Page 52 of Abdominal Snowman

Without warning, he stole the cup from her and tipped it to his lips. Sage squeaked in warning and watched closely as he—

Widened his eyes and pulled the cup back just before he leaned over and spit the hot chocolate into the snow.

“Soren! What’s wrong! Are you okay?” she asked quietly, hissing questions at him so as not to draw attention to them.

He huffed and wiped his wrist over his mouth. “It was really, really hot. It burned.”

Sage lifted a hand to her lips and held in her laughter.

“I couldn’t even taste anything, and I’m pwetty sure it scorched my tongue,” he complained, sticking the tip of his tongue out as he talked.

Sage couldn’t hold it in any longer and released a loud laugh as Soren teased her. They left the crime scene in giggles and raced to the opposite side of the market to shop more.

And despite what Soren said, he drank every bit of that hot chocolate as they picked out random things.

A knitted blanket, a scarf, bacon—just like Soren wanted—and more little knickknacks.

Basically, anything she glanced at, Soren tried to purchase. Shaking her head, she stuffed her wallet away once more with a huff. Every time she even moved her hand in the direction of her jacket, Soren shot her a glare that plainly said: don’t you dare.

It made her a little uncomfy, but Gabi was always telling her to get that bag. Whatever that meant.

At least she’d gotten to buy the hot chocolate, though Sage better not tell Soren, or he might try to reimburse her.

She chuckled at the thought and slowed her walk as a table full of books caught her eye.

Not that she planned to do a lot of reading, but there was just something about the setup of it all that made her want to browse.

Soren slowed behind her and stroked his thumb over the back of her hand. It sent butterflies soaring in her stomach.

“Ah, Soren,” a feminine voice spoke. Sage lifted her head to find a woman with dark hair making her way to Soren. “It’s about time I got ahold of you. Do you have any more figurines available? I’m out of stock.”

His eyebrows rose. “Really? Already?”

The woman huffed and crossed her arms. “I wouldn’t say already when it’s been a month, but I’ve been trying to chase you down for three weeks of it!”

He winced, and Sage turned her full attention onto the pair, amused at yet another woman giving Soren a hard time.

For an abominable snowman who claimed solitude was his preferred lifestyle, he sure was popular.

“And when are you going to introduce me to your lovely friend?” she asked, turning on Sage.

It startled her, and she smiled, caught off guard.

“This is Sage,” Soren mumbled. “I’ll bring you some more figurines in a few days.”

“What figurines?” Sage asked, curious.

The woman sent a meaningful glance to Soren. “Really?”

Sage felt like she was on the outside of an inside joke, and she sent a questioning glance to Soren. He winced as he met her gaze. “I’ll show you later, promise. It’s something I do on the side.”

“Don’t let him scare you, it’s just something he’s embarrassed about when he shouldn’t be. I mean, what’s a bachelor like yourself supposed to do all year?” The woman waved her hand dismissively.

Sage’s curiosity piqued, she stared at Soren as he threw his arms in the air. “Oh, come on! Now you’re making it sound even weirder.” Soren rolled his eyes at the women, heaving a big sigh. “Jane, I’ll bring you some tomorrow. I have a bunch waiting anyway.”

“Thanks, doll.” The woman threw a saucy wink at Sage before turning to the next customer.

Curiosity roiled through Sage as they made their way out of the metal building, making a brief stop at the Jeep before meandering their way through town.