Page 74 of Switching Skates

Her face is glowing from the dangling lights, making her hair look almost magical. God, she’s stunning.

I’m unable to hold back my smile, and it takes over my face in every way. “I’m here to take your order. What would you like?”

“Whatever you wanted.” She looks at me like I’m crazy, trying to figure out what’s going on.

“Be right back.” I push off the window and walk over to the stuff that I stashed here only a couple of hours ago.

Retrieving the gluten-free funnel cake, I put it on the paper plate I brought. Grabbing the powdered sugar and sieve, I powder it until there’s more white than golden brown dough.

Setting that on top of the clean warmer, I grab the small cup of strawberry dipping sauce I made earlier and walk back over to the window.

Daphne’s standing on her tiptoes, trying to see inside, but can’t because of how elevated it is. She leans back down as I approach.

Lowering the plate and cup down to her, I smile. “One gluten-free funnel cake and strawberry sauce.”

Her eyes burst with excitement and intrigue. “W-what? How?”

“What do you mean? From here, of course.” My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard.

Her eyes sadden slightly. “Mason … while I appreciate that, I can’t eat it if it was made here. All of the cross-contamination?—”

I cut her off, “There is none. I made this at my house earlier and stored it here so you could have your own fair-food experience tonight. It’s safe. I promise.”

Her jaw falls as she stares up at me with unabashed amazement. “Mase.”

“If you don’t want it, you won’t hurt my feelings at all,” I assure her, suddenly worried that this is all too much.

“Are you kidding?” she gasps. “This is the best thing in the entire world.”

My heart explodes, and the world around me seems to exhale with relief. “Good. I’ll be right out.”

Stepping back, I turn to find Mr. and Mrs. Hampton holding each other with tears in their eyes.

They are the most lovey people I’ve ever met, doting over each other constantly. It’s admirable.

“It’s beautiful, what you did for her. So thoughtful and sweet.” She swoons.

“Thank you.” I grin. “Could I grab my stuff from you guys tomorrow by chance?”

She shoos me out the back door. “Of course. Go have a great night!”

“Thank you.”

Hopping down off of the stand, I jog around and find Daphne devouring the funnel cake, powdered sugar decorating her lips. A deep blush creeps across her cheeks when she spots me, shoveling the next piece in her mouth. She licks her fingers clean, and it makes my heart skip a beat.

“Like it?” I ask teasingly, walking up to her and taking her purse and my wallet back from her, hooking her bag over my shoulder.

“If I didn’t hate you, I would have to marry you after this.” She licks her lips. “Best thing I’ve ever eaten.”

“Wow, and a compliment. I’m a lucky man tonight.” I grab my chest dramatically and lead us over to one of the empty picnic tables, trying not to freak out about the marriage comment. I’d be at the alter tomorrow if she wanted.

“Are you getting anything to eat?” she asks, sitting down across from me.

“I’m not very hungry right now. I might grab something later.” I shrug nonchalantly, looking away at two kids running like maniacs between tables across the way.

Crap. Can I tell her that I’m not going to eat anything here in case I get the opportunity to kiss her? I don’t want to risk having any gluten in my mouth.

As much as I love food, I am not letting it get in the way of this night’s potential.