Exactly, Carrie. Good to see we’re on the same page.
“I do havesomeonein mind,” I admit.
Careful, Don.
Carrie’s like a skittish animal—she’s practically feral when it comes to relationships. I need to tread carefully, here. Before I met her, things were so straightforward—girl likes Donovan, Donovan likes girl, Donovan sleeps with girl. The end. But with Carrie, it’s different. None of my usual moves work. I actually don’t evenwantto use any of my usual moves, which is even more concerning.
Carrie looks pissed at my confession.
“Nowyou tell me?!”
“Surprise,” I say flatly.
“Who’s the lucky girl, then?”
“You’ll see.”
“Scratch that—I don’t want to know,” she muses. “Whoever she is, at least it’ll spare me from knowing which poor victim I’m helping you seduce.”
A maniacal laugh echoes in my head, unless it’s a scream of despair.This damn woman.
“You think maybe one day we’ll get to have a conversation where you’re not tearing me to pieces?”
“Isn’t that why you picked me?”
“Yeah.” I nod. “I’m still hoping I can tame you, though. If I can handle you, I can handle anyone.”
“Well, good luck with that, buddy.”
She sounds determined. I can’t even see the smallest crack where I could maybe ease my way in. But luckily for me, Carrie has armed me with a long list of rock-solid tactics thatshethinks are romantic and I’m very much about to try them out on her.
“Want a drink?”
She nods. “Sure.”
“Glass of milk?”
I watch her eyes slide over to mine.
“Whiskey on the rocks. Make it a double,” she adds.
“I don’t think so.” I shake my head. “I don’t want you climbing up on the table and dropping your Shakira moves tonight.” I beam at her. “So—how about that milk?”
“How about no? What’s with the milk obsession?”
“You’re a growing girl—I care about you, that’s all.”
“Aren’t you so darned sweet?” She rolls her eyes. “I’ll take a juice.”
“Orange?”
“Perfect.”
I fill two tall glasses to the brim and beckon her over to the living room, then I run out to my car for my shirt and tie. While I change, Carrie checks out my trophies and cups and medals.
“These all yours?”
“Yup. There’s more back on campus, too.”
