Page 75 of The Dating Dare

“A formal dress?” Her jaws went slack at the same time her mind automatically went through the few formal dresses she had hanging in her closet. “What are you wearing?”

“A tux.”

“Holy Toledo.” The thought of Seth in a tux made her knees go weak, and she had to lean against the lamppost she was standing next to.

Seth’s low, sexy chuckle told her he knew exactly how she was reacting to that tidbit. It had been awhile since she’d seen The Ego. She’d kind of missed it. It was so hot when he got all cocky.

“You have to tell me where we’re going,” she demanded.

“Not a chance.”

“What if I tell you I won’t come unless you tell me?”

“I don’t think you’ll do that.”

Dammit.He was right. She wouldn’t miss date number 3 for the world. She wasdyingto know what the surprise was.

“The Ego is clouding your judgment. The only thing predictable about me is that I’m unpredictable.” She didn’t know what the hell she was saying. She was trying to salvage some pride here.

“Just come. Okay? Please? I promise you’ll be happy. I only want to make you happy.”

“Oh,” she sighed. Well, if he put it that way, how could she resist?“Okay. I’ll be ready. I just have to figure out a convincing tale to tell my family why I’m going out in a formal dress. Maybe I’ll tell them I’m having a very belated prom night.”

“You’ve never been to prom?”

“No one asked me, and I was too shy to ask someone.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“I’m a woman shrouded in mystery.”

“Then allow me to peel off every layer.”

“Man, you’re a master of making everything suggestive. How are you turning my awkward high school years into something sexy?”

“It’s a gift.”

“You’re such a dork.”

“That’s a gift, too.”

Her laughter trilled through the night air, and sang in her ears. Even though her cheeks ached, her smile held strong. She couldn’t help it. “I should be getting back. Since I’ve answered your question, will you stop bothering me at work?”

“Only if you promise to text me when you get home.”

“It’ll be past midnight.”

“I’ll wait up for you. I want to say good night.”

He wanted to wait up for her just to say good night? Her heart turned into pink goo. “Okay. I promise.”

“I can’t wait.”

Good gracious. He was killing her with sweetness. It was officially now her favorite way to die. “Stop being corny. I’m gonna go.”

“Bye,” he said with laughter in his voice.

She loved hearing laughter in his voice. She loved hearing his voice, period. Before she made herself sad thinking about not hearing his voice again, she burst into the dining hall and took up position behind the bar. The phone call had taken less than five minutes, butthere were new orders for her to fill. Just as she finished pouring the last batch, Justine walked up to the bar.

---