Page 119 of Sweetheart

"The goal was to surprise you.Knock on your door and whisk you away—without giving you time to back out."

"What makes you think I'd do that?" I asked.

Sam gave me a knowinglook. "Because you thrive on lists and being in control. Parties are unpredictable. They'redefinitely outside your comfort zone."

He was one hundred percent correct.

Parties scared me. They always had.It was why I'd added #15 (Go to a party) to my list, to try and overcome that fear.

Not that I'd admit it.

With a sniff, I crossed my arms. "I'll have you know that I'm doing somethingvery out of control later. Some might even call it wild."

"Wild, huh?"

I nodded.

"Sorry, but I can't see it," he said. "Scarlett Kent, being wild."

"Well, I can be," I said. "I will be.Tonight."

Sam hummed then reached out to touch the ends of my hair."This is new."

"I dyed it last night.It should wash out in a few days.Another list item complete."

Without your help, I thought pettily but didn't add.

"Looks nice."Sam stared at me as his fingers played in the blush pink tips of my hair."If you need help, just callme," he said.

"Thanks, but my cousin's going too," I said."We'll be fine."

Seeing Brisa and Cooper approach, I put my arms around Sam's neck and pulled him to me.

"Brisa's coming," I whispered.

"And she's the only reason you'd ever hold me like this," he mumbled. "Got it."

"That's not—"

"I meant what I said." Sam's voice held a hint of something I couldn't nameas his arms encircled my waist."If you need me, for anything, call and I'll be there."

A beautiful promise.

But there was no way I'd call Sam.

Not for what I was doing tonight.

Never in a million years.

#

"Aurora, are you listening?" I asked.

"Yeah," she said, looking back at me, "I mean, yes. It's just thesong they're playing. It's one of my favorites."

Nodding, I said, "I agree. Whoever it is has good taste."

"Sounds really close."

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