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“There’s a nice, quiet corner.” Andre gestured toward the back.

I nodded and followed him to the table, appreciating how the location offered both privacy and a view of the relaxed setting.

Clara’s daughter Jenny was working and came over to take our order. “No coffee?” she asked when we both ordered hot chocolate.

“Some of us actually want to sleep tonight,” Andre replied.

“Fair enough. Although as much work as you both did with those tents, I suspect coffee wouldn’t keep you up.” She keyed our order into the tablet she held. “And for treats?”

“Two maple tarts,” I said. “Perfect accompaniment to the cocoa.”

“That sounds delicious,” Andre added. “Same for me.”

“Great choice. One of my favorite combos.” Jenny headed off to get our order, and silence fell between us.

I took a deep breath, sorting out what to say.

“About earlier…” I started.

“The kisses?” Andre’s voice was soft.

“Yeah. I wanted to apologize. I shouldn’t have⁠—”

“Don’t.” Andre reached across the table and took my hand in his. “I liked it. A lot. Actually…” He ducked his head slightly. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for a couple of days now.”

My heart soared. “Really?”

“Really.” He looked back at me, his hands enveloping mine. “Though I’ll admit, getting caught by half the town wasn’t how I planned our first kiss to go.”

I chuckled. “Yeah. Not my favorite moment. Based on the looks we’re getting, I suspect everyone knows by now.”

“Oh, I think everyone knew before Milo labeled the first tent pole.” Andre’s thumb traced circles on the back of my hand, sending shivers up my arm. “Speaking of Milo, I’ve wanted to ask. Does he live in town? I don’t think I’ve seen him.”

“No, he’s from Montpelier. He came to camp because he found out Dix was coaching. Tommy’s family is hosting him during the session.”

“Milo and Tommy seem to have become fast friends. I didn’t know Tommy signed.”

“He’s been learning.”

“That’s cool. They certainly worked well together.”

“They do on the ice too.” I smiled, thinking about the on-ice chemistry they’d built in just a few days.

Jenny arrived with our hot chocolates and tarts. The aromas of chocolate, maple, and pastry made my mouth water.

“Mmmm. So good.” Andre dug right in and ended up with a small bit of custard on his lower lip. It took all my resolve to not lean across the table and kiss it away. “I’m thinking that couple energy is building between us. Is it too soon to say that?” Andre covered his mouth as his eyes went wide.

“So much has changed since I’ve been back.” A small chuckle escaped me. “I dreaded having to work with you, and now… well, I enjoy not only doing the festival stuff but also just hanging with you.”

His smile was gentle and intimate, something he shared with me more and more. This time it gave me goose bumps.

“God, and then you give me that smile and I swear I could melt.”

His glance flicked down to the table, to the wall, and back to me. All the while, he scrubbed a hand over his head.

“So.” Andre’s expression turned serious and I braced for something bad. “I’d like to go on a proper date with you. Do something that’s not festival planning or tent disasters.”

My heart rate picked up. “I’d like that too. Actually…” I gathered my courage. “Would you like to come over for dinner? Either tomorrow to celebrate the evening before the festival begins or the next night to celebrate the first day?”