Page 79 of The Future Play

Her hair looks even silkier than normal and is styled with some gentle curls over the bottom half.

She’s so stunning it’s hard to breathe.

“Hi.” God, I’m an idiot.

She laughs a little, smiling sheepishly. “Hi to you too.”

I look beyond her. “Anyone else around?”

“Nope. They went out for the day. I told them I had plans with the girls—they don’t need to know the girls are in Charleston.”

“Sneaky.” I can’t stop staring at her, taking in every inch of her perfect body. The open toe booties she’s wearing show off her toned legs, and everything about her look ties together seamlessly. “I swear I was going to be a lot smoother than this, but I can’t help it. You’re stunning.”

Her cheeks flush, and she reaches for my hand. “Thank you. You look incredibly handsome.”

I feel like nothing compared to her. I’m wearing fitted light gray dress pants with a light brown belt and matching loafers, and a cream-colored button down—with the top unbuttoned and the sleeves rolled halfway up my forearms. I managed to somewhat tame my hair, but all of that pales in comparison to Amanda. She’s steal-the-show gorgeous, and at every stop on our date tonight, I know she’ll turn heads.

“These are for you.” I extend the bouquet for her and she takes it, smelling the flowers and pulling out one of the cake pops.

“Thank you.”

“Do you have everything?”

Her eyes meet mine, dancing with mischief. “I think so.” She grabs a clutch off the table by the door, and when I see a larger bag sitting on the floor, I reach in and grab it.

“Good. Then let’s go.”

I hold out my arm to her, and she slips her arm around my elbow.

This is it.

After all these months, I’m finally getting my date with Amanda. Now I need to make sure I get every moment of tonight right.

“Sushi, huh?”

I shut the car off and turn to Amanda, who is smiling as she looks at the building in front of us.

“I will never forget how you looked at that sushi when I helped you the night after the event. I knew if I was ever lucky enough to take you on a date, this is where I would take you. Or somewhere with great sushi. My mom recommended this place.”

She looks away from the building slowly, meeting my gaze. “Why did you stay that night?”

“You needed help. And… I wanted to get to know you. From the moment we met, I felt that spark between us.”

“Me too. I might’ve developed a little crush on you after that night.”

I reach over and run my thumb over her cheek. “I’m still sorry for not taking your feelings into consideration the night I kissed you. You deserve to be chosen.” I lean in and kiss the corner of her mouth. “To be treated exactly like the queen you are. I screwed up before, but I’m not going to do that again. I will do anything—everything—to be worthy of you and your heart.”

“I know. You keep showing me. With every tiny thoughtful gesture, I know you see me. I hope you know I see you too.” She brushes the back of her hand over the side of my face. “I see behind the mask.”

“You always have.” I let out a shaky breath, then force the words out all at once. “Amanda, will you be my girlfriend?”

Her eyes fly wide, surprise dancing in them. Her lips curve up into a massive smile, then she grabs my shirt, dragging me to her. “Yes. I would love to be your girlfriend.” Her lips brush mine, then she pulls back with a devastatingly sexy smirk. “But it’s cute that you think you haven’t been my boyfriend for the last few weeks.”

Fuck yes.I love that she thinks that. That she knew all along how much she means to me. Still, I run my hand up the side of her neck and look into her eyes.

“It hasn’t been official though. And I want itto be. I don’t ever want you to question where you stand with me. You’re mine. The world should know that.”

Again, she grazes her lips over mine, but it’s not enough for me. I curl my fingers around the side of her neck, holding her in place as I deepen the kiss. She needs to know how serious I am. Now that I have her, I’m not letting her go. I won’t give up or walk away.

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