The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1712

“Class is over?”

Andrew still had his back to her, lost in his own world, but as soon as he spotted the girl he liked, he jumped up with the brightest smile. “It’s kind of dark over here. No one can really see us.”

He remembered how much she hated being noticed by everyone.

“Still…” Shirley frowned a little. She noticed how pale he looked and lowered her voice. “Next time, don’t wait in a spot like this, okay? Too many bugs.”

“Alright.” Andrew nodded right away. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a sweet potato, still warm from being snuggled in his arms. He handed it to her, trying to sound casual. “Here, eat it before it gets cold.”

Shirley took it, a little confused, but then her eyes landed on the sticker showing when it had been bought. Right away, her heart pinched.

He’d bought it at six-thirty.

That was already two hours ago.

Which meant Andrew had waited around this whole time, just for her.

“You…”

Holding the sweet potato that was still warm, Shirley lifted her gaze, eyes shining as she looked at Andrew. Her voice was soft and a little scratchy. “Didn’t I tell you I wasn’t getting out until nine?”

“Yeah.” Andrew just stood there, one hand jammed in his pocket, the other awkwardly touching the tip of his nose. His words came out all muffled. “I was worried you’d have second thoughts if you had too much time to yourself.”

Shirley wanted to answer but nothing came out.

After a brief silence, she broke the sweet potato in half and offered one piece to him. “If I said yes, it means I’m not going to change my mind,” she said quietly.

She’d taken ages to get up the nerve to say yes. Now that she had, she was set on moving forward together, no matter what came their way.

“Really?” Andrew’s eyes were full of hope, but you could still see the nerves underneath. He looked at her for a long moment. “Promise me you’re not lying, Shirley.”

“I won’t,” Andrew promised, thinking about his last late-night adventure and smiling, embarrassed. “Can I get a hug?” he asked quietly.

Shirley paused, then nodded, her whole face going pink as she let Andrew pull her into his arms.

She gave him a quick push away, cheeks glowing. “Only one.”

The words barely left her lips before she was already heading for the door, heartbeat pounding so hard it made her dizzy. She stood just inside, hand pressed to her chest, trying to calm down.

“She really meant it… just one hug,” Andrew said to himself as he stood outside, his hand resting where her warmth lingered. He grinned, complete and content. “Just one is enough.” But inside, he knew he hoped for thousands more chances.

***

Geneva stood by the window inside, watching the whole thing unfold at the door. Seeing the two of them sharing that sweet moment, she let out a quiet sigh. Her face was full of worry.

So… Dorothy’s sudden invitation to see her tomorrow was probably because of this, wasn’t it?