Page 85 of The One Next Door

Nothing about this date was like being with Desmond. Or anyone else. There was an ease talking to Carter that was new to me. It didn’t make me less nervous, but I didn’t feel like I had to defend myself from criticism. Or worse, answer rapid-fire questions like I was on some kind of awkward job interview.

“So what about you?” I asked. “Desert island favorite movies. And please don’t sayFight Club.”

“Huh?”

“That’s supposed to a red flag, when a guy’s favorite movie isFight Club.”

“Interesting. I see that,” he replied.

“You look like you’re rethinking your answer.”

“I’m not, actually. I likeFight Club, but it’s not desert island worthy.”

“Phew.”

“I think my all-time favorite movie isDazed and Confused.And for the other four… I’m thinkingStar Wars, Top Gun, Beetlejuice,andWhen Harry Met Sally.”

“Huh? Seriously?When Harry Met Sally?”

“I like a good rom-com too. And that’s a classic.”

“Agreed.”

“Plus, we’re stuck on a desert island. We’re going to need something to lighten the mood. I wouldn’t want to be out there in the middle of the ocean with nothing but gore and violence.”

“So, in this scenario, we’re trapped on the desert island together?” I laughed.

“I guess so.”

“So you know what that means?”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Technically, we have ten movies,” I chuckled. “That should keep us occupied for the first couple days.”

“And what do we do after that?” he asked, slyly.

“Well… I’m sure we can think of something.”

My cheeks flushed and the air between us felt thicker. I took a sip of my wine to steady myself.

“Where is Rex in this little scenario?” he asked. “Back on the mainland with Desmond?”

“No, he’d be with us.”

“Makes sense.”

“But, there are times when we get to be alone,” I mused. “When Rex is off in the tree hut reading. Or watching his own desert island movies. With noise cancelling headphones.”

“We’re getting pretty fancy on this desert island. Tree hut. Noise cancelling headphones.”

“I know. I think in this scenario our luggage got stranded with us.”

“That’s a relief.”

“We’re doing pretty well for ourselves on this island,” I point out.

“Oh, I totally agree,” he said. “I think I can manage construction of a tree hut if Rex can help me with the walls and stuff. Thatching might work for a roof.”

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