Page 89 of For the Promise

“I’m tryingto woo you.”

I start to laugh but sober when I realize he’s serious. Jaxon Raider wants to woo me? Who am I to stand in his way?

I quickly put the flowers in water and Jaxon leads me outside. When we pass his Mustang, I stop.

“Aren’t we driving? We can hardly steal a Smuggler’s Hideaway mascot without a car.”

He frowns. “Steal a mascot?”

“Rhett took Dakota to steal the parrot mascot from Pirate’s Perch on their first date.”

Each town on Smuggler’s Hideaway has a live mascot. Smuggler’s Rest has Viking – the cutest otter ever. Pirate’s Perch has Plank – the dirty-mouthed parrot. And Rogue’s Landing has Rogue – the chaos-causing raccoon.

His frown deepens. “Is that what you want to do? Steal Plank?”

“You need to do something. You’re losing the prank war.”

“How do you know I’m in a prank war with my brothers?”

“Dakota told me.”

“I haven’t thought of a prank yet.”

I wrap my arm around his bicep. “No need to think any further. We could steal Viking. I know where he is.”

“Everyone on the island knows Parker has the otter. We usually rotate who’s watching the mascot, but Parker refuses to give him up.”

“I can’t blame her. Otters are adorable. And Viking is so cute. He gives cuddles for cookies.”

He sighs. “I thought Dakota was the otter lover.”

I shrug. “He’s too cute not to love.”

“I made a reservation atSmuggler’s Covebut I can cancel it and we can go steal Viking instead.”

I bounce on my toes. “No way. It’s theSmuggler’s Reenactment Dinnerweek. I’ve been dying to go, but the tickets were sold out before I even moved to the island.”

He smirks. “Good thing I have connections.”

“Why are you dragging your feet?” I say when he doesn’t quicken his steps to match mine.

“Why are you in such a hurry? I thought we’d have a nice stroll before dinner.”

I wrinkle my nose. “Is this part of the wooing thing?”

He grunts. “I’m trying to be romantic.”

I push up on my toes and kiss his cheek. “You bought tickets to an event I’ve wanted to attend since I learned about it. You’re getting straight As for this date thus far.”

He blows out a breath. “Good. I want you to have fun.”

I frown. I was joking, but he’s obviously not.

“I’m having fun because I’m with you.” The doubt in his blue eyes slays me. “I’m serious, nerd boy. I enjoy your company.”

He meets my gaze for a long moment. “What did I say about calling me nerd boy?”

“You can punish me later.” I wink.

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