Page 70 of Mr. Swoony

“Oh, that’s a good one. I want to add that to mine.” I toss my empty cup in the next trash can we pass.

“Sorry, it’s not thirty-one things before you turn thirty.”

He stops at one of the businesses and opens the door for me. I go inside, not sure what this place is, but not questioning him.

“It can be whatever I want it to be. It can be thirty-two.”

“When do you turn thirty?” He puts his hand on the small of my back to lead me farther into the store, and I memorize the shape and feel of it so that I can revisit it later.

“November.”

“Do you really want to add to that list? I’m not sure you’ll have time to finish yours before you turn thirty.”

I stop and stare at him. “You’re putting stipulations on it like you’re all high and mighty because you have, like, two years before you turn forty.” I have no idea how I keep a straight face.

His forehead crinkles, and he narrows his eyes. “I’m not Tweetie. I have almost a fucking decade before I turn forty.”

I stick my tongue out at him and giggle, finally looking around to see where we are. I realize it’s a boutique that just opened that I’ve heard about and wanted to come check out.

“Why are we here?” Did he somehow know I wanted to see what this place has to offer?

“I meant to ask you before we arrived, but then you insulted me, and we got distracted. I have to attend a dinner my agent is hosting, and I’d really like you to be my date.”

Excitement wars with nerves in my chest. I open my mouth to respond, but he shakes his head, holding my gaze.

“Before you answer, Jade and Kyleigh will be there, so you won’t be alone. And Henry wants to go camping after, so it’ll be a whole weekend thing. We can cross off camp outside, watch a sunrise, and spontaneous trip from your list. And if you really want to go for more, I’ll even book us a train trip there.”

“Um… and this?”

“I hope you’ll allow me to buy your dress for the event, and for selfish reasons, I want to see you do a fashion show for me.”

My stomach feels as if it has bubbles expanding and popping inside. “When is it?”

He tucks me into the corner away from everyone. “Remember that spontaneous part? It’s next weekend.”

“Okay.” I nod.

“Okay?” he clarifies.

“Yeah, sure.” I lean in close. “You pick out a dress, and I pick out a dress.” I draw back and raise my eyebrows.

“Deal.” He breaks away from me and peruses the displays.

I watch him for a moment. He really is something. I’m not sure Conor is even aware of how swoony he is. Under the disguise of playboy is a guy who will be one helluva boyfriend, fiancé, or husband someday.

Twenty-Eight

Conor

“Why do you have so much shit?” Tweetie asks, dropping his bag next to the SUV I rented.

“I have to take two of everything. Two tents. Two sleeping bags. Two blow-up air mattresses.”

He brushes his blond hair away from his eyes. “Why?”

I load his bag, making sure to have enough room for Eloise’s stuff plus whoever Tweetie invited. “We’re not a couple. I’m not going to assume she wants to share a tent let alone an air mattress with me.”

“Where are you guys staying tonight?” he asks.

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