AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The request suddenly sits heavy in my mind. Like, if I figure out the right thing, I’ll win a magnificent prize. But, if I get it wrong, I’ll lose out on the chance of a lifetime.
When she glances over at me and chuckles, I’m pretty sure it’s because the worry sits clear on my face. “Calm down, Ben! First off, you don’t have to do it right now. Just whenever you feel inspired. And I’m not gonna judge you. I want a Ben Gerhard original.”
Before I formulate a response, she’s out of that car, sprinting through the rain. I pop my door open and follow after her to a small storefront while trying to think of what in the world I should draw for this girl.
Walking inside, I’m surrounded by the scent of warm, fresh bread. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea. I miss carbs, but my strict diet doesn’t allow me to indulge often.
“Mmhmm. This is what I want heaven to smell like.” Holly’s voice is dreamy.
When I glance her way, I find her eyes are closed, and she’s standing still in the middle of the shop. Some patrons are moving toward the exit, and she’s right in their path. I put my hands on her shoulders and gently guide her to the side. She starts at my touch, but when she realizes the cause for her redirection, I’m rewarded with a grin.
“Sorry. Just got lost in the moment there.”
“No problem.”
Being in this shop seems to have relieved the last of Holly’s jitteriness from earlier. She grabs my hand and pulls me to the counter. After placing her order for an almond croissant and a medium jasmine green tea with a dab of honey, she reaches for her wallet.
“Slow down there.” I stop her searching hand before she can pull out money. “I asked where you wanted to go because I wanted to treat you.”
“I can pay for my own food, Ben.”
She’s ready to argue. But so am I.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that Holly Foster can and does pay for all of her own food. But you did me a huge favor today. So, now, I’m treating you.”
“What are you talking about? You’re the one who did me a favor by coming to pick me up.”
“Well, you wouldn’t have needed picking up if you weren’t donating your kidney to me.”
The barista watches our exchange like a spectator at a tennis match, head bouncing back and forth.
Holly stands with one fist on her hip, glaring at me, while I grin back. We’re still holding hands, which I have no intention of pointing out to her.
“But the kidney exchange is happening because your cousin is donating to my brother.”
“Aha! Exactly. That’s two whole different people. They don’t come into play.”
“Of course they come into play!”
She is so fucking adorable; I want to drag her into my chest and kiss her angry mouth. Instead, I give her my snarkiest smirk and shake my head.
“Nope. This is between you and me.”
She huffs out a dramatic sigh. “My croissant.”
I raise an eyebrow.
She gestures to the cash register. “You can buy my croissant. I’m paying for my tea.”
I make like I’m thinking over her proposal before nodding. “We’ve reached an accord.”
She rolls her eyes and tosses a few singles on the counter. But I’m not fooled; I can see the little curve at the corner of her mouth.
After squeezing her hand, I let go to pull out my own wallet.
“How many ounces are in your small cups?” I try to approach my order as directly as Holly did hers, but apparently, my question confuses the young guy behind the counter. Or maybe he’s still rattled from our verbal sparring session.
“Oh, um, I’m not sure. I’ll go ask—”
