บท 709: At Least Pretend

Ashleigh stared at the two mugs that remained on the tray. She glanced at Galen. He sipped his cup and winced before blowing on it more.

She reached down to the mug closest to her, picking it up carefully by the handle and bringing it up to blow on.

“Careful,” Galen said, “it's still really hot.”

Ashleigh gave an irritated look.

“I’m from Winter,” she said, blowing on her drink, “I’m familiar with how hot chocolate works.”

Galen grinned.

“My bad,” he said.

Ashleigh sniffed the warm and sweet aroma. She glanced toward the third cup. Did Caleb like hot chocolate? She couldn’t remember ever having seen him drink anything other than water, alcohol, or coffee.

She took a drink, and the velvety warmth spread over her tongue. Having enjoyed hot chocolate many times throughout her life, she didn’t expect much in the way of flavor. It was warmed chocolate and milk. How different could it be?