Page 98 of The Valentine's Bet

“Not even,” I tease. I’m not even aware of how close Parker is to me until his cologne fills my nostrils, and I realize his arm is resting behind me. “Onto the next?” I ask unsteadily.

“Yeah...” His eyes hold mine for a moment. “And whatever happens after you read this, we’re still going to the concert—and we’re still going to have a great time. No matter what.”

I nod, tearing the envelope open as the limo takes off toward the concert venue. I mentally prepare myself for another rejection as I pull out the card. On the front is just a heart. A simple pink heart. There’s no romantic writing, and I try not to let it serve as foreshadowing. Carefully, I flip it open, passing the typewrittenHappy Valentine’s Dayfor the handwritten part.

Amy,

I just want to start out by saying I am so sorry... But I’m NOT sorry for all the times I ruined your dates. I’m sorry that I ever let you go on them. I’m sorry I let you walk away when I should’ve stopped you. I knew the moment we met that you were different—you caught my eye that night because of the way you lit up the room. And ever since that night, you can’t walk in a room and not be the only one I notice.

I know now I should’ve chased you instead of pushing you away. I should’ve never stopped kissing you after New Year’s Eve. I should’ve kissed you every single day after that. But in truth, I’m scared of love. I’m scared of losing someone that I love. But you’ve known that all along and somehow still see the best in me. And believe in me. And watching you walk away the other night was more painful than any risk not taken. I’m so sorry, Amy. Will you forgive me?

Also, I want to lose the bet tonight and bet on us instead.

Will you be mine? Really mine. Not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day.

I love you, too.

-Parker

I can’t fight the tears as I set the card in my lap, my eyes going to Parker’s. “This is a lot,” I say, my voice cracking.

“I know, I know,” Parker says quickly. “I messed up, Amy...”

“Yeah, but I forgive you.” A tear spills down my cheek and he reaches out, thumbing it away.

“Thank you.” He smiles and then leans back against the seat. “It’s going to be a good night.”

“Yeah.” I lean back, too. “Because youtotallylost the bet.”

He whips his head toward me. “Yeah?”

I grin up at him. “Yeah, I have a boyfriend.Finally.”

“Finally,” he echoes.

“And the best part is, it’syou.”

He smiles, reaching for me. His fingers light a fire against my cheek as he threads them through my hair and brings my lips to his. They’re soft, and the sparks fly the moment our mouths meet.

The fireworks are back.

I part my lips, and all the nerves I felt with Dalton aren’t there. All I feel is warmth and excitement as our kiss deepens, growing hot and heady. Parker’s arm comes down from the back of the seat, wrapping around me and pulling me right into his lap.

My breath hitches as our bodies press close, his hands running down my back. My fingers find his hair, and he groans as I tug on the soft strands. He grips me tighter, his fingers coming in contact with the slip of bare skin showing from my sweater riding up.

He doesn’t travel any further from that spot, but his tongue covers every inch of my mouth as I stay pressed to his chest. Finally,when the limo comes to a stop, Parker slows, pulling away. He holds my gaze, our breaths shallow.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for so long,” he says, still holding me to him. “You’re intoxicating.”

A blush creeps into my cheeks as I slide off his lap. “So are you.”

He chuckles just as the limo door swings open. “Alright, let’s go see this band of yours.”

I break into a smile. “Come on.” I grab his hand and nearly drag him out of the limo, tugging him toward the entrance of the intimate venue. “This is going to be so wild.”

“Yeah, it is,” he says, laughing. “You have no idea.”

“What?” I glance over my shoulder, not understanding what in the world he’s talking about. We reach the door and a couple of guys open it without checking our tickets. “That’s weird,” I mutter, eyeing Parker.

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