Page 65 of Hot Girl Summer

Despite Ryan and Chrissy’s opinions of me, I can hand on heart vow that I wouldneverdo that to someone.

“You totally had me fooled,” I say.

“Why is that?”

“You’re so charming, and confident...borderline cocky, actually. I would never have guessed that you were a soft, squishy, sweet Dalmatian puppy.”

“Well, that was instantly emasculating,” he smirks. “And now you know that it’s all a defence mechanism...kind of like your alter-ego, Summer.”

He flashes a smile, and my heart melts. I have this innate urge to protect him from all the Belles and Chrissys of the world.

“I didn’t say it like it’s a bad thing. But nobody deserves to be treated that way. She doesn’t know how lucky she is. Was.” I offer a smile, and the way he looks at me makes me want to curl up into him and against his chest. So I do.

The air hangs heavy as silence fills the room. I don’t know what to say next, if anything. I’m terrified of potentially ruining the moment. I’m terrified of being anywhere but here.

“Can I ask you something?” Danny asks. “Why me? I mean, you could have anyone you want.”

“Because you’re everything I’m not.”

He sobers, and I flash a weak smile while my brain screams at me to change the subject.

“And the fact that you’re almost due your bus pass is a pretty big turn on, not to mention the dad bod.”

“If you want to see me naked, all you have to do is ask.”

“I did...twice.”

There’s no chance in hell I’m going to mention the fact that his confidence is enthralling, and his unprompted show of vulnerability makes me want to take care of him. That he has the ability to make me feel completely at home and out of my comfort zone all at the same time.

And I definitely won’t tell Danny that I’m falling hard for him, because feelings are sacred, and they don’t come around often enough for me to give them away freely, not until I’m one hundred percent certain that they’re reciprocated.

I shift my body onto my opposite leg at the exact moment the door gives way behind us and we jolt backwards. Reality hits in the form of four young bewildered faces staring down at us. Saved by the band.

“Same time next week, DeLuca?” Danny asks, his hopeful eyes a softer shade of honeyed green.

Smiling, I push the plectrum into his hand, and render him speechless.

“Can’t wait.”

Chapter Eighteen

Twodayslater,Isip an iced rose latte on my lunch break, while a coffeehouse cover of The Cranberries’ Linger plays on the speakers at The Ethical Coffee Co.

“I know it’s going to be a lot of work, but I’m excited.” I fork my salad. “Once I finish my two hundred hours, I can start my teacher training for youth yoga and mindfulness.”

“That’s wonderful, min älskling,” Stefan says.

Spending time with Danny has somehow launched my brain into business mode. I pride myself on staying true to my values, and Ivy Rose Organics’ new Auréale status has given me the push that I need to pursue a different path. With my long-term goal in mind, and inspired by Kiki’s love of hip-hop music, I’ve spent hours trawling YouTube and TikTok, and researching fun, child and teen friendly yoga aesthetics on Pinterest.

My plan is to video journal my teacher training journey and, using my newly-acquired social media management skills, build up a following from there.

“How did Lauren take it?”

“I haven’t told her yet. She already agreed to let me have the two weekends off a month that I needed to study. I can’t leave until I’m qualified, anyway. I need the money.”

“If you need help with the rent, we can work something out.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m pretty positive I can do it. I just won’t be able to go out as often...but it’s no big deal.”

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