I stare at them.
When did hedoall of this?
Was it when he bowed his head and covered the paper with his arm, jokingly telling me to keep my eyes to myself? Did he carry them around with him, adding to the list whenever I wasn’t looking? Are there more I can’t find, ones that would tell me how he feels about me?
I grab my phone.
I miss you.
I know we have rules in place, but I want to take you out tomorrow night. On a date.
You do?
Yeah. Would that be okay with you?
Rules only work if they can be broken. I’d like that.
Six o’clock sharp. Wear something comfortable.
Are you going to tell me where we’re going?
Nope.
What if I don’t like surprises?
I’m hoping you’ll like this one. Truth or Dare, Pres?
Why are we playing this over the phone?
Why not?
How hard are you smiling right now?
I’m not.
You’re grinning, aren’t you?
It’s okay. I am too. Don’t think I’ve stopped since the first night I kissed you.
It hits me then. A way to describe the elation I feel whenever he’s around.
Falling.
Fast and headfirst, and I can only hope he’s there with open arms to catch me before I hit the ground.
I’m waiting for Sebastian in the foyer, and the knock comes at six on the dot. I almost yank the door open, grinning when I find him on my porch with a bouquet in his hands.
He looks good in his shorts and the white T-shirt that stretches across his chest. Damp hair, necklace tucked under his collar. Sunglasses on top of his head and a smile that’s made of wonder and stardust.
“Hi.” He shifts on his feet, nervous. His eyes move from my collarbone to my legs, a sigh caught in the back of his throat. “You look beautiful.”
I touch the hem of my athletic dress. “Thank you. Am I dressed okay? You said comfortable and—”
“It’s perfect. You’re perfect.”
“I don’t know about that.” I gesture him inside. “Let me put on my shoes and I’ll be ready.”
“Here.” Sebastian extends the bouquet my way, his fingers brushing mine during the exchange. “These are for you.”
