Page 11 of Mended Hearts

“As much as I want to sit next to you, I’d rather sit across from you so I can see your beautiful face.” It’s as if he read my mind…or maybe my face. He seems good at doing both.

“What can I getcha to drink?” the brunette asks, dropping two flimsy menus in front of us.

“I’ll have a root beer, please.”

“Same,” Dustin says with a smile.

“Be right back.” She dashes off.

Dustin looks down at his menu, naming off each item and rating it. “I’d give their burgers a solid eight. Their chicken fried steak is subpar.”

I snicker at him, causing him to look up.

“What?” he sheepishly asks, grabbing my hand that’s on the table.

“Nothing.” I shake my head. “You’re just cute.”

“Cute,” he repeats, raising a brow.

My cheeks heat and I know I’m blushing. “Fine, more than cute,” I admit. He shrugs, accepting my answer as the waitress returns and sits our drinks down.

“Y’all know whatcha want, or do ya need a minute?”

“I’m not really all that hungry,” I admit as I shut my menu.

“Well, in that case…” Dustin gives me a wicked smile. “Let me do the honors.” He grabs my menu, places it on top of his, and holds them out for the waitress. “Extra-large chocolate shake for her. And an extra-large order of fries for me,” he orders.

“I’m not sure who’s going to croak from a heart attack first.” I laugh at the calories we’re about to intake.

“I have a feeling if there’s any croaking, it will be mutually timed,” he retorts.

“Aw, are we going to die like Noah and Ally did inThe Notebook?” I propose with a giggle.

“The Notebook.” He scrunches his nose and furrows his brows.

“Never mind.” I shake my head with a smile.

Our waitress returns and sits the massive chocolate shake in front of me and the fries in front of Dustin.

“We’re sharing,” he adds. “Fries are meant to be dipped into chocolate shakes. I’m pretty sure it’s a rule somewhere. Just like peanut butter and jelly. They go hand in hand.” He shrugs.

“Are you pregnant?” I ask, trying to keep my face serious but can’t. I burst into a fit of laughter, and he follows suit.

“Listen,” Dustin says, dipping a fry into my shake, then shoving it into his mouth, “don’t knock it till you try it.” He raises a brow, challenging me.

“Fine,” I huff, grabbing a fry. I lightly dip it into the chocolate goodness, not wanting to fully coat it. I’m not about to go all in and it be disgusting. I hold it in front of my face and stare hesitantly. I look at Dustin, who’s snickering and shaking his head.

“It’s not going to kill ya.”

I close my eyes and take a bite. I almost pinch my nose for safety measures. I’m not one to step outside of my box. When I know I like something, I stick with it. I don’t continue trying other things to add to my palate. Maybe I’m uncultured. The cold chocolate hits my taste buds first, followed by the salty warmth from the fry. I quickly push the bite down my throat and take a long sip of my chocolate shake to get the taste out.

“You’re nasty, Dustin. I can’t even believe I like you,” I tease, taking another slurp of my shake. “The only thing that should ever go with French fries is ketchup. Or ranch. Because ranch goes with everything.” I huff.

“Now you’re the one who’s nasty,” Dustin says as he shivers with disgust.

“Take it back.” I stand and move to his side of the booth. “Take it back, Dustin.” I start tickling him. “If this is ever going to be more, you need to take it back.” I laugh as I continue tickling him.

“You can’t tickle me into submission.” He laughs, acting like he’s trying to get away. But I know better. He likes the closeness, even if it’s just us being silly.

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