Page 85 of The Golden Scoop

May I remind you…

You’re the one who kissed me first.

Her comeback pings instantly.

Mills

Allegedly.

I roll my eyes. Ben’s eyebrow raises, but he doesn’t comment. I type up another message then hesitate.

I miss you.

My thumb hovers over send. It might be too much, too soon. She bolts when things get too real. I’ve seen it. The last thing I want is to give her a reason to run.

I backspace.

You’re a bad influence.

Mills

Isn’t that the best kind?

It is when you’re around.

Not the same if I have to ask Ben permission to kiss him.

Mills

We might be able to arrange something.

Does your trailer lock?

I choke on nothing, coughing into my fist as heat floods my face. Ben pauses mid-motion, watching me like I’ve just short-circuited.

You’re a tease.

Mills

You make it too easy.

Yeah, I guess I do. Probably because I’d actually lock us in my trailer without a second thought if given the chance.

Withdrawals are not for the weak. It’s been less than twenty-four hours since I last saw Emma. She’s not offered any plans to meet. In my mind, I’ve narrowed it down to two options: either yesterday didn’t mean the same thing to her as it did to me, or she doesn’t fully believe how much I’m into her.

The first is out of my control. The second…

In a split-second decision, I grab my car keys and head to the nearest Chinese takeout spot. My gut’s always been right, and right now it’s telling me it’s time to show up.

I don’t know if she’s going to be alone. She might not even be home. Doesn’t matter. I need to see her.

My personal record is crushed by the time I’m knocking on her door, slightly out of breath and holding to overstuffed takeout bags enough to feed a family of six.

“In case you thought I wasn’t fully invested in wooing you,” I say the second she opens the door, lifting the food.

“Are you bribing me?” she asks, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Is it working?”