Page 26 of The First Play

I giggle. “Are you kidding? I love this!” My voice pitches with enthusiasm because this is so freaking amazing! He made riddles and envelopes for me!

“Do you know what it is?”

“I’m guessing golf, but…” My nose wrinkles. “I’m not very good at it.”

He starts the engine back up with a grin. “It’s mini golf, and I’m sure you’re gonna be great.”

Brushing my thumb over the poem, I shake my head. “Just promise me you won’t let me win out of pity?”

He glances at me, looking almost surprised that I said that.

“I’m serious.” I raise my eyebrows. “That’s such a lame way to win. I’d be gutted if I knew you were holding back. If I beat you, it has to be legit.”

“You’re on, Erling.” He nods, his lips twitching with a smile.

Oh, how I am falling for this boy!

“Let’s play, Donohue.”

CHAPTER 10

ZANDER

So, she’s right about golf not being her strong suit.

But it gives me an excuse to stand behind her, wrap my arms around her, and show her the best putting motion and how much power to use.

By the twelfth hole, she’s totally getting it, and she actually beats me on the back nine.

“Impressive, Blondie.” I shake her hand like any gentleman would do after a sports game.

“Blondie? Really? You can do better than that.” She wrinkles her nose, looking all kinds of adorable.

I laugh. “Okay, well, so far I’ve tried Bright Eyes, Erling, Blondie, and… Blue, which you said I can’t use because your dad calls you that.”

She nods emphatically, then tucks a long lock of blonde behind her ear.

Tapping my chin, I go for thoughtful, tipping my head and studying her.

She grins, her eyes sparkling like diamonds… and that’s when it hits me.

“It’s gonna have to be Sparky.”

Her laughter is magic, and I wrap my arms around her before I can stop myself. Lifting her off her feet, I give her a quick spin, then grab her hand and walk her back to my car.

“Is it time for the next envelope?”

She sounds so excited, but it takes me a second to answer her, because all I can feel is her body still pressed against mine. It’s taking everything in me not to lift her off the ground again and just carry her around like that for the rest of the night.

“Zander?”

“Uh, yeah.” I clear my throat, then smile at her. “It’s time for your second lame poem of the date.”

Her laughter is music. She’s living life with a personal soundtrack, and I want to make it mine. I could build a playlist from her delighted squeals, her soft giggles, the little “mmm” she makes when I’m talking, like she’s actually hearing what I’m saying and is interested.

Unlocking the car, I pull out the stack of envelopes, leaning against the frame and standing as close to her as I can while she selects the next one.

Her eyes dart to mine, and I can’t help glancing at her lush lips before our gazes connect again.

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