Page 36 of Just One Chance

We met at the hood, and I wrapped a hand around his elbow again, letting him lead me around the quaint town. We paused at the square, admiring the huge, decorated tree and Santa's workshop.

"You want to grab a hot chocolate?" He pointed at a food truck with the sign Hattie's Hot Cocoa. "That's Rowan's fiancée's business."

"I'd love some. I think I've seen her sign in the inn."

"Yeah, we serve her hot cocoa there now. It's good." He lowered his voice. "Better than what's served at the coffee shop. Just don't tell Meg if you see her."

I smiled. "I'll be sure to keep it a secret."

The window opened, and a girl with long, straight brown hair leaned out the window. "Boone, what are you doing out? I never see you in town."

He gestured at me. "I'm showing Kennedy around. Have you met our designer yet?"

I was pleased he'd referred to me in a positive manner.

Hattie's gaze shifted to me, and she smiled. "I haven't met Kennedy yet, but I've heard things."

"All good, I hope."

She chuckled. "You're shaking things up around here, which is always nice. It's great to meet you, Kennedy. I hope you're enjoying your stay."

I smiled. "Oh, yes. Colorado is very different from Miami."

"You mean it's cold?" Hattie teased.

"There's so much open space, and the view of the mountains is something I don't think I'll ever get used to," I admitted.

Boone looked at me as if he was surprised by my answer. "Can I get two hot chocolates?" he asked Hattie.

"Coming right up." Hattie moved away from the window.

"I didn't realize that you liked Colorado so much," Boone said to me.

"I don't think we've talked about it that much. Other than to point out that I'm from Miami and it's so different from here." As if that was all that mattered when it came to his assessment of me. I was a city girl and couldn't possibly enjoy all Colorado had to offer.

"Huh," he murmured.

Hattie set two to-go cups on the counter, and Boone handed her cash.

Hattie placed the money in her till. "What are your plans for the night? We've been enjoying the skating rink. It's one of the newer additions to Christmas Town."

"We haven't decided yet. Is ice skating the draw now?" Boone gestured at the rink.

"Now that Christmas is over, the crowds seem to have migrated there. Santa still makes an occasional appearance at the square, but the light trail is closed for the season."

"I'm sorry I missed the main holiday season. I bet it's magical here that time of the year." I sipped my hot cocoa.

Hattie's eyes flashed with joy. "I hope you're able to visit then. It is really the best time of year."

Another customer appeared behind us.

"It was nice to meet you, Kennedy. Enjoy your night," Hattie said.

We moved closer to the rink. There were couples holding hands and little kids pushing skate trainers to help with their balance.

"You want to try it?" Boone asked me.

"I thought we were supposed to see the town itself." I was here for research after all. If we went ice skating, that would take the entire evening.