As I make it into his yard, he pans around to find me. “Kylie, hey. What’s going on?”

I pant, standing before him, realizing I don’t know my next move.

Can’t it be like a movie, where he dips me and lays on a passionate kiss?

“We’re both single,” I blurt.

He blinks at me.

Geez. Am I completely without game?

He sighs. “Yeah, I was with the guys at the campsite. I really thought you and Parker had things figured out.”

“It was only a week-long relationship,” I brush it off.

“So was mine,” Lewis replies, “and it still hurts.”

My shoulders slump. “I know. I’m just trying to forget it. It feels easier.”

Lewis smiles. “I’m down for the easier option.”

I’m the easier option. Ugh. Why can’t I say it? Is my tongue literally tied?

Lewis chuckles, folding his arms. “I hate to think my dad might be right. He says, ‘Being single is the easiest option.’”

“Oof.” My hand rests on my chest. “Your dad doesn’t sound super romantic.”

“Not exactly. But he might have a point.”

“Don’t be down on love just because you were with the wrong girl.”

Lewis rubs the back of his neck. “You think she was the wrong girl?”

“It’s not up to me. You practically told me she was the wrong girl on the camping trip.”

Lewis huffs. “In my head, she’s been the perfect girl for so long.”

I purse my lips and nod along. “I totally get that.”

“Parker?”

This is the time to stop lying. “No, not Parker.”

“But, you and he...”

We stare at each other for a long beat, awkwardness soaking up the space around us.

He takes a step forward. “Who?”

My heart pounds so hard that my chest rises higher than it ever has. When I catch my breath, I whisper, “You.”

His bottom lip lowers and there’s confusion in his expression.

I suck in air, compensating for the marathon my heart’s undertaking.

“Me?” His brows knit together. “You’re into me?”

Even though the blush covers my entire face, I still tell him, “I have been since the day we met.”