Page 32 of Shamrock Kisses

“No way!” My heart skips, surprised by how serious he sounds.

“I have over a million credit card points.” He shrugs like it’s nothing.

“Like figuratively or literally?” I squint at him.

“Credit card points are a fun game. I have, like, thirty credit cards and read so many Reddit forums about how to maximize points and everything.”

I laugh softly, loving how nerdy he is. “It’s too generous.” I’m reeling that he’s serious about paying.

“I don’t think so. I already have the hotels booked. The airfare would be with points. Those are the largest expenses.”

My heart’s racing. This isn’t him flexing. Patrick’s sincerity scares me a little.

“Let me pay for some of the sushi at least,” I say, getting more excited about the idea of us going to Japan.

“Okay.”

I giggle, the giddiness bubbling up. “What am I going to hate about traveling with you?”

He pauses, thinking. “Some people find it odd when I talk into a translation app and then have it speak for me in public.”

“That’s not so bad. How do you handle when a flight gets canceled or a major delay happens?”

“I roll with it.” Staring into his eyes, I believe him. “Usually, I open my laptop and try to find alternative routes or plans.”

“So I get to be a passenger princess the whole time?” I smirk, continuing to lean into the idea.

“Yes, kitten.”

“I’m warming up to this whole kitten thing.”

Patrick kisses me softly. The kiss feels like a promise. Like we’re going to Japan.

We continue to banter, feeding each other between smiles and laughs until I find myself resting my head in his lap, gazing up at him. The moment is quiet, peaceful, and I feel completely at ease.

“Today is the best day.”

“I agree.” His fingers are gently combing through my hair. His touch is soothing, keeping me at peace with the world.

But I want to make sure we’re on the same page. I hesitate but then ask the question lingering in the back of my mind. “So, you want to, like, do this … be in a long-distance thing?”

He doesn't answer right away. Patrick holds that same steady gaze until I squint at him, half-smiling. It’s crazy to try and put a label on what we’re doing, but I also need to know. We’re flirting with a lot of things right now.

“If you want to put a title on this or agree to some boundaries, I’m open. Know that you’re the only one in my life.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “I don’t have a roster, trust me.” I laugh. “But … yeah … let’s not hook up with anyone else.”

“What else do you want?” His heartfelt voice pulls me in further. I know, deep down, he’d give me anything right now.

I take a breath, surprised at how easy it feels to be vulnerable with him. “I want you to FaceTime me every day when you’re done with work.”

“Sounds good.” The smile on his face. I love it. “Are you usually done cleaning by six each day?”

“I’m usually done by three. I start early and don’t work, like, a full eight hours.”

“When you come to visit next weekend, are you thinking you’ll come by on Friday? I can take the day off.”

I smile, feeling excitement bubble up again. “How about I show up on Thursday night?”

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