Page 17 of Choosing You

Her eyes went wide. “Really? I’ve never been there before. Were you going someplace specific?”

Another shrug. “Not really. Just killing time so I wouldn’t be tempted to sit around the house. I was thinking of hitting the Harley Davidson dealership. Have you ever ridden on a motorcycle?”

“Nope.” And she shook her head firmly as she said it.

“I’m guessing it’s not something you’re interested in.”

“You would be correct.”

Well, now he was stumped. If they didn’t go to Richmond, and they didn’t drive around town…

“Can I ask you something?” Sloane asked, interrupting his thoughts.

“Sure.”

“What did Cora mean before when she asked, ‘Is she?’”

Damn. Not quite the conversation he wanted to have. He had no way of knowing if Sloane would find it sweet or creepy that he’d been actively looking for her after each of the festivals.

Only one way to find out.

“Well…after the third time you showed up and…”

“Kissed and ran?”

He nodded. “I started asking everyone in town if they knew who you were.” He put the truck in drive and just figured they’d sort of go the aimless route for now. With yet another shrug, he added, “I honestly thought someone would know who you were.”

Sloane remained silent.

“And then after each festival, I’d start asking all over again. People started to think I was a little…off. Then it sort of became a joke. When it was announced a few days ago that there was going to be a new festival, I was pretty psyched. Then my boss started making fun of me for it. Hell, Sloane…I was already working out a plan so you couldn’t just walk away again.”

“I’m so sorry, Will. I really am. I guess I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.”

He could understand that. He really could. After all, they’d never exchanged more than a handful of words. How could she possibly know that he had gotten addicted to her kisses and wanted to get to know her more? He could barely believe it himself.

He took the turn that would lead them up to Summit Ridge. It was the logical choice considering they’d already driven through town, and going all the way to Richmond wasn’t exactly reasonable. Sloane obviously knew where they were going because she immediately started asking a bunch of questions.

“I’ve only ever been up to Summit Ridge for the festivals. What do they offer when it’s not ski season or a non-festival weekend? Do they just close everything up?”

Laughing softly, Will shook his head. “Not at all! You can still ride the alpine slide, the mountain coaster, walk the trails or ride the ATVs, and even go on the ski lift for an aerial tour of the property. It’s kind of cool.”

“Oh, that’s right. I remember hearing about that. And the hotel’s open? And the restaurants?”

“They’re all open. Would you like to grab lunch while we’re up there? You know, maybe after we walk around for a bit.”

Looking over at him, she smiled, and it made his heart kick hard in his chest.

I’m in trouble…

There were a million questions swirling around in his mind, but he was afraid to ask the wrong one and make things awkward. So, he decided to keep things light, just like he always did.

“Tell me something funny about you,” he said.

“Funny? Like…funny how?”

“What’s something quirky that you enjoy doing?”

“Oh, that’s easy. I enjoy coming to small-town festivals in Sweetbriar Ridge and kissing the cute guy working the kissing booth.”

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