Page 227 of Worth the Trip

“You spend a lot of time noticing me, Landon. What I read. Whether I ate. What I touch when I’m nervous. What I want and talk myself out of wanting.” Her eyes stayed on mine. “I wanted to know something about you that existed before I met you. Before Coach. Before the degrees. Before Big Lando.”

I opened the pint.

A folded strip of paper rested beneath the lid.

You notice me so beautifully. I wanted you to know I’ve been paying attention too.

I read it once.

Then again.

“Hershey.”

“You still haven’t tasted it.”

“I’m trying to maintain dignity at a youth clinic.”

She smiled.

I put the pint back into the bag because I needed both hands and pulled her against me.

“You didn’t even try it.”

“I’m gon’ eat every bite.”

“You might hate it.”

“I love it.”

“You haven’t tasted it.”

I eased back enough to look at her.

“I ain’t talking about the ice cream.” She stayed right where she was. I touched her cheek. “Thank you, baby.”

“You’re welcome.”

“You made something only I get?”

“One customer.”

“Lifetime membership?”

“Don’t push it.”

“I’m negotiating.”

“Poorly.”

“I got exclusive product. Evidence suggests otherwise.”

She laughed.

I kissed her forehead.

“Go coach, baby.”

“You keep doing that on purpose.”