Page 53 of One Pucking Surprise
With a little wave, the boy dashes off toward the ice, his oversized stick dragging behind him. As soon as he’s out of earshot, Lainey turns to me, her eyes dancing with mischief. “You broke his little heart.”
I shrug, leaning back in my chair. “Had to. Can’t have him thinking he’s got a chance.”
Her jaw drops in mock outrage. “Oh my gosh, Zach. Are you jealous of a little boy?”
I grin. “Maybe. But he was coming in strong.”
She shakes her head, laughing softly. I continue to stare at her, unable to fight the smile tugging at my lips. Whatever this is between us, it’s becoming impossible to ignore. And the more time I spend with her, the less I want to fight it.
Chapter 17
Lainey
“Pullitbackfurther,Jasper!” Zach’s voice carries over the buzz of the carnival.
It’s a warm Saturday afternoon, and the community fair is in full swing, bustling with families, music, and the scent of fried everything. Jasper stands at the slingshot booth, tongue sticking out in fierce concentration as he pulls the rubber band back as far as his little arms will allow. Zach hovers beside him, his hands gesturing wildly.
“No, no, angle it higher! You’re gonna want to arc it,” Zach says, his enthusiasm contagious.
“I’m trying!” Jasper huffs, his small face set with determination. He adjusts, peeking back at me for reassurance.
“You’ve got this, buddy,” I say, stepping closer and crouching beside him. “Ignore Zach. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
“Excuse me?” Zach’s mock-offended tone makes Jasper giggle.
“Just aim for the middle can, Jasper,” I continue, ignoring Zach. “Focus and let go.”
Jasper lets the rubber band snap, and the pebble arcs perfectly, colliding with the pyramid of cans and sending them clattering to the ground.
“Yes!” Jasper’s triumphant shout is echoed by the booth operator’s bell, signaling his victory.
“I did it!” Jasper spins around, his face lit up with pure joy. “Thank you, Auntie Lainey! And you too, Uncle Zach!”
Zach ruffles Jasper’s hair, beaming. “Told you you’d get it. Guess you just needed some expert coaching.”
“Oh, please,” I retort, crossing my arms. “If anything, you were in his way. That win was all Jasper—and maybe a little bit me.”
Jasper tugs at my hand. “Can I pick my prize now?”
“Go for it!” I gesture toward the wall of oversized plushies, fake goldfish in plastic bags, and spinning light-up toys.
Jasper’s eyes widen as he scans the prizes. “The panda!” he declares, pointing at an enormous black-and-white bear almost as tall as he is.
The booth operator hands over the panda, and Jasper hugs it tightly before looking upat us. “This is the best day ever. Thanks for helping me!”
“You’re welcome, Jasp.” I smile, my heart swelling at his happiness.
“Best day ever, huh?” Zach says, leaning on the counter. “I think I could top it. You ready to dominate the ring toss next?”
“Yes!” Jasper bounces on his toes, dragging the panda along as we head toward the next booth.
The ring toss is a little more crowded, but Jasper squeezes in between Zach and me, holding the colorful plastic rings like they’re Olympic gold medals.
“Okay, you’ve got to listen to me this time,” I tell Jasper, crouching to his level. “Aim for the closest bottle and don’t throw too hard. Let it glide.”
Zach snorts. “Terrible advice. You’ve got to aim further out and throw with confidence.”
“Confidence doesn’t matter if you don’t have accuracy,” I snap back, glaring at him.
