“It’s pretty, isn’t it?”I ask.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but wow, this surpasses anything I could’ve imagined,” Adrian agrees as I take another step forward, and suddenly, my foot slips.
I flail my arms, but before I can even think about falling, Adrian grabs my wrist and pulls me against him.
“Gotcha.”
My breath catches, and my hands press against his hard chest, his sweater soft beneath my fingers.He smells like a dessert… dangerous in its own way.
I swallow hard and step back.“Thanks,” I mumble, my fingers twisting the camera strap.
His hand falls away, and I shiver, but not from the cold.
I shouldn’t be thinking about this.But he’s strong and handsome, and it’s been a long time since I’ve even thought about a guy.Life has been in the way; my job has been my focus.And romance?Not even on the radar.
Not that it should be now.
Definitely not with him.
I clear my throat, steering myself back to why I’m here.“Let’s just sit down.”
We take a seat on one of the wooden benches, and I pull out my notepad and pen.
“Of course, that’s been in your pocket the whole time.”
My cheeks heat.“Adrian.”
A trace of a smile crosses his face.“Mm-hmm?”
“Do you like your job?”
His expression shifts as he thinks about it.“Most days.”
I smile, but it fades as I think about my own answer.My honesty might earn his trust, so I decide to admit my true feelings.“I love my job.”I pause, my fingers tightening around my pen.
He waits as I take a breath, watching me with a patient look.
“I wish I could be reporting on more,” I say.“Fashion.Lifestyle.High-end subjects.I love my community, but it’s just…” I shake my head.“A little boring.”
He tilts his head to the side.“Is it just this town, or?”
“It’s the town,” I say.“I’ve thought about moving to New York with my sister, Aurora, but my family needs me.”I’m disappointed to give up that dream, but it’s not what matters most.
Adrian watches me closely, no judgment in his face, just genuine curiosity.His soft gaze makes it so easy to continue opening up.
“I couldn’t leave my mom now since she’s unstable.And my siblings… they’re too young to deal with that.”I lift my chin, forcing a smile.“Anyway, I’m supposed to be asking you the questions.”
He smirks.“You won’t get much out of me yet.We’ve got a fundraiser to organize first.After that, I’ll give you all the answers and the photo you want.”
“Alright.”I open my notebook, and he watches me, amused.
“So,” I say, flipping to a new page, “I’ve already spoken to Ezra, Milton, and the mayor and received approval.I said we want to host it in the town square in a months’ time.How does that sound?”
“Sounds good to me.”
“I think a themed event would work best.”
“Christmas, then?”
