Page 15 of Shamrock Kisses

“That’s how I feel now too, like the pieces have finally come together.”

“Most of them,” I say, gently nudging her.

She tilts her head, raising an eyebrow. “Most?”

“Well … I’d love to have someone to share it all with.”

“Same.”

We smile at each other, and it feels like the conversation just shifted into something deeper, something neither of us wants to say out loud just yet.

“So, this F.I.R.E. thing,” she says, changing the subject. “I bet it helps that you probably make a lot of money in cybersecurity.”

“I’ve made more money hacking.”

“I thought you said you were gray, not black.”

“There are companies out there that offer rewards or prizes for hacking them. It’s a way to test their security. I’ve made more money from that than my actual job.”

Her eyes narrow playfully before she says, “It’s kind of hot that you’re a hacker.”

“Not as hot as you in aBrand Newcrop top.”

She smirks, squeezing my hand as we continue to slowly walk along Main Street. “Do you know that band?”

“Know them? It’s taking everything in me not to say one of their most famous lyrics to you.”

“Hopefully it’s not ‘die young and save yourself.’” She nudges her shoulder into me.

“I’m thinking of one of their other depressing songs … that is also kind of romantic.”

“Aren't you a little young to be into emo music?” she teasingly asks me.

“I thought emo music was more related to being fucked up than age.”

She laughs deeply before saying, “Fair.” Shaking her head, she then looks up at me. “Why are you fucked up?”

“How much time do we have?”

“Don’t tease me, Patrick.”

Rachel saying my name.Fuck.

“Maybe after I take you out on a date, we can talk about that.”

“See!” She swats my arm. “You have game. Stop telling me you don’t.”

“I’m just happy you don’t find me boring.”

“How could I?”

“Plenty of people do.”

She shakes her head. “Not me.” Her smile widens, and I can’t resist anymore.

“Come here,” I whisper, pulling her into another kiss. This time, I let my hands slide down to her waist and then squeeze her ass. When we break apart, I tease, “You’ve got to tell me your workout routine because your ass says you lift too.”

She throws her head back laughing, and I smile, watching her. I really like her.

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