Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88212 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88212 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
I cross my arms and lean against the wall. “Yes, Miles. Now that you have me, what are you going to do with me?”
“None of your business,” Miles snaps, but with less fire than usual, as if unsure how to act around them.
“It was a joke,” Andy pipes in. “You know…being funny? Breaking the ice.”
“Hey, chill,” I tell him.
“Whatever,” Miles says. “What’s between us is between us.”
I figure that’s as good as it’s going to get for now. I can’t push too hard too fast.
“Exactly,” I say. “Don’t wait up, boys. Daddies will be out late.” I walk to the door, stopping right in front of Miles, cocking my head in a silent question. When he gives me a small nod, I press my lips to his, partly placating, partly staking my claim. “Let’s go on our date, boyfriend.”
He grumbles, but doesn’t argue, going outside with me.
“What was that all about?” Miles asks when we’re in his car, driving away.
“I wanted to make sure everyone knows where we stand.”
“Boyfriends.” The word sounds funny on his tongue.
“You don’t have to say it like you’re miserable.”
He chuckles. “I’m not. It’s just…weird. You must admit it’s weird.”
“Definitely weird,” I agree.
“It’s still messing with my head.”
“Same. But it’s nice too.”
“We’ll see about that,” Miles mumbles.
I laugh, not taking offense. I have a feeling he’s more worried about messing up or how he’ll measure up in the boyfriend department than anything else. I hate that Miles has such a low opinion of himself, when in reality he’s sweet, has a big heart, and is fiercely loyal. He proved that when I was upset about my father and when he shared what he did for Caleb. “You’re a good boyfriend.”
“Why in the hell are you saying that?” He looks scandalized.
“Because you planned a fun date for us and picked me up in hostile territory and everything.”
“Your frat brothers hate me.”
“No, they don’t.”
“Great, you’re lying to me already. How will this relationship ever work?”
I like sarcastic Miles. He makes me happy.
“We’re doing okay so far. It’s basically the same as before.”
“Only now we’re going on a date.”
I snicker. “Well, you did pay a thousand dollars for me.”
He groans like he still can’t believe he did that, and while I don’t want him to be out that money, I can’t deny it feels good to have him want me all to himself that much.
“I’ll pay half of it.”
“No.”
“Yes,” I argue.
“Are we having our first fight? I’m not sure I’m prepared for that yet.”
“Just agree with me, and we won’t.” I set my hand on his thigh. “I’m not saying you’re nervous, but if you are, it’s okay. I’m nervous too.”
“We should try not talking about our feelings. It’s easier that way.” Miles pulls into the parking lot of a steakhouse. “It’s important to me to pay.”
“You literally put out a thousand dollars to go on this date. Doesn’t it make me a bit of an ass not to at least go halfsies with you?”
“It’s still my date. I want to pay.”
One I basically asked him to ask me to go on, but I let it go.
As I’m about to get out of the car, Miles says, “No. Like…stay there.”
“Okay…” What’s going on?
Miles gets out, walks around the car, and opens my door. I try not to let my mouth drop open, staring at him, heart thumping and maybe swelling as it computes what’s happening.
“You can get out now.”
“You opened the door for me.”
“Is that weird?”
I smile. “No. It’s incredibly fucking sweet.”
And I really, really like him. Maybe more than I should. Probably more than I should.
I get out, Miles closing the door behind me, then opening the one to the restaurant. He gives his name for our reservation, and the hostess seats us.
“I forgot to ask if this is good. Did you want another kind of food?”
I give him another smile. “This is perfect. You’re very good at this dating thing.”
“I don’t know if I would go that far.”
“I would.”
They take our order, and I get a steak salad, Miles a ribeye and a baked potato. There are moments where things are slightly awkward, or moments of silence, but I think it’s mostly our nerves. Overall, the conversation goes smoothly, and Miles is clearly trying hard to be a perfect gentleman.
“Are you sure I can’t split the bill with you?” I ask when we’re done eating. Good cause or not, I really don’t want him to have to pay a thousand dollars for me in the auction either, but I’m not sure how to handle that.
He shakes his head. “My date, I’m paying.”
“My treat next time, then.” And the time after that, and the next few as well, but I keep that to myself.
“We have to do this again?” he asks, eyes wide.
A laugh tumbles out of my mouth. “Not if you don’t really want to.”