“I’m going to write fanfiction about them,” Ann-Sabrina says, straightening her crown.
“If you ever want to start a podcast, I’ve got connections,” Steve says.
Antonio’s fingers lace with mine. He tugs my hand lightly but the meaning is clear.
I give his hand a reassuring squeeze.
“We were about to get lemonade,” I say mildly, already steering us away.
I hand him an ice-cold soda, then lift my own.
“You stole the entire town’s heart,” I say. “I’m so in awe of your mind.”
He shifts his weight, looking anywhere but me at first, but then he gives me a soft, private smile, and it makes me want to — Jesus.
It makes me want to do everything.
All at once.
Repeatedly.
I almost tell him then. I almost confess that I’m already so in love with him that there’s no going back.
Not that there ever was. I was his from the first scowl.
But this moment is not about my feelings. This is about his brilliance, his passion, his competence.
My love is not going anywhere.
CHAPTER 46 – ANTONIO
We’ve been driving for thirty minutes.
Caspian has survived E-Type, the Spice Girls, and La Bouche withoutrevealing our destination.
No Doubt is playing now, and he just won’t budge.
“Can you at least give me a hint?” I ask. “Or is it against your vow ofsilence?”
Caspian grins. “I could, but I won’t.”
I glare at him. Zero success. He shouldn’t enjoy my suffering like this.
“You’re taking the lyrics too literally. Gwen Stefani doesn’t mean you can’tspeak.”
Caspian’s smile is affectionate.
“Clever. But it’s still a surprise.”
“Shakespeare once wrote that ‘in delay there lies no plenty.’ What do you say about that?”
“I admire your bottomless vault of weird quotes, but I’m not telling you,” he says fondly.
Staring out the window, I let out a small, pitiable sigh.
“I changed my mind. I don’t want to know. If you decided to tell me now, I’d cover my ears.”
I look at him surreptitiously. He seems amused.
