Page 15 of Ice, Ice… Maybe?

I assure you that I’m not – and thank you.

Thank you?

If your feet look anything like mine – then I’ll pass, no offense.

Gee, thanks, I think.

It’s a joke.

I was hoping so.

What did you think of your surprise? I hope you liked it.

What surprise?

Her phone rang at that moment.

“Helloooo?” she said in an exaggerated manner, knowing already who it was. “What surprise?”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“No – and by the way, you don’t have to keep doing this. I’m still coming for macaroni and cheese on Friday.”

“There should have been a box on your doorstep. I received a notification at three that it was delivered.”

“Let me go check again.”

“Don’t worry about it…” he muttered in obvious frustration. “And I’ve gotta go. I’ve got a few snooping Frenchmen around me making all sorts of obscene gestures while I’m a captive audience because of the ice bath. I’ve got a few more minutes before I need to get out and…”

“Ah ha!” Becca interrupted, spotting a small white bag tucked neatly behind the large fake potted plant she had on the stoop to make her place feel homey. “It was hidden.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” he sighed in relief. “I’ll call you in a bit, okay?”

“I was actually going to turn in early.”

“Then just text me – and get some rest.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Do you mind me sitting in an ice bath and calling you?”

“No, I kinda feel bad that you’re hurting.”

“Same – so rest those feet, Becca.”

“Thanks, Travis,” she uttered openly because it was really nice to have someone that seemed to understand and allowed her to be her own person. “I appreciate it.”

“What kind of boyfriend would I be if I was bossy and demanding of your time?”

“Are you my boyfriend?”

“Well, technically, we’ll be dating in, oh - let’s say - three more days…”

She laughed softly and heard his chuckle, treasuring it. Whatever this was, it was kind of nice to have someone to talk to who wasn’t pushing her around or telling her what to do. She’d dated a few jerks and bristled at being told how to do something – and always had.

“Then I guess maybe you might be my boyfriend,” she replied softly.

“I hope so.”

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