Page 127 of Sweetheart

"But what if you don't?"

"Then you ask."

As Sam's eyes locked on mine, I felt a spark deep inside me.

"Can I kiss you?" he asked.

Bennetscoffed. "That's not how you do it."

Sam looked away to meet his eyes. "Trust me, B. Consent is sexy."

"It really is," I breathed.

"So? Can I?"

"Yes, please."

As ocean blue eyes came back to meet mine, I leaned forward, and Sam did as well. Our lips met in a kiss that was like the ones we'd shared before and not. As his mouth moved, it seemed to say, "Hi, I missed you." And mine responded, "I missed you more." When we broke apart, I couldn't help but smile as I opened my eyes.Sam's lips were turned up as well as he looked at me, and I couldn't stop myself from stealing one last kiss.

"Huh," Bennet said, officially ending the moment.

"All good, B?" Sam asked.

"All good," he said. "I'll leave you guys alone now.Thanks, Scarlett."

"No problem," I said without looking away from Sam.

Once we were alone in the room, he leaned back with a grin. "Well, that was an interesting lesson."

The tension dissipated, and I couldn't help but giggle.

"And she laughs," Sam said. "Not sure if that's a good or bad sign."

"It's good," I said.

"Yeah?"

I nodded, trying not to smile too big, but it was hard. Sam looked so pleased with himself. I was still reeling from that PG-13-yet-amazing kiss. I wasn't sure who started it, but when the front door opened a second later, we weremere inches apart.

"Kids, we're home," a voice said.

My eyes widened, realizing how this might look, and I hopped off the loveseatjust in time. Sam's dad came into the living roomfirstfollowed by his mom, who was arm-in-arm with another woman I didn't recognize. She was obviously older with pearly white hair, walking slowly with the aid of a cane, but hereyes missed nothing.As she took in Sam and me, the older woman whose makeup was done to perfection smiled her ruby red lips.

"Well," she said, "either my eyesight's finally gone, or I'd say we interrupted something."

Colton choked back a laugh, and Sadie, Sam's mom, poked his side.

"Hi, Betty," Sam said brightly.

"Godson," she said back.

"You're looking beautiful as always."

"And you are just as charming as the day I held you in my arms the first time."

Sadie lifted a brow. I'd only met her once or twice, but she'd always been nothing but friendly. "Sam, you didn't tell us you were inviting anyone."

I stepped forward then. "Oh, he didn't know."

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