Adrian only raises an eyebrow.“That would be spoiling it, wouldn’t it?”
“I don’t know.Would it?”I smirk.
He doesn’t answer, just watches me as I put it in a box before I start wrapping, my hands suddenly not as steady as they should be.The thought sneaks in before I can stop it… What if it’s for me?But no, that’s stupid.It’s probably for Keith.It makes sense.It’s the perfect kind of gift for him, something for his office.
Still, my fingers tremble slightly as I fold the wrapping paper around it.I know Adrian notices.He leans in just a little, his presence hot, his eyes tracking my movements.
“You’re making me nervous,” I say, forcing a playful tone.
That earns a soft chuckle.“You’d make a terrible surgeon.”
“Yeah, well, surgeons have eyes on them all the time.Not really my thing.”I finish the last fold, secure the tape, and tie a small ribbon around it before sliding it back to him.“There.Wrapped with care.Don’t forget that donations are accepted.”
“Appreciate it.”He hands over some cash before picking up the gift, and tucking a lock of hair behind my ear, just a small touch, he walks off into the crowd.
I shiver as I watch him go, swallowing against the strange lump in my throat.Shaking it off, I focus on my booth for a few more hours before my stomach starts making its own demands.
By lunchtime, I’m starving, so I step away to find food.Passing the choir that is singing Christmas carols in the main square.
I wander toward one of the food stands, scanning the options, when I catch sight of Adrian again.This time, he’s behind the counter, wearing an apron, his dark hair slightly tousled, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
I grin.“Now it’s my turn to put you to work.”
He glances up, grinning.“Yeah, looks like it.”
I step closer, pretending to consider my choices while my eyes flick over the menu.“Hmm.”Plucking a candy cane from a small display, I unwrap it slowly.My hands shake as I bring it to my lips, suddenly aware that Adrian’s watching.I take a small taste, the peppermint strong on my tongue, and when I glance up and catch his eyes tracking the movement, heat fills my cheeks.
His Adam’s apple bobs.
Feeling flustered by the intensity of his gaze, I pull the candy away quickly.“This is a good candy cane.”I try to sound casual, but my voice comes out a little breathless.
“Didn’t realize there were bad ones,” he says, still focused on my mouth.
I twirl the stripped candy between my fingers.“There are.”
He shakes his head like he’s trying to clear it.I don’t know what I’m doing or how far I should push this, but something in his expression makes my stomach fill with butterflies.
Eventually, I settle on tacos.After I pay for my meal, Adrian hands me a steaming hot plate with the scents of seasoned meat and fresh cilantro filling the air around me.“See you around, Chef Adrian.”
His lips twitch.“Enjoy your meal, Trouble.”
The nickname sends warmth through my chest.There’s something about the way he says it, like it’s meant just for me.
I walk off, finding my sister, Hazel, sitting at one of the wooden picnic tables, already halfway through her lunch.I slide into the seat across from her, picking up a taco and taking a careful bite.It’s delicious, so warm, flavorful, and comforting, I finish it in only a few bites.
“You guys really pulled this off,” Hazel says, looking around.
I nod, taking it all in.“It’s kind of surreal,” I admit.“I think a lot of out-of-towners came, too.Which is great for the hospital fundraiser.”
Hazel hums in agreement.“Genevieve’s food is next level.”
I nod.“She’s amazing.I know she has chefs, but when she makes something herself?It’s magic.”
I grin but check the time, sighing.“I gotta go.Face painting duty.”
“Lucky you.”
“Yeah, lucky me,” I deadpan.“Hopefully, they don’t ask for anything too hard.My skills are… limited.”
