Softens.
Just a fraction.
“Good girl.”
The praise hits me right in the chest.
Warm.
Heavy.
Real.
“Now tell me you’ll come out with me tonight.”
My brain is still catching up.
Still spinning.
But my mouth?
“Oh—okay—I—I’ll go out with you tonight, Rob.”
His grin is slow.
Satisfied.
“Excellent.”
He leans in just enough that I feel his breath against my lips again—but he doesn’t kiss me.
Not this time.
“I’ll pick you up at seven.”
And just like that?
I realize I’m in trouble.
Because I already know I’m going to say yes to whatever comes next.
Chapter 12
Rob
It’s the last night of Maverick Point’s Spring Festival, and yeah—I probably should’ve planned something a little more polished.
Something impressive.
Something traditional.
But the second I see Hadley’s face light up when the Ferris wheel comes into view?
I know I made the right call.
Her whole expression softens, eyes going wide, lips parting in pure, unfiltered excitement.
“I haven’t been on one of these in forever,” she says, almost bouncing on her toes. “Oh, but I love them!”
