Page 28 of Shamrock Kisses

I laugh, but his question lingers. “What do you mean?”

“Trading our time for money … that’s why I’m motivated to retire early. I want to live the fullest life possible, not just spend it working.”

“I’m sure you’re very frugal, but what’s one thing you splurge on?”

“Travel. Like when I’m on vacation, there’s no budget. I’m just swiping away. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so in those situations, it’s time to go all out.”

The idea of him, free and unrestrained, makes me smile. “Sounds like you’re fun to travel with.”

“I am.”

“When’s your next trip?” I ask, curious now about the places he’s been, the adventures he’s had.

“Japan at the end of next month.”

We lock eyes, the silence stretching between us, thick with an unspoken challenge. There’s a flirty tension in the air, something unplanned but undeniably exciting.

“I’m not inviting myself on your Japan trip,” I tease.

“Why not?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “We just met.”

“You’re the one that said this was fated.”

“Fated? Did I say fated?”

“You said it without saying it … about the bar and how it brings people together.”

I can’t stop the smile from spreading across my face.He’s got a point.

“How about you come to Chicago next weekend, and if that goes well … then you come to Japan with me.”

The idea catches me by surprise, but the thought of it—seeing him again, maybe even traveling together—it’s crazy, but I want it. I can’t believe we’re talking like this, but it feels right.

“I would like to see you in Chicago next weekend … and we can pencil in Japan.”

I bite my lip, trying to contain the excitement bubbling up inside me. “I have to return you by noon tomorrow?” I ask, changing the subject.

“You can return me whenever you’re bored of me.”

“That’s not going to happen.” He lets go of my hand and moves it to my thigh. I quickly stare down at it and then look back at his cute bearded, glasses face. “So … let’s bed rot all of tomorrow morning?”

“Goblin mode, snuggling with you … sounds perfect.” He squeezes my thigh, and I love it.

23

“Your house is cute,” I say as we pull into her driveway. It’s a little ranch home.

“Thanks.”

Rachel shuts off the car, and I pull her into me by the back of the neck. Kissing her, it feels electric. “It’s been too long,” I whisper as our lips part. I chuckle inwardly. I haven’t kissed a girl in months, and now going ten minutes without a kiss feels too long.

She giggles, and I’m happy to bring her smile back.

“I’m guessing your house is going to be spotless,” I say, opening my car door.

“I’m a bit of a clean freak.”

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