Page 70 of Finders Keepers

“I’ll be twenty-nine on June first,” I cut in quickly. “Last year in my twenties.”

“The big two-nine,” Gavin grins, and I’m grateful for how smoothly he follows my redirect. “Being in your thirties isn’t so bad, you know. I’ve been doing it for two years now, and I can’t complain.”

I feel the tension ease from my shoulders. “Okay, old man. Sharing your elderly wisdom?”

“Old man?” He clutches his chest in mock offense. “I’ll have you know thirty-two is the new twenty-five.”

The laughter feels good, almost natural. I can’t remember the last time dinner was this… normal. Sophie talks about her upcoming party plans while demolishing her second slice of pizza, and I find myself somewhat relaxing into the moment.

Until I feel it, the whisper of Gavin’s fingers against mine on the table. My first instinct kicks in, and I pull back, heart jumping. But then I catch myself. This is Gavin. Safe, kind Gavin. I force my hand back, letting our fingers brush. Such a small gesture, but it feels monumental.

The warmth of his skin against mine sends a current through my body, and suddenly I’m hyper-aware of everything, the way his eyes look when he smiles, how his presence fills the space without overwhelming it.

Guilt twists in my stomach. He doesn’t know why we’re really here. The words sit heavy on my tongue, begging to be spoken. He deserves to know, doesn’t he? But the thought of saying it out loud, of watching his expression change when he learns the truth…

“Mommy, can I have more pizza?” Sophie’s voice breaks through my spiral.

“One more slice, baby. Don’t want to get a tummy ache.”

I need to get out of my head. “So, are you going to the Spring Fling tomorrow?” I ask Gavin, grateful for the distraction.

“Wouldn’t miss it.” He takes a sip of his sweet tea. “The clinic’s running the kissing booth this year.”

My stomach drops. “A kissing booth?” The words come out sharper than I intend.

“What’s a kissing booth?” Sophie pipes up, her eyes shifting between us.

“Well, you see, Sophie, it’s a very special booth where people line up…” His eyes are twinkling.

I watch him, something hot and uncomfortable churning in my chest. Why should I care if he’s kissing random women at some festival? We’re not… anything. Just friends. Barely even that.

“And then,” he continues dramatically, “they get to meet the most amazing kissers in all of Texas.”

Sophie’s eyes go wide. “Eww, really?”

“Yup. Let’s see, we’re bringing Bonnie, the Boxer, and Duke, the mini–Australian Shepherd. They give the best kisses in town.”

“Dogs?” Sophie squeals as understanding dawns.

“Dogs?” I echo, feeling heat creep up my neck.

“One dollar gets you a kiss from one of our furry friends, five dollars for a professional photo with them.” He grins at me. “What did you think I meant?”

I busy myself with my napkin, mortified. “Nothing. I just… nothing.”

“I want doggy kisses!” Sophie bounces in her seat.

I chance a look at Gavin, who’s watching me with that infuriating half-smile.

“The booth opens at one,” he says.

I look down at my half-eaten slice of pizza.

“Will you both be at the Spring Fling then?” He asks, standing and stacking the dishes.

“Actually, yes. Mary Beth asked me to help with the flower shop’s booth.” I wipe Sophie’s face with a napkin. “We’re making flower crowns to hand out. Sophie’s gotten really good at them.”

“I make the prettiest ones!” She beams. “Ms. Mary Beth says I have natural talent.”

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