Page 89 of His Secret Gift

“I think it would be rude not to.”

But then I sit back and cross my arms. “You first.”

He grins. “No fair. If we’re going to do this, we should do it together.”

Ugh.I roll my eyes but nevertheless take the mug in my hands. “Ready?”

Jack lifts his and nods. “Set.”

“Go!”

We tip them back, but I have to stop when the heat becomes too much for my throat.

“Oh, goodness.” I use the back of my hand to wipe under my mouth.

“Done!” he announces with an eyebrow raised before opening his mouth like a professional speed eater to show me it was all gone.

I quietly clap. “Very impressive.”

“Here.” His fingers are flapping back and forth.

“What?”

“I’ll drink yours.”

“Really?”

He cocks his head to the side, and his dark eyes widen. “Yes, but I’m about to change my mind—” he mutters through a clenched jaw.

“Here!” I shove it over to him. Then, I watch as he chokes it back. When it’s gone, I inspect the empty glass. “My hero.”

He does a little bow. “Thank you, thank you.”

At least we still have water to sip. That’s safe.

“So, did you have a nice time today?”

“I did,” I respond after sipping through the straw.Especially the part where we almost kissed.But almost being yacked on kind of ruined the mood. Although, I’m hopeful to get into it again.

“Good.”

“Did you?”

“I did.”

Then, having just thought of them, I lean over the table with my chin in my hand and ask him, “What do you think Murphy and Moe are doing right now?”

“Ah!” He looks up before meeting my gaze. “I think Moe is consoling Murphy for missing us.”

That makes me laugh. “No! They’d never target us!”

“Wouldn’t they?”

“No! They’re our friends.”

He seems to just look at me for a few seconds.

“What?” I raise the napkin in my lap. “Is there something on my face?”

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