Page 53 of Knot That Difficult

If the way he’s gripping the steering wheel and clenching his jaw is any indication, though, he’s already panicking.

“This is a date, not a funeral,” I remind him. “We’re supposed to havefun, not look constipated.”

He shoots me a look. “I know that.”

“Then stop freaking out.”

“Youstop obsessing, then.”

I scoff. “I’m not obsessing about her.”

“Then I’m not freaking out.”

I groan. “Have you even played a video game before? Or am I going to have to teach you how to use a controller?”

He makes a face. “I’ve played video games before.”

“Which ones?”

“Um…” He makes a face. “Pinball.”

“Pinball isn’t a video game! What? Are you serious?”

Sometimes, I forget he feels guilty for having fun. Devyn picked this place, and when Connor told us where we were going, I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing.

Connor would never go here in a million years. I don’t even think he was allowed to play video games as a kid.

He was too busy being coached to be a successful, preppy finance bro.

A lot of good that did, though.

“I was part of chess club in high school,” he continues. “Does that count?”

“Oh, my god. You fuckingdweeb.” I tilt my head back and groan. “The chess club. Baby, I’m going to introduce you to some shooter games.”

“Sounds great,” he mutters. “Can’t wait.”

“This is why I’m so good for you,” I continue, ignoring his sarcastic tone. “I bring you out of your comfort zone. And that’s why I like her, too. She seemsfun. Something you forget the concept of.”

We are complete opposites, but it works. He keeps me grounded and stable, while I encourage him to get out and live life.

Devyn is going to be the cherry on top. She’s the brightness that can balance both of us out.

I’m not sure whereBenwill fit in, though.

Once we pull into the parking lot, my nerves dissipate, and I’m ready to see my girl.

“Oh, fuck,” Connor groans under his breath. “I look like an asshole, don’t I?”

“You look like you’re on a date,” I say as evenly as I can, but I know my tone gives me away.

“I don’t belong here,” he says quietly.

I freeze. I haven’t heard him say those words in a long time.

Connor does a great job of playing the confident CEO, but sometimes, he’s still that misfit from prep school.

It’s my job to bring him back to the present and remind him of who he is.

---