“Uh-uh.” He pressed the unlock button and opened the passenger door for me.
Annoyed, I slid into the seat and fastened my seat belt. “But what about your motorcycle?”
“I can run home. I didn’t ride here. It was such a nice night, I decided to walk.”
I looked at him suspiciously. He was always on two wheels.
“Let’s get you home.” He put the car in drive and careened us up the hill.
Nina’s bedroom light was on. Good. Maybe we could talk tonight. Beau parked my car next to hers.
“Good game. And good picnic.” He smiled. I thought I caught a glimpse of that look, but it was fleeting.
“It was. I think I’m turning into a sports fan after all. I guess I have you to thank for that.” I gazed straight into his eyes, wanting to memorize every little feature on his face and lips. “Thanks for driving me home. I didn’t mean for you to have to do that.”
“No big deal. I should know by now what a lightweight you are.” I wanted to sigh—he knew something about me. He turned and handed me the keys. My palm felt his fingertips hovering just over my skin. I clasped my hand around his and pulled his hand toward my waist.
I wrapped my other hand around his neck and urged him closer to me. His skin was warm.
“London, stop. What are you doing?” He breathed heavily just as my mouth claimed his. I dropped the keys and reached across the seat so that both of my arms were around him. His lips sank into mine and I felt my body burning for more of him.
Beau pushed back and broke the kiss. “I can’t do this.” He jumped out of the car and started jogging. I threw my head against the headrest. Dammit.
15
Monday night rolled around and it was time for Love Match. I had planted myself on the couch with Ugly Quilt and a hot bowl of popcorn. Beau and I only had two dates left. Two dates until the project was due. I needed Victoria’s help more than ever. I needed the kind of date that would bring Beau back. I pressed the power button on the remote and waited for the show to start.
I thought I heard footsteps walking down the hall. I hit pause just as Nina poked her head around the corner. “Hi.”
“Nina? Hi.” I pulled the quilt back so that there was an open spot on the couch. She sat next to me, curling up under Ugly Quilt.
“Watching Love Match?” She reached for some popcorn.
“Yes. It just started. Want to watch?”
“This week is hometowns. I’m not missing it. This is one of the best episodes of the whole season.” She mumbled as she stuffed more popcorn in her mouth.
And just like that, we were ok.
Before I pushed play, I stopped. “Wait. What are hometowns?”
“Oh, those are the dates when Victoria goes to each of the bach
elors’ hometowns and meets his family. It’s awesome. Someone always has a nutty uncle or something. This is definitely make it or break it time for the men. If Victoria doesn’t click with the family, there is no way he’ll make it through the rose ceremony.”
“I didn’t know anything about this episode. I thought the whole show was dates.”
“Yes, they go on dates, but in the hometown. Just watch.” Nina reached across my lap again for the bowl. “Holy shit, London! You have to go to Beau’s hometown!” She was squealing loudly. I had missed the squealing even if my ears were in pain. “This is too perfect. I had completely forgotten about the episode.”
“You realize my life is not a TV show episode? What if he doesn’t want to do this hometown thing?” Beau might be more resistant to this idea than to a baseball game. My attempt at reminding him about us ended in an utter fail in the front seat of my car.
“Have you been staying on plan?” Nina sat straight up.
“Sorta.” I was going to have to fess up.
“What’s sorta?”
“I kissed him in my car the other night. It seemed like a good idea at the time. In retrospect, maybe not such a good idea.”