Page 55 of Fall With Me
She reaches over and boops my nose. “Now you do.”
“As an adult, would you have fun at a super tamed down version of Cornbelly’s?”
She shrugs. “Most likely. Why?”
“Because Dawson and I are planning a fall festival with games, food trucks, and other activities for the festival.”
She slaps her hands together. “That’s it!”
I flinch, startled at her sudden outburst. “What’s it?”
Leaning forward, she looks me right in the eye. “You’re happy because of Dawson. Youlikehim! I knew you found him attractive when we all went to Carter’s for the football game.” A smug grin takes over her lips. She settles back into her relaxed position, folding her arms across her chest. “Tell me everything.”
Technically, she hasn’t guessed we’re together. I won’t say it, but I also won’tnotsay it, either. Hopefully, she picks up on my clues and comes to the conclusion on her own. I need my best friend to help me chill and not ruin this with Dawson. “We’ve spent a lot of time together recently, and the more I’m around him, the more I like.” I proceed to tell her all about pizza at The Pie, Finn’s game, the canyon mishap, dinner afterward, and Cornbelly’s.
“Are you going to ask him out?”
Heat saturates my cheeks. Pushing her feet off my lap, I stand. “I believe my laundry is ready for me to switch it over.” I take one step.
Kate’s hands wrap around my arm, dragging me back to the couch.
“You are not getting out of this so easily.” She plops her feet right back onto my lap, pressing against my legs so I can’t move. “Have you kissed?”
“Not yet.” I slap a hand over my mouth, shaking my head. “I meant no. No, we haven’t.”
“Not yet!” she squeals. “But you want to?” She makes kissy faces at me.
Sorry, B. Kate has to know.I knock her feet off my lap again. “I’ll tell you if you stop making those noises.”
She mimes zipping her lips, nodding for me to continue.
“Yes, I want to kiss Dawson. I tried ignoring my feelings for him to protect him, Finn, and me, but it’s no use. I’ve never liked someone as much as I like him.” I suck in a deep breath. This next part is the hardest to say because I haven’t dated in such a long time. I don’t want Kate to push me, but at the same time, I need her support to help me when I freak out or worry I won’t be good enough. “We’re dating.”
She jumps on the couch, like Tom Cruise did onOprah. “I knew you’d find love one day! I’m so happy for you, Chlo.”
“Whoa, woman!” I yank her down. “I didn’t say I loved him.” Though it won’t take long to get me there. Not if Dawson keeps being as sweet and fun to be around. If he sucks at kissing, it might sway me to only like him and never love him, but something tells me, based on our experience at Cornbelly’s, his kisses will set me on fire.
And I’m ready to burn.
She smooths her hair back in place. “Sorry. I got a little excited for a second there. When was your first date and why didn’t you tell me about it?”
“We’re going out—no.” I hold up a finger. “We’re staying in, but it will be our first date Saturday night after Finn goes to bed.”
“You two will be all alone in his house?” She looks at me like I have no self-control and won’t be able to restrain myself from undressing Dawson.
“Finn’s there.”
“Sleeping.In a different room.”
“It’s our first date. You know I don’t kiss on the first date. And if there’s no kissing, there most definitely will not be anythingelsehappening.”
“Rules are meant to be broken.”
My jaw drops open. “Why are you pushing the physical side of our relationship so hard?”
“Because you haven’t seriously dated in years. I’m worried you’ll take your sweet ol’ time like usual and Dawson will lose interest.”
My stomach hardens. “So you’re saying I’m not good enough to keep a guy around for long?” She’s right, but hearing it hurts.
