Page 82 of The Golden Scoop

“Ahhh, I see what’s happening.”

“No, you don’t,” I say, covering my mouth.

“Why do you think I l—I’m attracted to you?”

I shrug.

“You’re smart, and not just in the beat-me-at-trivia-nights way. Life smart. Honest, even when it’s hard to be. Adventurous. Full of energy.” He’s listing everything that makes me think I’m too much. “Caring. Humble. And fucking hilarious. The number of times I’ve had to forcefully stop myself from laughing out loud because I didn’t want to let you win this bickering game we play.”

My eyes sting.

“Most importantly, you’re never afraid of being you. And coming from someone who’s literally someone else every day, take my word for it. That’s something you should never change.”

He’s right. I like who I am. It’s also the reason I’ve been single this long. I don’t want to become a homebody when I love trying new things. And I’ve yet to find someone willing to keep up.

“Will you go base jumping with me?”

“I’d go skydiving with you, Mills.” His voice doesn’t waver. “Now, eat. Properly. Let’s see who can go hottest.”

Matt doesn’t give me time to process everything he’s just said, grabbing a taco and dipping full force in the medium hot sauce before stuffing it down.

This has to have been the best date I’ve ever been on. Simple, natural, feeding straight into my food obsession. We finished the entire tray. Matt’s eyes started to water with the first bite of ‘burning hot sauce,’ all while I enjoyed my share of the ‘scorching’ serving.

By the time we were done, he was rushing us to an ice cream parlor that was about to close. The door was locked. The workers were cleaning up inside. I was halfway back down the street when I heard Matt knocking.

They recognized him instantly. He got us in, bought a tub of refreshing lemon and another of chocolate brownie cookie dough. I was about to tell him off. Then he started taking pictures with everyone, making videos for their families, and dropped a fifty in the tip jar.

He helped me onto the hood of his car, taking his place beside me. I ate while he pointed out different constellations overhead.

It’s almost midnight. I’m standing in front of my apartment, keys dangling from my fingers, still buzzing from the evening.

“That was better than any outing we could’ve planned,” I say, blushing. I might have won the challenge, but he’s swept me off my feet. That’s for sure.

“You were right. I should’ve asked sooner,” he says with a nod. “Which leads me to…”

I raise an eyebrow. My keys go into my pocket and I brace myself. Maybe he’s realized we’re putting Julia and Harrison in jeopardy if we pursue this. Maybe⁠—

“Can I kiss you?”

My breath catches.

“You’re asking?”

“No matter how many times I’ve thought about this, I want you to feel safe.”

“Only if you show me exactly what you meant the other night.”

Matt huffs out a laugh.

“Deal.”

His lips crash against mine. Firm, certain, like he’s been holding back for who knows how long and finally gave himself permission. One hand comes up to cradle my jaw, keeping me right where he wants me.

And God, he knows exactly what he’s doing.

The kiss deepens, slow at first, then with a quiet urgency that makes my blood pressure drop. My hands find his shirt, his neck, fingers tangling into his hair as I pull him as close as I can.

For once, I don’t fight for control. I don’t even think about it. I let go.