Page 20 of Big Pitch Energy

“Like what?”

“Like where I’m from, and other getting-to-know-you stuff,” I said. “It wasn’t what I was expecting.”

“Sam’s always been a good guy. And trust me, he had plenty of chances not to be,” Ava said, lifting an eyebrow for emphasis.

“Yeah?”

She nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

“Please. He had girls throwing themselves at him all through junior high and high school. He’s always been tall, athletic,charming, so he was basically a teenage rom-com lead. But he was always respectful. Never cocky about it, never took advantage. And as far as I know, he was faithful to every girl he ever dated.”

I tried to play it cool, but inside, I felt the tiniest swoon ripple through me. There was just something about a man who had every opportunity to be a jerk and still chose integrity. It wasn’t just attractive, it was rare. And now I had to sit here and pretend I wasn’t already halfway gone for a guy I was supposed to be helping heal, not daydream about.

“Seems like Liz raised him right.”

“She did.” She speared a noodle and before placing it in her mouth said, “So that’s it? You went to dinner and he asked about your background?”

“Then he walked me back to my car and…”

Ava leaned in, her eyes wide with anticipation.

“And what? Please tell me it’s something good.”

“He kissed me.”

“What?”she shrieked. “Hope! You didn’t lead with the kiss?”

“I know, I’m sorry.” I set my empty plate on the coffee table then settled back into the corner of the couch. “But honestly, I was afraid talking about it might make it real in a way I’m not quite ready for yet.”

“That sounds intense.”

“It was. We were so connected. I’ve never felt energy like that with anyone. Even during Reiki, it’s like there’s this thread between us I can’t explain. Every time I put my hands over him, something sparks. I've never experienced anything like it before. It's like our energies recognize each other.”

“Okay, now I’m officially jealous.”

“And I’m terrified.”

“Why?”

“He asked me out again.”

Ava’s eyes widened again.

“And?”

“He wants to take me to Wilmington on Saturday. Said it’d be easier to talk without small-town eyes watching us.”

“Smart man.” She smiled. “I love this for you.”

“I told him yes, but I’m not sure I should go.”

“Why not?”

I glanced down, my fingers absentmindedly tugging at the hem of my shirt as I hesitated. The soft fabric bunched between my fingers, grounding me just enough to hold the words back a moment longer. I looked up, meeting Ava’s expectant gaze and finally said what had been bouncing around in my head ever since I met Sam Cherry.

“There's such a strong connection between us, Ava. I could really see myself falling for him.”

“And that's bad because?”

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