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Andy grabbed my hand to press a kiss against my palm. “You’re probably right. I wish you didn’t have to go.”
I suddenly wished the same. I climbed up into his lap to cover his mouth with mine again.
Chapter Nineteen
Leo
Then
I was so nervous that my hands were shaking, my stomach was in knots, and my insides felt like jelly. My first date. FIRST DATE. And it was with the most popular boy in school. What if I threw up on him because I was so excited? Oh, that would be embarrassing. I would never be able to look at Andy again. He probably wouldn’t want to kiss me, because who wants to kiss a boy with a puke mouth? Plus, I might ruin the pink fuzzy sweater Ezra helped me pick out, and I was kind of obsessed with it.
“Relax.” Ezra squeezed my hand as we walked into the Panthers stadium. “You look beautiful. Andy would be crazy not to see what a catch you are.”
I wanted to be just as cool and suave as Ezra Bardo when I grew up. He was so chic, gorgeous, and full of confidence. “Thank you.”
“Stop for just a minute, boo.” He cupped my head between his delicate hands, forcing me to look at him. “Take a deep breath, square your shoulders, and repeat after me.” He raised his brows as he waited. When I had done what he wanted, Ezra smiled. “Andy Olson is going to fall in love with me. I’m smart, funny, and anyone would be lucky to be in my orbit. I’m also drop dead gorgeous, but that’s not what this is about.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “Ezra, please, that’s silly.”
“No, it’s not. Repeat it.” He dipped his chin. The little sprite could be intimidating sometimes. Like right now.
I swallowed nervously. “Andy Olson is going to fall in love with me. I’m smart, funny, and anyone would be lucky to be in my orbit. I’m also drop dead gorgeous, but that’s not what this is about.”
“Again, Leo,” Ezra instructed.
I couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped my mouth. “Andy Olson is going to fall in love with me. I’m smart, funny, and anyone would be lucky to be in my orbit. I’m also drop dead gorgeous, but that’s not what this is about.”
“Good, now you need to believe it, because you’re a dish. I’ve seen the way other boys look at you, not just Andy. And if that boy kisses you tonight...” He patted my cheek gently. “If he kisses you tonight, I’ll show you my skincare routine.”
My eyes widened. “All of it?”
“All of it.” Ezra smiled, knowing how desperately I wanted to know why he smelled so good all the time. Like cinnamon and Christmas morning. He leaned up on his toes to press a kiss to my cheek. “Now, let’s go get your man, boo.”
I felt like I was floating as we started walking again. Butterflies fluttered around in my belly, and the moment I saw Andy waiting for me at the door, his hands shoved into the pockets of his black winter coat, I couldn’t stop the smile that spread over my face. He was so...so perfect. His dirty-blond hair was the perfect mess, his shoulders thick and broad. How could someone like him want someone like me? Was it possible I had hit my head and was imaging all of this? Was I in a coma right now?
“Hi.” Andy beamed at me, his hazel eyes sparkling like the sun. “You look beautiful.”
Was death by compliments a thing? Because I felt like I was going to explode. “Thank you.” I dropped my gaze to my feet, admiring for just a second the black boots Ezra had bought me. “You look perfect.” Oh, did I really say that aloud?
“Andrew.” Maverick Olson seemed to appear out of nowhere. “Introduce me to your date.” His green eyes had a hint of a warning behind them.You’ll have to deal with me if you hurt my son.
Andy groaned. “Dad, you don’t have to be so beastly all the time.” He smiled at me. “Leo, this is my father, Maverick. Dad, this is my date, Leo McCormick.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Olson, sir. I’m a big fan.” I wasn’t sure if I should try to shake his hand or just accept that he hated me. Maybe hate was a strong word, but he clearly didn’t like me. He was practically shooting darts into my body.
Maverick narrowed his eyes, letting them move over my face, down my chest, and back up again. A smile tugged at his lips for a moment. “You can call me Maverick.”
“Maverick, boo,” Ezra cooed next to me. “You look lovely. Did you do something different with your hair? Is that your natural color? Because I might be a little jealous about how pretty you are.”
Maverick’s cheeks blazed pink. “I told you that can’t say things like that to me.”
“Of course I can. You’re married, I’m with CC, and we’re going to be best friends. Just watch.” Ezra squeezed Maverick’s arm.
Maverick grunted, but he didn’t disagree. “Whatever.”
“You kids go do your thing. Mav and I are going to find the perfect seats to watch while I pick his brain to learn everything I can about him.” Ezra hooked his arm through Maverick’s. “Fair warning, boo. I am an open book, and you can ask me anything you want. Ooohhh, do you like frosted sugar cookies?”
Andy reached for my hand and laced our fingers together. Everything suddenly grew tingly, his palm against mine. It was amazing the way he just seemed so chill about everything. Going on a date with me, holding my hand, telling me I looked beautiful.
