Page 72 of Hard to Score

“So am I. Better yet, I think that’s the way I’ll propose to the woman I plan to marry. Nothing like ridiculous fucking gestures to make the whole moment that much sweeter.”

“But you’ve always said you’re never going to get married.”

“Exactly,” he says with a definitive nod and a chuckle as he drops the remote control in mic-drop fashion before striding out.

He must be frustrated if he’s leaving halfway through a football game.

And by the grin on Dekker’s face, she knows he may have dropped the mic, but she got in the last unspoken word.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

BREXTON

I OPEN MY DOOR AND all but swoon at the sight of Drew standing there. He has on a black V-neck, shorts, and a slow, easy grin that slays me from its start.

“Hi.”

“Hi,” he repeats and holds out some daisies to me. “These are for you.”

I emit the giddiest sound, and I’m not ashamed of it as I bury my face into the wildflowers. “Thank you. They smell beautiful.” I reach out and grab his hand.

“I missed you, Brex.”

Jesus. It’s only been minutes and my resolve to keep him at arm’s length is already shot. “I missed you too,” I say and step into him to give him a hello kiss, but he steps back before I can land it.

“Not yet.”

“Not yet?” I laugh, a little confused.

“It pains me to say that. Especially when you’re standing there looking like that and I’m standing here missing you like crazy, but you were right that first night.”

“About?” I laugh.

“About how we did this all backward. Sleeping with each other before ever dating, and so—”

“Why do I think I’m going to regret saying that?” I groan playfully.

“Believe me. Falling into bed with you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done. Staying out of it—doing this the right way—is going to be one of the hardest.”

“So what are you saying, Drew?”

“I’m saying we are going on our first date. I made myself a promise that it will be the best first date ever. I owe that to you.”

My heart melts into the biggest puddle at his feet, and I can’t help but smile. “I don’t even know what to say.”

“Say you’re excited to spend the day with me.”

“I am. I most definitely am.” I take a step closer to him. “Don’t I at least get to give you a kiss hello?” I ask coyly.

He looks at me, jaw clenching, eyes laden with desire. “If you insist.”

We meet halfway in the middle. His thumb and forefinger find my chin and tip my face up to his while his lips press the softest, most tender of kisses on my lips.

It’s the kind that promises things to come. A level of respect that I’ve never been particularly shown before from any man other than my dad. This is a kiss of gentleness we haven’t shared yet.

Of a first we’ve yet to experience.

* * *