Page 30 of The Mr. Right Checklist

Other than Saturday night, when Fletch hung out with his brothers after playing basketball, he and I have spent every evening together for the past week and a half. He’s taught me a lot, and it’s been wonderful getting to know him and exchanging fun texts throughout the day. I’m enjoying walking Molly and leaving them both little goodies, like the socks I left for Fletch with basketballs on them. He wore them over the next night and said he wasn’t as boring as I thought he was. Spoiler alert: I don’t think he’s boring at all. Then he handed me a pair of plain white socks, in case I wanted to see how the other half lives. I love our friendship, and he’s incredibly supportive. He texted yesterday afternoon asking if I wanted to get together and role-play to prepare for the meeting, and I jumped on the offer.

“I did do well, but I was with Fletch, and he makes me feel like I can do anything.” I take a quick look in the mirror at my short-sleeved, flowy pink-and-white floral dress, slip my feet into nude block-heel sandals, and turn toward the iPad so Ruby can see me. “What do you think?”

“I think you look as pretty as you did in the last three outfits. Why are you so nervous? Did you call your dad? That always calms you down.”

“You know what? I didn’t call him. I was going to first thing this morning, but then Fletch texted and said I was going to nail the meeting tonight. We got to texting back and forth, and I guess I forgot.”

“Is there something more between you and Fletch that you’re not telling me?”

“No. Why?”

“Because even I can’t do for you what calling your dad does for you.”

That gives me pause. “I . . . He just sidetracked me, that’s all. You know how my mind works.”

“Uh-huh. Are you sure you’re not into him for more than business tutoring?”

“Please. He only ticks off two things on my checklist.”

Ruby’s brows lift. “So you’ve checked?”

“No.”

“Then how do you know he only checks off two things?”

“Because I have my list memorized. It’s always in my head, and he was my inspiration to add one of them—”

“Which was . . . ?”

“A guy who isn’t afraid to tell me I’m wrong and help me be the best I can be.”

“Okay. I approve. What’s the second thing he checks off?”

I look away, mumbling, “He’sagoodkisser.”

“What?”

“He’s a good kisser, okay?” I don’t tell her that while good kisser was already on my list, I changed it to Gives me unforgettable kisses.

“You kissed him?”

“No. He kissed me. I just kissed him back. I told you about it when all that stuff went down at the park with that stalker girl.”

“You definitely did not tell me that. I’d remember if you said you kissed Fletch! Have you kissed him since?”

“No.” But I think about it all the time.

“Is that why you’re so nervous? Do you want there to be more between you two?”

“No. I’m nervous because he’s helping me so much. I don’t want to disappoint him.”

“Oh. Oh. That’s big.”

It is big, and I didn’t mean to blurt it out.

A knock sounds at the front door. “He’s here! I’ve got to go. Wish me luck.”

“I wish you all the luck in the world, but tomorrow you and I are going to talk about that kiss and—”