“My neighbor works with the local Big Brothers Big Sisters charity, and they need some help recruiting people. They’re doing giveaways on social media and planning a fundraiser. She’s been busy trying to figure out a way to get adults interested in taking part again.”
“That’s an important program.” I nod with acknowledgment. Anyone who volunteers their time like that will always get my respect. I make a mental note to look into volunteering myself when, and if, I get back to River City.
Santa Sam is back, sliding our goods across the counter. Riley hands me my drink, taking hers and our bag of pastries, and I follow her over to the fountain.
“Here.” She parks on its edge, patting the spot next to her.
Planting myself beside her, I cast a glance at the tranquil fountain, its waters still as it’s yet to be turned on for the day. Atthe bottom of its pool lies what could be hundreds of dollars in change.
I nod toward the fountain. “Do people come here and make wishes?”
Riley nods. “It’s a thing, you know. If you’re in town, you bring some coins and toss ‘em in and make a wish.” She reaches into her bag, pulling out her wallet. Unzipping its pouch, she grabs out a penny for each of us.
“Here.” She hands me one as she closes her eyes and tosses hers in. Snapping her eyes open, she looks at me, then to the penny in my hand. “Your turn. Make a wish.”
“Can you tell me what you wished for?” When I see the look in her eyes, I hold my hands up in mock surrender. “I need ideas.”
“Get your own wish.” She laughs.
Closing my eyes, I think hard for a second. What do I want to wish for? World peace is too broad and feels like a huge ask, but it’s up there along with finding a home team again, or rather, having my old one accept me back. But then there’s also the wish I have to be more settled. The recent urge I’ve had to feel grounded. Invested. Committed.
“Come on,” Riley whispers, nudging my knee. “Your coffee is gonna get cold.”
I let go of the penny, tossing it in the air as I say a silent prayer and let my wish go with it.
When I open my eyes, I find Riley staring at me intensely.
“So, wanna tell me what it was?”
“Get your own wish,” I retort, making the gleam in her eyes burn brighter.
“Good answer,” she says as she hands me one of the croissants from the little brown bakery bag she’s clutching. “Nothing like starting the morning like a sugar champion.”
“Pretty sure this is not on my in-season diet.” I take the croissant she’s handed to me and smell it. “Seriously. Cinnamon and chocolate? That’s the best flavor combo ever.”
“Right? I love the combo.” She takes a bite, and my eyes make their way to her lips where a tiny flake of pastry has parked itself on the outer corner.
I point to my face, mimicking the spot where her piece of pastry lies. “You’ve got something.”
“I do?” Her hand flies to her mouth as she wipes everywhere except the spot where the pastry sits. “Did I get it?”
“Not quite.” Shaking my head, and smiling because I can't help it, I point to my face and try again. “Here.”
She lifts her hand and again wipes all around her cheeks, chin, and lips, but somehow the world’s most bonded piece of croissant flake holds its location. “I got it that time, surely.”
I know she’s looking at me, but I’m busy looking at the spot on her lips that’s in question. Full, pink lips that are perfect, like a Cupid’s bow. Smooth, beautiful lips that I’m now fighting the urge to lean over and kiss.
As soon as the thought hits me, a cold blast of ice hits my system.This is Travis’s little sister,my head screams.But she’s also a gorgeous woman, my heart yells back.
Calming myself, and both the angel and the devil sitting on my shoulder right now telling me to do all the things, I hold my hand up, close to her face.
“May I?”
Sparkling sea-green eyes hold mine, crinkling at the corners as she smiles. “Please.”
I lift my hand closer, reaching out with my thumb to brush it away. It falls off almost immediately, floating away and down to the ground. But I take my time and lightly rub my thumb across her lip as I scoot in closer to her. A heady scent of gardenia hits my senses. Is it wrong that I want this one moment to last for avery long time? And I’ll eke it out more than I have to if I can. Trust me.
The sound of water splashing and tumbling around us fills the air as the fountain comes to life for the day. A splash of cold water sprays across the side of my face, making my jaw go slack. Startled, Riley jumps to her feet, throwing her head back and laughing when she realizes what’s happening.
