He turns to face me, placing a hand on the side of my neck and brushing a thumb over my jaw. It makes my pulse quicken. It’s the most intimate he’s ever been with me.
“I’ve had a lovely time with you, Korie,” he says in a soft tone. “Would you like to go for a walk?”
“There you go! Much better,” I nudge him playfully, ignoring the sudden pounding of my heart. “One more point.”
Holden drops his head back. “Only one?”
“I had to pull it out of you.”
“Okay, but seriously—what’s the max here? What am I aiming for?”
I just smile, full of mischief. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
He gasps. “Really? You’re not going to tell me?”
“Nope.”
He pulls my arm through his again, and we start walking in the opposite direction of the car. I notice his steps are as slowas mine, and even though his attention is everywhere, he’s still in tune with me. Adjusting our stance, keeping me near him, guiding me around obstacles.
“You’re making this very hard for me, you know.”
Holden pauses, brows knit.
“How am I supposed to find faults for you to improve on when you’re knocking everything out of the park?” Is he like this with everyone? Because if so, I’m just as clueless as he is why he doesn’t get the second date.
Holden’s face is comically blank. “Not sure I believe you, but thank you.”
“I’m serious. It… well, it feels real. That’s how good you are.”
The corner of his lips hitch into a crooked smile, making his smooth face even that much more endearing. “Real, huh? Us? No.”
Funny how much that bothers me. “Nevermind.”
8
HOLDEN
I’m still trying to catch my breath as we walk down the sidewalk.
I expected tonight to be a total mess, given how unprepared I was. I’d gone through at least six outfits, trying to find one that didn’t fill my head with unsaid criticism from Korie. One was too short, another had a stain, and the one I finally settled on—theonlyone that seemed to fit right—was missing a button. I didn’t have time to go buy one, so I tucked the ends in to hide the flaw. It must’ve worked because they haven’t commented on my clothes even once. Did they even notice?
I didn’t even plan dinner until the last second. I’d only remembered The Gravis Garage as I was walking out of work, and thank God for that, because otherwise, I probably would’ve taken us somewhere familiar and hoped it was okay.
But The Gravis Garage had been perfect. Better than perfect, actually. It was more than I could have hoped for. Seeing Korie’s joy as they explored all the menu options had made me kick myself for not bringing them here sooner.
So, yeah, once again, I’m totally winging all this… and feeling like an idiot as I go.
But if Korie says I’m not bad at it? Maybe I’m doing something right.
It’s dizzying to feel Korie’s arm through mine as we walk. Not because it’s uncomfortable—just the opposite. I’m trying not to read into it. Because this is Korie. My best friend. Would I feel this way if I did this with someone else? I’ve never tried.
“So, what should we do?” I ask, peering through the windows of the stores as we pass.
Korie lets out a quiet laugh beside me. “You tell me. It’s your date, remember?”
I flash them a grin. “Maybe I’m considering your interests.”
“Mm-hmm.” They bump me lightly, hugging my arm. After a moment, they laugh, for real this time. “Oh my God. You really didn’t think about the after part, did you? Like, at all.”
