Chapter 8

“Have you already checked out the market?” I ask.

“No. I bought the chocolate from a nice lady by the entrance to the park, but I walked right here.”

“You should. There’s lots of cool stuff.”

“I…yeah. I guess you’re stuck here for the rest of the day?”

“At least until I’ve sold everything.”

“If…if you run out of stuff before closing time, would you like to walk with me and show me your favorites?” He refuses to look at me but takes a small step closer.

My heart somersaults in my chest. “I’d love that.”

“Mmm.” His mittened hand brushes against my bare one, and on an impulse, I tug off the mitten and lace our fingers together. I glance at him from the corner of my eye to make sure it’s all right. His cheeks are bright red, and he smiles from ear to ear.

That’s a “yes,” then.