Her lips part.
“You made all this for me?”
“Sure did.”
She shakes her head slowly, like she’s trying to process it.
“Rob Cray,” she says, voice a little breathless, a little teasing, “I think you’re trying to seduce me.”
I lean in, bracing a hand on the table, closing the distance just enough.
“Is it working?” I ask quietly.
Then I kiss her, hard and quick, right on the lips.
Because I already know the answer.
It’s written all over her face.
Chapter 13
Hadley
After dinner, we clean up together.
Well—mostly together.
I try to help, but Rob keeps gently nudging me aside, taking containers from my hands, packing everything back into the basket like he’s done this a hundred times before.
“Careful, Cookie,” he murmurs at one point when our fingers brush. “You’ll spoil me if you keep helping.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling.
Gods, I’m smiling so much tonight my cheeks actually hurt.
By the time we’re done, the festival is winding down around us.
Lights flicker off one by one, vendors calling out goodbyes, laughter fading into the night.
The air feels softer now—quieter. Like the whole town is exhaling after a long day.
Tommy texted earlier—they closed up the shop without any issues.
Jack’s doing the deposit run.
Everything’s handled.
Which means for once?
I don’t have anything pulling me in a different direction.
No responsibilities.
No stress.
Just this.
Rob takes my hand as we start walking, the picnic basket swinging easily from his other hand.
