“It’s number one,” I say.
Gavin stops walking. The tree behind him is overladen with white snow that melts in the sun and drips occasionally, making the tree glittery. “That’s it. I want to know.”
“Final answer?”
“What is this, an American game show?”
“So yes?”
“Aye.”
A blush is already bleeding into my cheeks. I hope it blends into the rosiness I always get from the cold, that it won’t be obvious how embarrassed I am. But my neck feels hot, so I’m guessing my face is bright red too.
What other choice do I have but to tell him the truth now? He’s going to think I’m a floozy, but what’s new?
I kick a pinecone away with my numb toes. “It’s to kiss a Scottish man.”
Gavin stares at me. Did he not hear me? Was I speaking too quietly?
I clear my throat, ready to defend myself against his judginess, when he finally speaks. “Kiss a Scottish man.”
“Yes. It’s not that weird.” My defensive tone is so thick I’m practically throwing walls up between us. “I’ve always kind of wondered if you guys kiss differently from Americans. Luna says Brits kiss the best, but does she just think that because the only Brit she’s ever kissed is her husband? I’ve kissed a lot of men…like, a lot. I feel more qualified to make a fair analysis. I’d be less partial than her.”
Gavin blinks, saying nothing.
More defense? Really? “It’s shallow, I know. But not everyone in this country is as stringent as you are. Some men would be perfectly happy to kiss me for the sake of science…I think.”
He coughs, which suspiciously sounds like he’s trying to cover a laugh. “Science?”
“Well, I’m testing a theory, aren’t I?”
Gavin nods slowly, his eyes never leaving my face. “Callie, there are many,manymen in this country who would be perfectly happy to kiss you for the sake of science. Or any other flimsy reason you throw at them.”
I scoff, but my cheeks could probably cook an egg. “Flimsy?”
“If you want to kiss me, just say so.”
So he wants to go there, does he? “I thought my actions spoke for themselves.”
“Now you’re trying to tell me you only came on to me that night to mark something off your bucket list.”
I kick the snow with the toe of my boot. “It started out that way, yeah.”
“Started out?” Gavin doesn’t take his attention off me. “How has it changed?”
“Well, I lost the desire as soon as you told me I shouldn’t go around kissing every man I see.”
“I’m not sure I used those words exactly.”
“You’re right. It was something more to the effect of: don’t kiss any man unless he’s my boyfriend.”
“I don’t believe that, either.” Gavin’s voice has dropped to a low, husky tone that immediately snatches my attention.
My stomach flutters while the thud of my heart ricochets through my body. “Then whatdoyou think?”
“Physical relationships mean more when there’s an emotional connection first.”
That’s literally a fact. I blink at him. There’s nothing to dispute there.
