Page 79 of Love in Mission City

More nods.

“If you’re careful, you could even rinse the seeds and roast them in your oven. But follow instructions carefully—it’s super easy to burn them.”

“Burn them.” The guy echoed my words. Then he licked his full lips.

Because he likes the idea of pumpkin seeds, not because he’s thinking about kissing you.“Now, I’m not an artist. I draw the eyes, nose, and mouth before I cut. I use a small knife because I’m also terrified of slicing myself.”

“That would be bad.”

“Yes. Yes, it would. I’m certain the hospital gets plenty of pumpkin-related injuries this time of year.” I eased away from the pumpkin and stood to my full five seven height.

Gorgeous guy easily towered over me. Which was something I liked. Well, I liked shorter guys too. Actually, I wasn’t all that picky. If the guy could carry on a conversation and was gay, I was likely to be attracted to him. “It’s not that hard. Safety first.”I offered my best smile and hoped the light in the hall made my eyes sparkle. “Now you just have to buy a pumpkin off Wyatt and you’re set. He’s one row over.” I gestured.

The guy cleared his throat. “Can I buy one off you?”

“Uh…sure.” I considered what I might charge him since I didn’t intend to sell mine—they were decorative. “Really, though, Wyatt has a much better selection. Why don’t you just buy one from him?”

“Nah, I’ll buy one off you.”

“Okay.” Tempted as I was to sell it to him at cost, I was running a business. I added two dollars and named my price.

Gorgeous guy pulled out his wallet, counted out the bills, and handed them over.

I might’ve intentionally made certain our hands touched.

His gaze shot to mine.

I feigned innocence.

He took his pumpkin and left.

I totally might’ve watched him leave, admiring his ass in those tight jeans.

Well, that was interesting.

Without another thought, I smiled at the slightly older woman with reddish-auburn hair, much like mine, approaching my booth. The tall Black man behind her, with a hand at her back, offered me a smile as wide as hers.

Well, let’s sell some spice.

And so I did.

Chapter Three

Clay

Sales after day one of the festival had me eyeing my stock with a combination of pride and trepidation. I had plenty left—or so I believed. If the number of sales on the first day continued through to the end, I’d barely make it. Wait. Wyatt mentioned his sales dipped on the second day. The super-enthusiastic customers came the first day. Then, days three and four—Saturday and Sunday—were super busy as well. Friday—today—sort of fell into an odd place. Or so he’d maintained. Regardless, I wouldn’t complain if I sold out of everything. I had enough time to get restocked before launching my website and offering online sales in a few weeks. My supplier was amazing, local, and eager to help me out.

“Uh, hi.”

My reverie broke as I faced gorgeous guy again. I’d somehow missed the whistle, and a few customers wandered through the aisles.Wow, you were really out of it. Grateful for the interruption of my wandering thoughts, I smiled. “You’re back.”

“You remember me?”

“Of course.”Gorgeous and the only person who bought a pumpkin yesterday…how could I forget?“How’s it going? How did the pumpkin carving go?”

He bit his lower lip. “Not so great. I mucked it up.” He glanced around. “Do you have time to show me again?”

“Absolutely.” Inwardly, I winced. “I just—”