Page 109 of You Only Need One

There are only two more people in front of me when Ben finds his way back to my side.

“I got you a hot chocolate.” The cup he holds out steams and smells dreamy.

“You are perfection.” My mittens grip the cup tight to keep it from slipping out of their penguin-like grasp.

“Careful. It’s hot.”

“Good looking out. I don’t want to burn my tongue before eating my glorious fries.”

The teenager at the counter leaves with his food, and I move one step closer to stomach satisfaction.

“No, we wouldn’t want that. Nothing should come between Holly and her fries.”

I stick my tongue out at him, and just like earlier, he steals a kiss the moment I stop, which only makes me want to do it again.

“I guess, since we’re on an official date, I’ll share with you but only if you fully respect their deliciousness.”

“Oh, believe me, I am totally aware of their deliciousness. But those fries are all yours.”

“You don’t want any?”

Ben’s smile dims just slightly. I realize why before he tells me, and I want to slap my own face.

“Those fries are exactly the opposite of what’s allowed on the dialysis diet. There are the potatoes and the salt, not to mention that decadent cheesy dipping sauce. So, it’s a no-go for me.”

This night has been so normal and unrelated to kidneys that I forgot for a moment that he’s sick.

“We’ll just have to add these to the list of post-surgery feast items.”

“Right under a whole pile of almond croissants.”

“Oh, yes. We’ll gorge ourselves on French fries and pastries!”

“Sounds like a date.” Ben cups my chin, running a thumb over my cheek, as he smiles down at me. Playfulness sparkles in his eyes, capturing me in an almost-hypnotic state.

The guy at the counter has to clear his throat before I realize it’s my turn to order.

Once my hands are full of crab fries and hot chocolate, we navigate through the lodge to find a place to sit. Since it’s Monday night, Winterfest isn’t too crowded, and we quickly claim an available couch. After placing my drink on the low table in front of us, I make sure to sit down close enough to brush against Ben but not restrict our ability to eat.

I’m halfway through my fries when I realize Ben is watching me.

“What?” I grab a napkin and wipe my face, sure I’ve dripped cheese sauce on my chin or something.

But he just shrugs as a smile tugs the corners of his lips.

“Come on. You’re making me feel self-conscious. Why are you staring at me?”

Ben shakes his head and shrugs. “I was just thinking that I’m really weird.”

“Why’s that?”

His eyes trace over my face, focusing on my mouth. “Because watching you go to town on those fries makes me …” He trails off, reaching over to slip a finger under the elastic of my corsage. Back and forth, he brushes against my skin, playing with the ridiculous gift I refuse to take off. Finally, he finishes his thought, “I just think everything you do is sexy.”

My mouth, luckily currently free of fries, goes slack. I mean, I know he’s attracted to me, but unless a girl is in a Hardee’s commercial, there’s really not a way to go about eating fries sexy.

“You’re right.”

He glances up, raising an eyebrow in question.

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