I laughed outright and plunked into my chair. “We’re gonna do it backwards, then? Is that the plan? Start with kissing, move on to second base and then get to know eachother?”
“I didn’t mean it that way. I don’t really go out. That’sall.”
“Okay.”
“I could make you dinner,though.”
“Really?”
“Would that be close enough to a date foryou?”
“I’d like that.” I thought of something. “Your fridge was pretty full for someone who doesn’t goout.”
“You have heard of the internet, right, Ms.Cruz?”
“Right.”
“You eatmeat?”
I nodded before catching myself. “Ido.”
“You freetonight?”
“I should really head back out. I haven’t even been to Southwoodyet.”
“It’s late. And Southwood’s on the other side oftown.”
If I caught a bus right away, I could probably hit a few houses.Maybe.
“Let me cook youdinner.”
I really,reallydidn’t want to goanywhere.
I sucked in a long, shaky breath, opened mymouth—
My phonerang.
I didn’t even glance at the number. “Hello?”
“You coming to Southwood tonight? We’ve got a crew here, ready togo.”
Crap. It was my campaignmanager.
“Yes.” I did my best to sound chipper, responsible. Solid, like the candidate I was supposed to be. Not some fly-by-night who stayed for dinner at a cute voter’s house. “Heading over therenow.”
I hung up and looked at Zach, expecting him to be mad or irritated or whatever my previous boyfriends would havebeen.
“Not easily bribed,” he said with a half-smile. “I like that in acandidate.”
I had to smileback.
We said an awkward goodbye at his front door without touching again. Which was probably for the best, though I had to admit that I wantedmore.
I was on the bus when I got histext.
You at Southwoodyet?
No! I just left! You must missme.
