Page 119 of Hit Me With Your Best Shot

“And now?”

“Now, I think maybe it’s not so impossible. You’ve got me reconsidering everything.”

Wow. I have no idea what to say.

I roll toward him, tucking a hand beneath my chin. “I had no idea what to say so I said I didn't believe in it. When she asked, I panicked. I didn’t want to sound naive.”

Silence.

“You sounded like someone who’s careful about who they let in. I respect that.”

“I don’t know if I believe in love at first sight,” I admit, voice barely above a whisper. “But I do know you gave me butterflies at Five Alarm—and when I saw you, I didn’t know it was you. I thought you were just some random, good-looking guy.”

“Random and good-looking,” he repeats, a teasing edge to his voice. “I’ll take it.”

I roll my eyes, but a smile tugs at my lips. “You know what I mean.”

“So—we got the kid talk and the love at first sight talk out ofthe way. What are the other big ones we should throw out there now that we’re being all deep and honest?”

He can’t see my grin. “You mean like marriage? The zombie apocalypse?”

“Sure.”

“Marriage—yes, but I have to be sure. Zombies? Hard no. I’m not surviving anything if they’re faster than I am and where would I even run?”

He laughs, the sound low and warm in the quiet room. “Noted. I have to save both our asses.”

“Facts.” Pause. “What about you? Marriage…”

“Yeah, for sure. For the right person.”

My face gets even hotter, and I’m grateful he can’t see me blushing in the dark.

I can’t believe we’re discussing this stuff. I feel like such an adult!

“How do you even know when it’s the right person?”

“You just know,” he says simply. “At least, that’s what I’ve always heard.”

“That’s scary.”

“A little,” he agrees, his hand finding mine under the blanket. “But I think it’s also kind of amazing.” Gio pauses. “Any deal breakers besides someone being a Bruins fan?”

Ha ha. But also, true.

I think for a moment, letting his hand settle warmly over mine.

“Someone who doesn’t respect boundaries. Or someone who’s rude to waitstaff. That’s an automatic no.”

“Solid picks,” he agrees. “Anyone who mistreats dogs is dead to me.”

“Okay, good one!” I admit. “Even if Gio sometimes makes me question my sanity.” I go quiet as I think for a few seconds. “Someone who doesn’t know how to communicate, which I have to give you kudos for. You’re amazing.”

“That’s a big one. I agree.”

“Your turn. What are your deal breakers?”

“Hmm.” He pretends to think, but I can hear the smile in his voice.

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