Page 23 of A Little Broken

All right, Mr. Security. You’ve convinced me. I’ll play. But only for tonight.

6

TATUM

“The Count of Monte Cristo,” I finally answer. “That’s my favorite book.”

Paxton’s brows hitch. “No shit?”

“Is that a problem?”

He shakes his head. “Not at all. I’ve only seen the movie, though.”

“Movie?” I grimace. “Come on, Pax. The book’s better.”

“The books are always better,” he agrees. “I’ll have to giveThe Count of Monte Cristoa read.”

“You mean between rock concerts?” I tease.

“Guess so. Favorite food?”

“Lobster roll,” I answer.

He nods his agreement. “Favorite color?”

“Blue. Like the ocean.”

And Archer’s eyes.

His head bobs again, this time slower. “Favorite dessert?”

“Chocolate shake. For real,” I add. “What about you?”

“Anything home cooked, bright orange, and…also a solid chocolate shake, but I like mine with Butterfinger or Snickers chunks.” He smirks. “Fuck, yeah.”

“Favorite book?” I prod. “Wait, don’t tell me. You’re more of a TV show guy, am I right?”

“Right again, Birthday Girl. And I’m gonna go with…Vampire Diaries.”

I nearly choke on my bite of burger before wiping the edge of my mouth with the back of my hand. “Are you serious?”

“Tuke got me hooked. But it’s only good if you’re high?—”

“And have a chocolate shake with Butterfinger or Snickers in it?”

“Exactly.”

Tapping his shoe against my shin beneath the table, he adds, “So, other than a rockstar buying you dinner, do you have any other birthday wishes since I kidnapped you from your friend tonight?”

“Depends. Are we talking achievable or unachievable?”

“Achievable,” he decides, watching as I pick up a fry from the tray separating us.

Not gonna lie. I’m starving. Rory picked me up straight from the airport, then we went to the hotel so I could change and freshen up before my birthday surprise, aka the concert, and we didn’t have a chance to grab food beforehand. I haven’t been back in town since I graduated high school from American Prep boarding school, but when Rory asked me to fly in for my birthday, I couldn’t say no. As I chew, I weigh my options, grateful he didn’t ask for the unachievable because that would’ve been…awkward. Probably shouldn’t bring up my sister’s dead ex-boyfriend on the first date, am I right? Then again, we’ve broached a few no-no’s for first dates, but he hasn’t pushed his luck, and honestly? It’s kind of refreshing.

He’s refreshing.

I swallow my bite and wipe the edge of my mouth with my thumb. “Well, let’s take a look at how my birthday’s been so far.” The night replays in my mind. “Did a shot on stage.”

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