Page 22 of Beanful Wishes

For a heart-stopping moment, I think he's going to kiss me. My heart is racing and I have to remind myself to breathe.

Jake blinks and takes a small step back, his hand falling from my shoulder. "It's getting late," he says softly, "I should walk you to your car."

I nod, trying to hide my disappointment. "Right, of course."

As we walk out into the cool night air, Jake's hand finds mine again. It's a small gesture, but it sends a flutter through my stomach.

At my car, we linger for a moment, neither of us quite ready to say goodnight.

"Sophia," Jake starts, then pauses, seeming to search for words. "I... Thank you. For everything. I couldn’t have done this without you."

“I think you would have managed fine.” I squeeze his hand. "Thank you for letting me be part of it. It means more to me than you know."

We stand there for a beat longer and wait for him to make the next move. Finally, Jake leans in and presses a soft kiss to my cheek.

"Goodnight, Sophia," he murmurs, his breath warm against my skin.

Chapter Ten

Jake

Ipush open the door to Mr. Thompson's classroom, and my jaw drops. The place is buzzing with activity, volunteers bustling around with paintbrushes and tools in hand.

"Jake!" Mr. Thompson calls out, waving me over. "Can you believe this turnout?"

I shake my head, grinning. "It's amazing. I didn't expect so many people on a Saturday morning."

A volunteer brushes past us, carrying a stack of boards. "Where do you want these, Mr. T?"

"Over by the window, please," Mr. Thompson directs. He turns back to me. "Everyone's been so enthusiastic. It's heartwarming."

I roll up my sleeves. "Well, put me to work. What needs doing?"

Mr. Thompson hands me a paintbrush. "How about you start on that wall? We're thinking a soft blue. It’ll make a nice backdrop for the pirate-themed mural."

As I dip the brush into the paint, a young woman joins me, masking tape in hand. "Hey, isn't that reporter usually with you? The one who's been covering the Wishing Wall?"

I feel a pang in my chest. "Sophia? She's on assignment today. Covering the fall festival at Wilson's Farm."

"Oh, the pumpkin patch and corn maze?" another volunteer asks. "My kids love that place."

I nod, trying to focus on the wall in front of me. "Yeah, it should make for a great story."

The conversation flows around me as we work, but I find my thoughts drifting to Sophia. I wonder if she's enjoying the festival and if she's thinking about me too.

"Earth to Jake," Mr. Thompson's voice breaks through my reverie. "You missed a spot."

I blink, realizing I've been painting the same section for the past five minutes. "Sorry, I was just..."

"Thinking about a certain reporter?" Mr. Thompson teases gently.

Before I can respond, the door swings open and Elena walks in, her arms full of books.

"Special delivery!" she announces. "I found a great adventure series I think the boys will love."

"Elena, you're a lifesaver," Mr. Thompson says, helping her with the books.

She looks around the room, nodding approvingly. "This is really coming together. Oh, Jake! I didn't see you there. Where's Sophia today?"

---