Page 46 of That Rush

The man from the honey stand steps away from his booth as I pass. He has found four reasons to visit the library table today, none of which required a library card.

“Successful event?” he asks.

“Very. We signed up thirty-two kids.”

“Thirty-three if adults can join.”

“Are you trying to earn a sticker?”

“Depends on who gives it to me.”

I laugh. “I think we have dinosaurs and glittery stars.”

“I was hoping for your number.”

A warm palm settles against the small of my back—steady, deliberate. I don’t have to look. The touch could only belong to him.

“We’re packing up,” he says.

The man’s attention flicks toward him. “Need help?”

“We’ve got it.”

Aiden’s voice remains pleasant. His hand does not move.

The man glances between us, his smile shifting into understanding. “Guess I’ll see you around, Paige.”

“I’m at the library five days a week.”

Aiden waits until the man returns to his booth. “Subtle.”

“That was a factual statement.”

“So is the fact that he wants to take you out.”

I turn my head. “Did you put your hand on me because he was flirting?”

His fingers flex against my back, a small movement, as if he’s just now realizing they’re still there. “Looks that way.”

“You answered for me.”

“I answered his question about helping.”

“You also used ‘we.’”

“We are packing up.”

“Still factual?”

“Completely.”

I stop beside the van and face him. His hand falls away, although my back still tingles beneath my shirt.

“I didn’t need rescuing.”

“I know.”

“You didn’t think I wanted to give him my number?”