Reed: It’s not real between us
Reed: There are no feelings attached
Nathan: Bro
Nathan: Don’t fool yourself
18
rose
I meetReed at the craft fair and artisan market Sunday morning. Bottle rockets ping around in my ribcage the moment I spot his head of messy dark hair over the crowd. The fireworks crank even higher when I wave, and he gives me a soft little smile in return.
“We’re getting closer,” I announce when I reach him.
His gaze drifts down my yellow sleeveless blouse and tie-front Army green shorts before bouncing back up to my eyes. His throat bobs, his chocolate brown eyes warm. He seems almost shy today, which doesn’t fit Reed at all.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you in shorts before,” I say. He still makes the shorts and tee combo look surprisingly rugged. Maybe that’s the beard effect. Or those crazy broad shoulders. Or possibly the peek of muscular thighs.
Definitely the thighs.
“I’m sorry,” he says after a minute. “We’re getting closer to what?”
“Oh.” I lift a finger but restrain myself from touching his mouth. “To seeing your full smile.”
“Is that your goal?”
“Definitely.”
“You could have just asked.”
“That’s not how smile-watching works.”
Now, his mouth twists like he’s tryingnotto smile. Even though he just offered to give me one for free, like a gentleman. Or a dealer ready to get me hooked.
I hold out a hand to him, and he takes it without question. His big palm sliding against mine rivals the heat of the summer sun beating down on us. Lacing my fingers through his, I lead us into the market. It’s set up in the same park where the concerts are held each week, dozens of booths and awnings spread out in lines on the grass. Unlike our regular farmers’ market, this one is dedicated to crafters and artisans. Crowds linger around each station, but even from here, I catch glimpses of custom-made wind chimes, fancy cutting boards, and a sign offering specialty goat’s milk cheeses.
He shifts closer to speak in my ear. “What did you want to practice while we’re here?”
I mirror the action, leaning on him to reach. “PDA.”
He draws back just enough to look me in the eyes. His hand briefly squeezes mine tighter, and one of his eyelids twitches. “Elaborate.”
I drop onto my heels, patting his arm. Tugging us along to the next booth, I explain my plan. Whim. Whim-plan.
“If we’re going to be convincing for your family at dinner tonight, we need to spend more time together. Like this.” I hold up our joined hands.
“We couldn’t have done this in private?”
“We could have.” I slow in front of a booth draped in shirts with geese in various costumes printed on them, trying not to let my imagination run wild. “But it’s calledpublicdisplays of affection.”
“So, you…” His gaze dips to my mouth. “Want to practice?”
“Yes.” I sound remarkably calm for someone with nerves bubbling through her system. “We should probably also cover more basics about ourselves, since I messed up with Nathan.”
“Don’t worry about him.”
“Did you smooth it over?”
