Page 41 of More Than a Little Spark

Before the waitresshas even taken our drink order, Carson has all of us laughing.Because Dallas and Rose rode with us, I’m guessing whatever important thing Carson wants to talk about will wait until after dinner.And I’m trying to be patient, though I was not born with that skill.

Carson’s arm is draped over the back of my chair, and as he tells a story, he’s using his index finger to draw circles on my shoulder.It’s a light touch, but it has my insides singing.While sneaking around is a little exciting, I love these nights when we’re out at a restaurant with friends, and he has his arm around me.It’s so comfortable.So right.

The waitress takes our drink order, and as she walks away, Carson taps my shoulder.“Beau is hosting a Fourth of July party at the ranch again.He goes all out.”

Dallas nods.“It’s a blast.I heard they’re doing fajitas this year.”

“Fun!I imagine that will be a great party.”I don’t let my smile slip, but it’s moments like these when I wish we didn’t have to sneak.It would be wonderful to attend ranch events as Carson’s girlfriend.

He leans in closer.“I was thinking that you should come to the party.With me.”

Silent, I stare at him with my mouth open, replaying his words.

“Do you want to come?”His brow furrows.“I’d introduce you to everyone and let Fred know we’re dating.But if you’d rather not, we don’t?—”

I’m really trying not to cry in the middle of the restaurant.Nodding, I shoot a look at Rose, who is grinning from ear to ear.

“I’d like that.A lot.”

He kisses my forehead.“Awesome.That’s what I didn’t want to talk about over the phone.I don’t want you to miss out on a great party.Plus, it’s getting hard keeping you a secret.Three times last week, I nearly slipped up and said something to Fred about you.I think about you all the time.”

“Same.Not the part about almost telling Fred.But the thinking about you part.”I wiggle in my seat.“I’m so excited.This will be amazingly fun.Let me know what I should bring.”

“I’ll ask Ava.”He goes back to drawing circles on my shoulder as the waitress approaches.

And just like that, we aren’t keeping secrets anymore.I might be a smidge too excited about making the relationship public.But it feels significant.

After dinner, we drop Rose and Dallas off at their house, where my car is parked.I wait in the passenger seat until my friends go inside because I’m not ready to say goodbye.

Once the front door closes, I lean in for a kiss.

He meets my lips, then says, “Want to walk for a bit?”

“Yes.”Instead of reaching for the door handle, I wait because Carson is such a gentleman and always comes around to open the door.

Hand in hand, we stroll down the path.The summer sun is low in the sky, but still spreading light across the ranch.

“What do I need to know about this party?Give me all the details.”I will definitely be shopping for something to wear.

“We all gather near the pool.There’s tons of food.Then when it’s dark, many of us drive over to the county park to watch the display.And I’d love for you to come along for that too.”

“Oh!A pool party.”

He flashes a grin.“I’ll be in a swimsuit, so hopefully you won’t change your mind.”The wink at the end makes it clear that he’s joking.

A new swimsuit is on my shopping list for sure.

We stop, and Carson points at a swing hanging from the branch of a large tree.“Hop on.I’ll push you.”

“I didn’t even know this was here.”I sit on the swing and grab the ropes on each side.

“I drove over last week and helped Dallas install it.He called and asked for my help.I thought maybe that was your doing, but you never mentioned it.”

“I had no idea.”I hold on tight as Carson pulls me back before giving me a gentle shove forward.“Did he say anything?I mean, about us?”

“Not directly.He just asked me about eight times how things were going in general.Dallas was looking out for you, I think.”When I swing back to Carson, he gives me another push.“But that got me thinking about the upcoming party.And I know some parents wait a really long time before introducing their kids, but I think it’s a good time for Fred to meet you.Not just in passing, but as my girlfriend.”

I look back over my shoulder and say, “Obviously, I’m happy about that.But if for any reason you change your mind, I’ll understand.Because nothing is more important than your relationship with Fred.I get that.That’s how it should be.”

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