Page 76 of Mitch

I didn’t have to be told twice.

CHAPTER 29

Mitch

I clicked awayon my camera while Cade and Weston handed some kittens over to a group of girls.

“You’re stalling,” Dawson said, nudging me in the shoulder.

“Don’t you have to go wash a fire truck or something?” I nipped, watching the look on Cade’s face as he placed the kitten in the arms of a woman with vibrant blue hair.

“Today is your lucky day. I’m off duty.”

“You’re about to need a medic if youdon’t get off my ass,” I quipped.

“All I’m saying is, this is your last event together, right? You got here early. And you haven’t left Cade’s side since you arrived. I know he’s your emotional support animal and shit, but come on, Mitch.”

I lowered my camera, turning to glare at Dawson, who had the audacity to look perturbed.

At me!

Didn’t he know he was the resident pain in the ass?

“I’m just?—”

“You say it’s complicated, I will punch you,” Dawson grumbled.

“I’m working!”

Dawson hummed annoyingly. “Mhm. Well, here he comes, so buck up buttercup.”

“What?” I asked, turning to see Penn walking across the street, right toward us, his hands stuffed in his jean pockets.

His bright blue polo shirt stood out against his pale skin, blond hair blowing in the wind. I half expected to hear some Bananarama playing behind me, or for someone to offer him a bottle ofshampoo.

Fuck, he was so pretty.

My gaze caught his, and the smile that spread across his face was enough to melt an iceberg.

Instinctively, I snapped a photo.

“Hey,” he said as he approached my lens.

I slowly lowered it, my heart catching in my throat. Behind me, I could hear Dawson humming away annoyingly.

“Hey,” I replied, at a loss for words.

Up close, he smelled like sugar and cinnamon, like whipped vanilla frosting.

Like a fucking cream puff, making my mouth water.

I noticed the tiny rainbow flag pinned on his shirt, and couldn’t help but smile.

“I, uh, can we talk? Somewhere?” he asked, running a hand through his golden locks.

Cade nodded at me from my side, clearly telling me I should leave.

But a part of me was certain this was it.

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