Page 78 of Scoop Me Up
“Worth a try,” I suggested.
“Definitely worth a try.” Sam’s dark eyes sparkled as he agreed and I could tell the wheels of his brain were spinning and working already.
A few minutes later, thunder rumbled in the distance and the mayor glanced outside at the darkening sky. “Looks like a stormis coming. You two should head home before things get too nasty out.”
“Will do,” Sam said. A few minutes later, the mayor had left and Sam and I were alone. They turned to me. “You want to taste my newest flavor?”
“Seriously? Of course I do.”
“Let’s taste it before we leave.” They hurried back to the kitchen and returned with a pint of ice cream in an unmarked white container, a single spoon in their other hand. We took a seat at one of the mismatched tables and Sam popped the lid off the pint. Inside, the ice cream was white with swirls of white fluff and something red.
“What is it?”
Sam grinned. “Vanilla ice cream. Strawberry and marshmallow swirls.”
“Sounds amazing.”
“I hope so. I haven’t tasted it yet.” They dipped the spoon into the ice cream and passed me the first bite.
“You should go first.”
Sam shook their head. “It’s for you.”
My heart fluttered in my chest as I took the first bite, touched that Sam would create a special flavor and let me try it before they did. The ice cream was cold and creamy, a hint of vanilla before the flavors of strawberry jam and marshmallow hit my tongue.
“Too sweet?”
I shook my head. “Sam, this is incredible. I love it. Youhaveto put it on the menu.”
“I’m glad you like it.” They bit their bottom lip and took a deep breath. “Ask me what it’s called.”
My eyebrows raised, I asked the question. “What did you name it?”
Sam’s dark eyes met mine and held my gaze, unwaveringly, and they dropped their voice to a low murmur. “Love You Berry Much.”
My stomach did a somersault, butterflies filling me. My throat was thick with emotion and I struggled to find the words to reply.
“I love you, Gabe. You don’t have to say it back. I know it’s fast. We’ve only known each other a couple of months. But… I love you. I do. And I needed you to know.”
I swallowed hard, taking a slow, shaky breath. “I love you too, Sam.”
They blinked rapidly, eyes shining, fighting back tears. After a moment, they leaned in and pressed a sweet kiss to my lips. When they pulled away, we both let out shaky laughs, overwhelmed with emotion.
Sam cleared their throat and nodded at the pint between us. “Can I taste it?”
I laughed again, giddy, body light and bubbly. “Of course.” I scooped up a spoonful and fed it to Sam gently. “What do you think?” I asked after a moment.
Sam nodded thoughtfully and took one of my hands in their own. “It’s good. It’s really good.”
We sat there for a long moment, just holding hands and enjoying the moment. Just as I was about to suggest we head home, the skies opened up, rain poured down, and a crash of thunder made us both jump.
I sighed. “Well… now what?”
Sam grinned mischievously. “I have one more thing to show you.”
I furrowed my brow. “If that was a sex joke…”
They laughed and shook their head. “Not this time. Come with me.” They stood and led the way, me trailing behind as we made our way past the counter, into the back of the shop, and to thelocked door that led upstairs. Sam stood in front of the door, smiling widely, eyes bright. “Ready?”
