Page 45 of How Sweet It Is

“I hate wearing it down.”

He tilts his head to the side. “Why?”

“It gets in my way. And I don’t like taking the time in the morning to make it look good. It’s just easier to put it up.”

“Ah. I see.”

I pinch his arm. “You see what?”

“That’s the librarian in you.”

I don’t understand what he’s saying. “The what?”

He laughs. “Never mind. You’re just a very practical person.”

I nod, liking that adjective. “Yes. I’m practical.”

“What did your last boyfriend think of that?”

I’m flustered by his question. I graduated high school at age sixteen and finished college in just two years, all while working at my parents’ flower shop. I was too focused on school and the business to do anything as frivolous as date. Then after I got a job working for Victor, I was working full-time and continuing to help the family business. The reality is I didn’t have time for men. Luckily, a knock sounds on my door, and I rush to open it.

“Hey, Kiki.”

She comes into my apartment, and Skyler runs to her. “Kiki!”

“Did you get a lot done?” I ask.

“Yes, thank you. We finished all the centerpieces.” She smiles at me. “Your hair looks nice down.”

“She’s a princess,” Skyler says.

Kiki takes in the blankets and cushions all piled up, and her grin fades. “Oh, dear. Did Skyler make all this mess?”

I laugh and wave a dismissive hand at the mess. “It’s fine. We built a fort.”

Levi grabs my phone and turns off the music. “Are you ready for your wedding?”

Kiki shakes her head. “No, but I’m closer now. I appreciate the help.” She turns to Skyler. “Come on. Let’s get you to bed.”

I wave goodbye to Kiki and shut the door. I turn to Levi, and he’s grinning at me like he just pulled off the perfect prank. “What?”

“You’ve never dated anyone, have you?”

CHAPTER 22

LEVI BARRETT — SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Amelia squirms, and I can’t help it. I grin at her. “Was our dinner at La Cantina del Sol your first date?”

Her face flushes. “That wasnota date.”

I walk to her. “Then, you haven’t had a first date?”

“My dating history is none of your business.” She folds her arms across her chest.

I pull her braid over her shoulder. She takes a step back, but I match it. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

“I’m not embarrassed.”

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