Page 58 of I Wanna Be Your Lager

“Is this okay for our date?” She twirls. The hem of her dress flares around her knees, the fabric light and airy against her skin.

My gaze drops from her blonde hair draped over her shoulder, over the curve of her hips, to her toned legs and high-heeled boots. After picking my jaw off the floor, I meet her gaze. “You look absolutely stunning.”

She smiles. “I’m assuming we’re not going for a hike through the woods or anything.”

I laugh. “No. Not this time. But maybe the next.”

“Oh. You think you’ll get another date?” She quirks an eyebrow.

“With the date I have planned, you’ll be begging me for another before it’s even over.”

She rolls her eyes but can’t keep the smile off her face. “Those are some big words. You better live up to them. Also, is this too much? I didn’t know what to wear.” She slides her hands down her torso, smoothing out her dress.

“It’s perfect. If anything, I’m underdressed.” I glance down at my white t-shirt, maroon hoodie, and jeans.

“It fits you.” She brushes her hand down my chest, twirling the hood string around her finger. “So, it’s perfect.” She lifts her chin, her bright hazel eyes meeting mine.

Warmth radiates through my entire body. With a single look, she can bring me to my knees. What is happening? And why do I never want it to end? I want to touch her. Feel her warm, silky skin against mine. My fingers twitch with the need to pull her to my chest. I lift my hand?—

“What are you two doing tonight?” Jake strolls into the living room.

I drop my hand and jump away from Eve. “Oh, um…” I push my hand through my hair.

“We have a date,” Eve interrupts. “Nora asked us if we could beta test her new app to ensure everything runs smoothly. She said it would be more authentic if we actually went out.”

Jake’s silent for a few beats. I slide my palms over my jeans. I hope he buys it even though it is kind of the truth. Though we are treating our fake date like a real one.

“What are you two going to do?” He looks from Eve to me.

“Yeah, Lach. What are we going to do?” Eve crosses her arms over her chest and tilts her head, a smirk teasing her lips.

“Um… Get a bite to eat. I was thinking fast food.” My gaze meets hers, and I give her the same teasing smirk. “The burger place has a really great value menu. Also, I was thinking we should go dutch.”

A laugh bubbles out of her. “Oh, you’re a real charmer.”

“That’s not all. While eating our two-dollar hamburgers because dollar menus don’t exist anymore, I’ll tell you about all my prior hookups and then ask you if you have a best friend you could introduce me to.”

“Well, this seems like the best. Date. Ever.” Eve claps along like a cheerleader at the last words.

“I thought so.” The corner of my mouth tips up into a half smile.

“Alright, well, yeah, you guys have fun with that.” Jake walks past us, takes a seat on the couch, and reaches for the remote.

I escort Eve to the back door. I grab her coat and hold it up for her as she slides her arms inside.

“Such the gentleman.” She untucks her hair from the collar.

“I figured I should do something nice before this date goes sideways.” I twist the doorknob.

“Wait.” She stares at me, then the door, and back at me. “Are you going to get a coat? It’s like twenty degrees outside.”

I tug at the collar of my hoodie. “That’s what this is for?”

“Oh, that’s right. I’m in Minnesota.” She points at my jeans. “I’m surprised you’re not wearing shorts right now, seeing that it’s above zero.”

“I can change if you want.” I lift my brows. It’s not uncommon to see mostly guys in shorts and occasionally sandals in the dead of winter. Sometimes, we’ll go weeks with subzero temperatures, so when there isn’t a negative sign in front of the number and your nostrils don’t freeze on the first inhale, it can feel like a heat wave.

She shakes her head, fighting the smile that pulls at her lips. “Let’s go, my little penguin. Our date awaits.”

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