“Blaire will destroy him.”
“Probably. But I have a feeling Patterson isn’t quite her type,” I say, studying her.
“You’re right. Blaire goes for the artsy, intelligent, nerdy boys. Patterson’s about as subtle as a freight train. Should we go rescue her?” she asks.
“Let him figure it out. Besides, it’s your day off. When’s the last time you took one?”
She thinks about it. “Yesterday.”
“Exactly. Before that, you have no idea.” I pull her closer. “Spend the day with me.”
“You say it like I need convincing.”
“Do you?”
She shakes her head, then pushes up on her toes, kissing me. “You’re sweeter than you let people see.”
“Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation.”
“Your secret’s safe with me.”
“What do people do here when they’re not working?” I ask.
Her eyes light up. “The farmers market is today. It’s the last big one before October.”
“Perfect. Let’s go.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Lead the way. I want to go everywhere with you.”
She blushes, and I love that I can make that happen.
“Let me grab my bags,” she says, sliding a few recycled totes over her arm, then we leave.
We walk hand in hand through town toward the square where white tents are set up in rows. The morning air is cool, and I can smell fresh bread, apples, and a hint of cinnamon.
“This is one of my favorite things about fall,” Julie says, swinging our joined hands. “Local vendors, fresh produce, Melanie’s apple cider doughnuts …”
“Apple cider doughnuts?”
“Life-changing.” She pulls me toward a tent where an older woman is frying doughnuts. They smell incredible.
“Julie! And the famous Nick Banks!” Melanie beams at us. “I heard all about you.”
“Of course you did.” Julie laughs. “A dozen, please.”
“A dozen?” I ask.
“Trust me. We’ll want them later,” she whispers and tries to pay, but I insist.
“Absolutely not,” I tell her, handing my card to Melanie before tipping her big.
“Uh,” she says, looking down at it, “I think you added too many zeros.”
“Oh? Let me see.” I look at the slip and see a thousand-dollar tip. “Nope, that’s right.”
As Melanie bags our doughnuts, she winks at me, adding extra ones. “Thank you so much. Now, you’d better take care of her. She’s special.”
