Page 43 of Revved up & Ready

“I do,” I say, watching her jot it down. “Now give it back. I wasn’t done with that.”

She hands it to me without protest, and it’s flipped to a later page. Just abovelearn to accept complimentsis written:Block Jared

She wrote that recently, but why hasn’t she done it? Last time I read one of his DMs, he said she’snot worth anyone’s time.If that’s what he’s saying to me, what kind of awful shit is he saying directly to her?She’ll hate that I’m asking, but I have to know. “Why haven’t you blocked him yet?”

“What?” she asks, her eyes darting around like she’s been caught doing something she shouldn’t.

“Jared,” I say. “Why haven’t you blocked him yet?”

Her brows furrow. “It never occurred to me until tonight. Devon suggested it, but I have to think about it.”

“Why?” I press.

“Why what?” she responds, crossing her arms as she shifts away from me.

“He’s not good to you,” I say, running my hand through my hair. “He shouldn’t beallowedto contact you.”

“You don’t know that. You can’t—”

I cut her off. “Sadie, the guy—”

“Youinterruptedme,” her mouth falls open.

“Andyouwere defending him. Someone has to stand up for you.”

I expect her to snap back with something like“You’re not my boyfriend”or“This isn’t your business,”but instead, she watches me quietly for a long time, her shoulders rising with deep breaths. Finally, she scoots closer and says, “He’s the worst, butIdecide when I block him.”

It’s not the answer I wanted. I hate that he still has access to her—that he can hurt her again. But she’s giving me a clear“back off”message. This won’t be the last time we talk about this, but for now, I change the subject. “By the way, whenever you’re ready, I’ll take you.”

Her brow furrows, confused.

“To get two tattoos,” I explain.

“Oh, right.” She nods, relieved. Still tucked under her comforter, she drops her legs to the side, resting them on mine. “I’d like that a lot. I can’t think of anyone better to go with.”

Pride swells in my chest, but I move on, flipping the book open to the next pressing issue. “I’m amazed you haven’t crossed off bake a perfect cookie yet.”

“I’m not interested in lying to myself,” she laughs.

“I’ve never eaten one of your cookies that wasn’t perfect,” I say, resting my hand on her knee.

Her eyes fall to my hand, and she rolls her lips to suppress a smile. “Well, you must not be much of a cookie connoisseur.”

“Sadie, I know perfection when I taste it.” My eyes drop to her pink lips. “I’m sure I’ll taste it again soon.”

Her caramel eyes widen, and her chest—I’m no longer able to resist—rises with a soft, shaky breath.Good. I’m getting to her.Her next words come out breathy, “Let me know when you find the scary movie one.”

“Of course.” I grin, turning back to the notebook.This might be my favorite thing I’ve ever read.It’s a wild collection of experiences, from simple things—win a game of Monopoly,stay awake for twenty-four hours—to things she wants to learn—drive a stick shift,to thingsshe wants to accomplish—hold my breath for three minutes, run a half marathon,and even things she can’t control—see a ghost, find five dollars on the ground, see two shooting stars at once.

Pride swells again when I findlet someone read my list. I point out that she can cross it off too.I’m the first person she’s shown this to.

The item that made her blush and hide behind the blanket isdance naked under the full moon. She’s already been brave enough tonight, so I don’t bring it up.Have a good boyfriendisn’t crossed off yet. Even though I don’t deserve to feel it, a sting zaps through my ribs. It’s a sharp reminder that this thing between us isn’t real.I’m not getting to her.

It’s almost one in the morning, but I’m not ready to give her up yet. “You save me any of those strawberry shortcake cookies?” I ask.

“Of course,” she laughs. “I saved you two.”

“You want one?” I ask, already getting off the bed and heading down the hallway.

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