Saylor

“Oh, but he did. I get it, though. No fraternizing with your superior and all that, am I right?”

“I’m not your superior––”

“But you would be if you got the VP position,” I point out, my fingers digging into her hips.

“That’s a long shot at best.” Her gaze drops to the floor. “Besides, that’s jumping the gun a bit, isn’t it?”

I scoff, more amused than frustrated that she still doesn’t understand how deeply I care about her. “Seriously, Say?”

“I don’t know…I don’t want you to feel tied down or that you have to commit to me just because I showed up today, ya know?”

My finger brushes against her chin as I force her to look at me. “This isn’t a typical first date, Say. We have a history together. We have a past. We know how well we fit and how easily this could turn into forever. How easy this would’ve turned into forever if I didn’t screw it up the first time. And I know it sounds fast, but I don’t need to date around or test the waters before making anything official with you. Like I said, I’m all in. And when you’re ready to tell people, I’ll be right by your side to prove that we’re gonna make it. But…I also know that people change, and we have a lot of catching up to do. What are your thoughts on Mandy taking the kids tomorrow night so you and I can go on a real date?”

Her perfectly plucked brow arches. “A real date?”

“Yeah.”

“Without kids?”

“You mean my cockblocker son?” I correct her with a grin. “Yeah.”

She laughs. “I think that’s a brilliant idea.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she confirms. “On one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“We go somewhere out of town, so the gossip stays at bay for a little longer.”

I smirk, then press another quick kiss to her forehead. “Deal.”

18

Saylor

“Hey, where are you going?” Skye asks. Her feet are propped up on the coffee table as the television glows with the Netflix home screen.

“Just…out. Maybe to a movie or something. I dunno. I’m getting a little stir crazy,” I ramble. “Wanna come?” I add as I take in the hair piled on top of her head and yesterday’s tanktop peeking up from above the couch.

She glances over her shoulder, then rolls her eyes. “Gee. Thanks for the heads up.”

“Sorry––”

“Don’t worry about it. Go have fun. I’ll just…be here. As always.”

My stomach tightens with guilt as I grab my keys before rocking back on my heels to face her again. “You sure, Skye? I’m here if you need me––”

“I know, I know. It’s fine. Go have fun getting out and having a night on the town. Maybe fate will intervene, and you’ll even run into a certain someone.”

“Mm-hmm,” I hum. “See ya.”

With a quick wave, I step into the hallway, close the door, then drive to Owen’s house. Because we’re going on a date. Like an actual couple. And I was too nervous to tell my own sister about it.

Gah! I’m the worst.

Squeezing the steering wheel a little tighter, I pull into Owen’s driveway before bundling my coat a bit closer to me. Then I walk to the front door and tap my knuckles against the cold surface.