touch deceptively gentle, sending a shiver down your spine. “Very manipulative of you, Sunshine,” he murmured, a cool edge to his voice as he flashed a quick, knowing wink.

“But you had fun,” you managed to squeak out, your pulse hammering as his arms wrapped around you, the heat of his body searing through your clothes. The look in his eyes was pure mischief, as clear and undeniable as sunlight breaking through a clouded sky.

“Not as much fun as I’m about to have,” he whispered, his breath ghosting over your ear. His lips barely brushed your skin as he continued, “I’ll give you a ten-second head start. Run.”

There was no need to ask what would happen if he caught you—he always caught you. Without a second thought, you tore out of his arms, adrenaline surging as you bolted down the orchard path, the sound of leaves crunching beneath your feet mingling with the thrill of the chase.