Page 145 of Bookworm

"Whendid you know it was real? With Hayden?"

She gave me a smile. "That's a tough one. We had an unconventional beginning, definitely a few bumps in the road."

What bumps? I wondered but didn't dare interrupt.

"Looking back on it…I think I knew all along," she said. "I think he did too. We just had to admit the truth to ourselves, you know?"

I nodded.

"Did that help at all?"

"I think so," I said. "Thanks,Magnolia."

"No problem, Charlotte. Enjoy the show."

She walked away, and after a deep breath, I returned to the booth. Bo looked up as I sat across from him. Looking around, I said, "Where did Meech and Shin go?"

"Meech dragged Shin out to dance," he said, studying my face. "You okay?"

"Hmmm," I said. "Your grandma's here."

"I know, saw her walk in with Constance Davenport about ten minutes after we got here."

I shook my head. "Always paying attention."

He shrugged.

"Want to dance with me, Stryker?"

"Is that one of your questions?" he said.

"Yeah."

"Then no."

"Why not?" I asked.

"Because I don't dance in public," he said. "Favorite book?"

"I…there's no way I can answer that," I said flustered both by his quick rejection and the impossible question. "I can give you like a top15books, maybe. But there's no way to narrow it down more than that. Plus, there's all the books I still have to read—"

"Okay, okay, I get it," he said with a chuckle. "You can't pick."

I nodded then said, "Thanks—but back to the dancing. You won't do it? Even for me?"

"Even for you."

With a sigh, I got to my feet. "Okay, I guess I'll just have to go find another partner."

Bo froze. "What?"

"Looks like they're starting a slow song, so that means we'll have to get close. Ah well,it's all good."

As I walked away, Bo was right on my heels.

"Thought you weren't coming?" I said as I turned to him.

He frowned. "Changed my mind."

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