“I like it when you touch me.”
“Is it a good idea to say things like that?”
Piper rolled her eyes. “This is where you stop worrying and tell me if you like it too.”
“You know the answer to that question. I’ve already said it.”
“Maybe I want to hear you say it again.”
She would be the death of me. “I like touching you too.”
The corner of her mouth tilted upward as she stared at me. The tips of her fingers traced the lines of my palm and we stood in silence for far too long.
“Piper,” I murmured. “The farmers market will close soon.”
“Oh. Right.” She nodded. “That’s why we’re here.”
Finally, she let go of me and looked at the tables lining the square. “It’s not too bad from down here.”
“It’s not. And Freya has no customers. What do you say we get something from her bakery to start?”
“I love that idea,” she said with a bright smile in my direction. “You lead the way.”
Halfway across the street, I realized that people were going to see this. People were going totalkabout this. I hadn’t even considered that when I invited her out. Just like when I went to Mike, all I cared about was her happiness.
Piper had her purse with her, her grip tight on the strap, but she looked at the entire market with wide, bright eyes.
Maybe I’d regret this later, but for now, I didn’t care if people talked. I didn’t care if they saw that I cared about someone.
I just wanted her to experience the damn farmers market.
Freya was managing her stall and perked up when she saw us coming. She made a wide variety of baked goods with her sister. I got along well with her, even after she had asked me out and I turned her down, saying I didn’t date anyone. She’d respected that, and things had been polite ever since.
This was how thingsshouldgo.
If only my heart could get the memo with Piper, who was sticking close to me.
“Hi,” I said as I walked up.
“I haven’t seen you in forever,” Freya said. “You must’ve been busy.”
“I have been. My barista kicked me out today, and I decided to bring my friend, Piper.”
Freya’s attention turned to her, who offered a shy smile.
“Hi! It’s nice to meet you. I don’t think Theo has ever brought a friend before.”
“Friend might be the wrong word,” Piper said. “He’s more like a ... guide. One I need while I get used to the town.”
“That’s very nice of him. Do you live here?”
“I do. Right above his coffee shop.”
“Oh, I bet that’s the best apartment. I saw it online when Wren renovated it, and it looked great on the inside. Do you like it here? This is the best small town to live in.”
“I do, but I haven’t seen you around.”
“I live an hour north in Rainwood. It’s a little rundown, but it’s home.”
