#Chapter 45: Just One Date

Ava “Can we talk, Ava?” Even now, seeing Chris’s green eyes reflecting the sunlight and his hair tousled by the wind, it hurt. Maybe it hurt even more, seeing him like this. “Of course,” I finally managed, somehow keeping my voice steady despite the fact that I almost felt sick just looking at him. “What is it?” Chris glanced around at our bustling surroundings—the market was particularly lively today, and far from discreet if he wanted to have a more personal conversation. “I was actually hoping to speak with you in private,” he said, lowering his voice. I hesitated, knowing that being alone with him right now was likely unwise for my own peace of mind. Still, I found myself nodding again before I could think better of it. “Alright.” Chris offered me a crooked smile before turning to the vendor, placing a few coins in the woman’s hand to cover the cost of the honey—and, to my surprise, he took the basket out of my hand and paid for everything in there as well. “Ch