Page 23 of Her Greatest Adventure

“Eres un hombre afortunado,” he says, a pair of tired green eyes focused on me.

“I’m sorry, I don’t speak Spanish,” I apologize.

His smile is soft as he nods, running two shaky palms down his apron. “You are a lucky man.” My confusion must be obvious because he nods toward the gelato stand and adds, “Her. You are lucky to be with someone so free.”

“Oh, we’re not like that,” I rush out.

He tilts his head and stares at me disbelievingly. “Maybe not.”

“Hello! Are you trying to convince Cooper here to buy me some flowers?” Addie’s voice cuts through the noise of the busy street.

I shift toward her as she moves to my side and grabs my forearm. It’s an innocent touch, but our friendly flower salesman’s eyes light up like he’s just witnessed life’s greatest miracle.

“What is your favourite kind?” he asks her.

She doesn’t miss a beat. “Hibiscus. My dad used to order them in bundles for my mom and me when we used to vacation in Mexico.”

My interest piques as I stare at her, noticing the sudden pop of freckles over her nose from the sunshine. The Hutton family used to vacation in Mexico yearly, but Maddox only told me about the shit he got into over there. Not about his mother or sister and their traditions.

“A beautiful choice. And a sweet story,” the man says, glancing behind him for the briefest second.

Adalyn juts her chin and grins. “Thank you . . .”

“Luis.” He extends his hand, and she grabs it.

“I’m Adalyn. And yes, that’s my father for you. He’s the sweetest man I’ve ever met. Well, besides Cooper’s dad. They make good competition, those two.”

The man’s eyes dart between Adalyn and me, a smile tugging at his mouth. “And his son? Is he sweet too? Does he treat you well, my dear?”

“We’re not—”

She cuts me off. “Oh! Of course he does. Although he’s never asked my favourite flower before,” she says, glancing up just long enough to wink at me. I reach behind her to pinch her side, and she jumps, belting out a laugh.

“My apologies, pumpkin,” I retort.

“It’s okay, as long as you order some flowers for me from this gentleman.” She leans into my side, her cheek against my arm. Slim fingers slip from my forearm down to my hand, latching on and squeezing.

“If that’s what the lady wants.” I look at the man. “Do you have any hibiscus flowers?”

He almost looks offended. “Sí. I will be right back.”

“Thank you!” Addie calls.

We both watch as he walks slowly back over to his stand and speaks briefly with a younger man selling a bundle of daisies to a woman with short silver hair. The exchange only lasts a moment before he’s moving along toward the back of the stand.

“You’re going to make that old man fall head over heels for you, you know?” I ask softly.

She tightens her grip on my hand. “He’s sweet. But I think he’s lonely.”

“How do you figure that?’

“He has sad eyes.”

My brows dip. “I didn’t notice that.”

“Maybe you just weren’t looking.”

“Yeah, maybe.”Why were you?

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