I tip my head back, examining my work.“Very heroic.”
He grins, hands me a lot of cash for donations, and before walking away, murmurs, “Thanks, Trouble.”
My body tingles, and I have to bite back a smile as I watch him go.
I move on to painting Felix’s face.“Are you behaving here?”
“Yes.”
“What about your brothers and sisters?”
“Yes.”
“Are you just saying yes?”
He giggles.“Yes.”
I shake my head with a smile.The thing that surprises me more is how comfortable he was with Adrian.I know Adrian would have some experience with kids, but I didn’t expect him to be so at ease with Felix.But he was.And that?That makes me… happy.
By four o’clock, the day is winding down.The auction baskets are sold, and the mayor stands up to talk.Thanking Adrian and me for the successful fundraiser.
I listen to the applause, wanting to hold on to this moment forever.
Adrian comes to stand beside me, our elbows brushing, his warmth close but untouchable.My fingers twitch with the urge to reach for him, but I know better.So, I keep my hands to myself.
After the speech, everyone starts packing up.The rental company is coming for the tables and chairs, but the smaller things need to be put away.Luckily, most of the items were bought and taken home, which makes cleanup easier.I’m so thankful for a town that not only shows up to help with these events but also participates in supporting our own.
As we walk around picking up trash, I shake my head at him.“I can’t believe you let me paint Spiderman on you or that you wore it all day.”
“Hey, today was supposed to be about fun.”He slips his arm around me briefly before letting go.
“It was, wasn’t it?It turned out really well.”
“You’re just jealous because you didn’t get something painted on your face.”
I giggle.“Totally.That’s it.”
“I could fix that for you.”
I narrow my eyes.“Not a chance.It’d be a disaster.”
“Nah, I think I’d do alright.”He winks.“I do have steady surgeon hands, after all.”
I shove him lightly.“You just want to make a mess on my face.”
He gives me a devilish grin.“I’d only mess you up a little.”
I laugh, but the swell in my chest is unmistakable.
We both reach for the same piece of trash at the same time.Our hands touch.Neither of us moves for a second.My heart stutters as our eyes meet.I pull back first, but Adrian picks up the piece of trash, his fingers trailing mine just slightly before he lets go.I swallow hard.
“You hungry?”he asks casually.“The food truck’s still there if you want some.”
“You know what?I might take you up on that.As soon as I get home, I’m gonna crash.”
“Same.As great as today was, it’s wiped me out.”
We sit down, too tired to talk much.“I don’t even want to check the final fundraising numbers.I’m scared we’ll come up short.But if we don’t raise enough for the CT scanner, I’m thinking I’ll find a donor to raise more money.”
