Page 64 of Miss Fortune

She chuckled, the sound making me grin. “You win. I’ll see you soon.”

It didn’t feel right to come over empty-handed, so I made a quick trip to the store before buzzing into her building. When she opened the door, I had to smile. She looked adorable, with her hair up, her face scrubbed free of makeup, and wearing her pj’s with yellow duckies all over them. Her gaze traveled down to the paper bag I was holding.

“Ooh, you came bearing gifts. Whatcha got?”

“Ice cream.”

“Hot guy showing up near midnight with ice cream. Five stars, definitely recommend.”

I stepped inside, loving her enthusiasm. Daisy was so appreciative of any gesture; it didn’t matter how big or small. “I wasn’t sure what your favorite flavor is, so I got several.”

Her lips tipped up into a smile when I started putting the containers of Haagen Dazs on the counter. “My favorite is definitely among these.”

“Does that mean I finally get one of these coveted Daisy friendship bracelets I keep hearing about?”

She flashed me a cheeky grin. “Don’t you think a real friend would recognize which one? You’ll need to pass the test before any bracelets are made.”

I scanned the flavors and turned the tables. “Right back at you. My favorite flavor is among these six. Which one is it?”

She contemplated. “Vanilla?”

My hand reached out and tickled her side. “Why, because I’m boring?”

She shrieked in laughter, evidently ticklish. “No, because why else would you have bought vanilla?”

“I figured vanilla was a safe choice in case you didn’t enjoy any of the others.”

She cupped my face. “Your favorite flavor is chocolate chip mint.”

“Nope.”

“Cookies and cream?”

“Guess again.”

She peered at the flavors. “Butter pecan?”

“Yes. And if it’s your favorite, I’ll share.”

“Aw. You’re sweet, but my favorite is cookies and cream. But chocolate chip mint is a close second followed by chocolate.”

“Sounds like we need to open all of them, then.”

She smiled, rubbing her hands on my chest, a gesture I was coming to love. “They might need some time to thaw out. Any idea how we should pass the time?”

I moved quickly, lifting her up and over my shoulder, causing her to squeal. We were both grinning when I followed her down on the bed. Then I flopped down next to her and felt up her mattress. “Oh, how I missed you, bed.”

She giggled, slapping my arm playfully. “I see why you’re really here.”

I moved to my side while she did the same, so we were facing each other. “It’s my second favorite thing about your apartment.”

“What’s the first?”

I leaned in, kissing her deeply. “The ice cream on the counter, of course.”

She playfully bit my lip. “And third?”

I pretended to search the room for something. “Hm, I feel like there’s something, but I can’t seem to remember.”