Page 16 of Choosing Samantha

“Your mother is in so much trouble,” I grumble.

Samantha laughs. “I think your uncle is very handsome.”

The twins look at each other, clearly pleased with the turn of events.

I couldn’t look away from Samantha—it’s only been three days, and I’m already tied in knots from not seeing her.

When Rebecca collects them, Lily hugs Samantha, and Lucy whispers something in her ear.

“What did she say?” I ask once they have left.

“That’s confidential.”

“Lucy is twelve.”

“And already more socially skilled than you.”

“What did she say?”

Samantha smiles. “She told me you like me.”

My heart skips a beat. “Did she?”

“She’s very observant.”

“Yes.”

Suddenly, the restaurant feels very quiet as Samantha’s smile softens. “Is she right?”

I could hide behind the flower arrangement. I could say that liking her is inappropriate or complicated. Instead, I reach across the table and take her hand. “Yes.”

Her fingers tremble in mine. “I like you too,” she whispers.

***

Outside her apartment, neither of us moves toward the door. The evening is cold, so Samantha stands close to me under the yellow glow of a streetlamp, her face turned up toward mine.

“I want to kiss you,” I say.

Her lips part. “I’ve never done this before.”

“A first date?”

She shakes her head. “Any of it.”

It takes me a moment to process. “You’ve never been kissed?”

“I’ve been kissed. Just not…” Her cheeks flush. “Not much more than that.”

I stare at her. “You’re a virgin.”

I should step back—be a gentleman. I’m thirteen years older than she is—I have more power and money, and a contract complicates things between us. But I understand how vulnerable her confession is because I have the same secret. “So am I.”

She blinks. “You’re joking.”

“No.”

“But you’re—”