Page 95 of The Enemy Face Off

"Not if you like her, and it's pretty obvious you do."

"It is?"

Boden nods in the mirror. "I received an email from the International Space Station earlier today. They can see your attraction to Beth from up there."

"Right."

"For what it's worth, she's into you, too."

"Has that been confirmed by the ISS?"

He grins. "Yep. And by me, too. I've seen the way she looks at you. Just relax and have a good time. Don't get all first-datey about it. You've got nothing to worry about."

Oh, but I do.

Even though Beth and I have known each for almost a year, a first date feels different.

Itisdifferent.

I want it to be special and memorable. Plus, she's read more than her fair share of romance novels, so I havea lotto live up to. "You don't think going to the fair is pathetic?"

"Not at all. It's…cutesy."

"Hmm."

I finish tying my hair into a bun.

Cutesy.

Isthatwhat I'm going for?

Well, I don't have any other ideas, and it's too late to change my mind now, so I cross my fingers and pray that Beth likes it.

"This is so…" Beth glances around the fair.

String lights are draped between trees and along stalls, sounds of laughter and cheerful music from a live band playing near the main stage mingle in the air, and game booths buzz with activity.

"Cutesy?" I offer.

"Yeah. Cutesy. Perfect word, Mr. Payne."

"Not as perfect as how you look tonight," I say, because man, Beth is even more stunning than usual.

And it's not just because of the stylish outfit she's wearing—a white linen blouse tucked into high-waisted, dark denim jeans, paired with black ankle boots, a simple silver necklace and delicate stud earrings.

Or the little extra makeup she's got on—like the bright red lipstick that makes her soft lips look even more inviting.

Or the spicy scent of her perfume wafting in the air—a captivating mix of cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.

No.

It's more than that.

There's something about her—a confidence she's exuding—that isreallydoing it for me.

Meanwhile, I'm hoping I've put on enough deodorant to mask my underarm sweat so she can't see how much I'm freaking out.

I want tonight to go well, and I really want her to enjoy herself and have a good time.

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