Riley
I set up my stall with more nerves than I’d like to admit, carefully arranging each dog collar, bandana, harness, and bow tie on the table as if they’re delicate treasures. I place the custom samples next to photos of the adorable dogs they were made for—each a tiny ambassador for my brand. And, because winter is in full swing, I tuck a few doggy sweaters into a basket off to the side, priced a little lower to encourage last-minute shoppers.
All being well, I’ll hand out a few business cards and, with luck, get some hits on my new website. It’s up and running, the culmination of countless late nights, and I’m ready to see where this little business can take me. But try as I might to focus on today’s sales, all I can think about is meeting Jake at nine for hot chocolate. The thought sends a thrill through me, one I can’t contain.
“You seem distracted.”
I jump, spinning around to find Christy standing there, eyeing me with that curious tilt of her head—the look that usually gets me to spill all my secrets in about two seconds flat. But this time, I’m determined to keep my thoughts to myself.
“What’s going on? Are you okay?” She steps closer, her gloved hand resting on my arm, her brow creased with genuine concern.
“I’m fine. You just startled me,” I say, forcing a smile that feels tight under her gaze, knowing I’m lying to my best friend.
“Sorry, babe.” She glances at my stall, a hint of pride lighting her face. “This looks amazing. I’m so pleased you branched out into bow ties.”
“They’re easily my best seller this year,” I reply, a little swell of pride filling my chest.
Christy has always had a knack for spotting trends. If she doesn’t hate me forever after tonight, maybe she’ll join me in my little venture one day. But that hope hangs in a fragile balance, shadowed by the fear that she might disown me once she finds out I’m going on a date with her brother.
I check my phone for any messages from Jake, but the last one was from this morning—a simple “Good luck today” and “Looking forward to our date.” His words had me smiling all day, the anticipation building as each hour ticked by.
Christy circles my stall, picking up items and examining them with a critical eye. She picks up one of the collars made from recycled nylon, her fingers running over the neon fabric.
“These are great quality,” she says, sounding a little surprised as she inspects the collar. “And you’re doing the customization right here?”
I nod, explaining how I stamp each metal tag and rivet it on while the customer waits.
“Amazing,” she murmurs, her tone filled with approval.
And then, as if the universe is testing my composure, Jake appears beside his sister, sending my pulse racing. He’s wearing a fur-lined plaid shirt over jeans and well-worn work boots, his light brown hair swept back, and his blue eyes reflecting the golden glow of the market lights as daylight fades. My heart skips as his gaze meets mine, his deep, rich voice sending a shiver down my spine.
“Little sis.” He nods at Christy before looking at me with an intensity that has my body heating from my toes to the tips of my hair. “The stall looks amazing, .”
My cheeks heat, my throat tightening as I struggle to respond. The secret knowledge that we’re meeting for a date tonight makes every second feel charged, like I’m standing on a live wire. If he keeps looking at me like that, I might combust on the spot, and this night will be over before it even begins.
Jake turns to Christy. “Mom’s looking for you.”
Christy gives me a quick hug, wishing me luck before she walks off to find her mom, leaving Jake and me alone in a sea of bustling market-goers. I stand there, watching her go, before my eyes drift back to Jake. He’s still watching me. My breath catches as if I’m seeing him for the first time and realizing how devastatingly handsome he is. I’ve seen good-looking men, but none of them are Jake Maydew.
He rocks on the soles of his feet, his hands tucked into his pockets, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. “I’ll see you at nine,” he says softly, his voice warm and steady, like a promise.
I nod, unable to trust myself to speak without giving away how much this moment, this plan, this man means to me.
With a final glance, he turns and walks in the direction his sister went. As he disappears into the crowd, I let out a shaky breath, barely able to contain the anticipation bubbling inside me.
Tonight can’t come soon enough.