Chapter 7 #2
Cove contemplates my invitation, her head swinging from both sides of the alleyway, likely looking for her date. “Think he’d even notice?” she asks, shrugging her shoulders with a playfulness I find adorable. “He really is a bore.”
“Abso-fucking-lutely. But ask me if I care?”
She swats my shoulder and pinches a brow. “No sex?” She reiterates her previous question like she’s not convinced. “Just ice cream? No plans to corner me at my door and worm your way into my bed?”
I cross my arms at my chest. “Let’s not get too carried away. I need to make you fall in love with me first—then we have lots of sex. But right now, ice cream and meaningful conversation sound pretty damn great.”
Cove squints her eyes, but it’s impossible to hide the smirk fighting to break free at her lips.
I love the way her dimples peak out at her most vulnerable times.
“What makes you so sure of yourself, already anticipating lots of sex to come in our future? I’ve given you every possible reason to think I’m not interested. ”
“And yet, I’m still here.”
“You’re still here…” she ponders.
I turn my wrist to check the time on my watch. We’ve been out here long enough to cause suspicion, but one thing I’d never want to do is force someone to spend time with me. I’m not above begging, but I’d like at least a sliver of willing reciprocation.
Realizing she’s hesitant, and I know for a fact it’s not because of Conrad, but likely her best friend, who’s still inside, I give her an out.
“How about this? You go back inside and be with your friend. If you find yourself having a great time and want to continue the date, then go for it. Stay. I won’t interfere any longer.
But in case you change your mind, which I really hope you do, I’ll be at the ice cream parlor down the street. I think it’s called—”
“Frostie Freeze,” she cuts me off.
I nod. “Yeah. That one. I’ll be there waiting for you, okay?”
“And what happens if I don’t show up? Do I see you again?” There’s an unsteadiness in her voice as she speaks, spinning the pointed part of her heel like a fidget. She’s considering this, and I think that’s a good thing.
Hopefully for me.
“I guess that’s up to you.” Steps take me backward, en route to the destination I hope she’ll join me at. “But I’m really great company. Can smash a waffle cone in two bites.”
Cove laughs but doesn’t come closer, and I take that as my sign to turn. Lucky for me, I don’t make it far before the gravel of her soft voice stops me. “Stetson.”
I hold, not daring to move a muscle.
“Marshmallow and chocolate. I’m convinced there’s no better duo.”
I hum to myself because I couldn’t agree more. The combination of the rich flavors is uniquely her. “I read online they have marshmallow topping.”
“And double chocolate chunk ice cream,” Cove adds.
Does this mean she picks me?
I spin in my boots because I can’t fucking help it. Now she’s the one in command, with her arms crossed at her chest, a newfound determination in her bright smile. One step closer. And another. And another, putting her less than an arm’s length away. “Go say goodbye to your date, Cove.”
Her smile beams. “Betsy might kill me.”
“Doubt it. Betsy’s team Stetson.” I’m being smug, and I don’t care.
“Oh, is she now?” she wonders, pulling out her phone and sending a rapid text. To Betsy, I’m assuming.
Mere seconds pass before her phone beeps. “Damn it!” she shrieks and holds out the phone to show me.
Betsy:
Have I not been clear, babe? You screw this up, I call dibs.
Laughter I haven’t let myself experience in far too long hits me.
I don’t waste another second before pulling Cove toward me and pressing my lips to hers.
She doesn’t fight it, but relaxes into the kiss like she wanted it almost as much as I did.
Howling from bystanders interrupts our moment, both of us laughing against each other.
“Betsy is team Stetson,” she mumbles against my lips.
“I’m afraid so,” I tell her, grazing my thumb against her cheek. “And that was one hell of a kiss.”
She giggles and rests her forehead against my chest. “It was decent.”
“Hey, I’ll take it. That’s one step further from denial.” My hand meets the back of her head, enjoying this side of Cove far too much. “So, what’s it gonna be, my love?”
Cove pulls back and glances at her phone one last time before sending off a quick message.
She drops the phone into her purse and sets her shoulders back with pure confidence.
“Let’s get out of here.” And she’s on the move, heels taking her away from the restaurant, away from her date, and physically away from me.
“But no walking me home. I can do that myself.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” I whisper, stuffing my hands in my pockets as I hustle to join her.
Nothing can stop me from following her toward the ice cream shop. And it’s definitely a date.
A feeling beyond what I could predict infiltrates the deepest part of my chest, assuring me that tonight might just be the start of something new.
Something great.