Page 52 of Knot That Difficult

I haven’t stopped bringing it up all week, and by the time Friday rolls around, Connor is sick of hearing about it.

“Shut up,” he mutters. “It’s embarrassing.”

“It’s fucking amazing. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“The best thing that ever happened to you is that I got so turned on that I chewed on your clothing?”

“Yup.”

We’re on our way to Isleton to have a group date with Devyn and her boyfriend.

Her boyfriend, Ben, who happens to be a detective.

Luckily, my burglary and forgery days are behind me, and I never did anything in Isleton.

To my knowledge, I’ve never even met the guy.

My last offensewas about five years ago, right before I met Connor.

I gave up a life of crime for my pumpkin.

I’m an upstanding citizen now, and there’s no reason for Devyn’s detective boyfriend to have a fucking problem with me.

Even if he does, it’s not really my problem.

Devyn likes me, and that’s all that matters.

Besides, Ben will see how well I treat her.

He can’tnotlike me.

I’m likable as all hell.

“Don’t bring it up to anyone, ever,” Connor warns as we turn off the freeway. “In fact, burn the sweatshirt.”

“No. It’s my favorite now, and I’m going to wear it with pride.”

Not tonight, though. For our date, I’m in light wash jeans, a black V-neck, and a brown leather jacket. Connor is in his classic gray slacks and white button-up combo that makes me turn feral.

He’s likely overdressed for a video game bar, but he’s hot, so it’s okay in my book.

“Stop ogling me,” he warns, and I recline in the passenger seat.

“Never.”

“You’re on one tonight, Ace. You have to behave.”

“I’m on my best behavior.”

But the truth is, I’m slightly nervous. I’ve been dying all week to see Devyn, and I’m amped up on espresso shots over ice, making me a bit jittery.

Making a good impression with Devyn is important. We spoke briefly at the café, but I need to find a happy balance while I obsess over her.

I can’t scare her away, because the worst part is that if she tries to run, I will chase after her.

I’m not sure how Connor would feel about that.

It would just get too damn messy, and I don’t want to stress my pumpkin out.

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