Page 129 of Sweetheart

"Yes, but that was only because I wanted to spend more time with you."

"Betty."

"And okay, everyone could use a little enhancement."

Sam leaned over to me.

"You doing okay, Kent?" he asked.

"Yeah," I said, glancing around the table. Sadie and Bettysenior were laughing with their heads pressed together while Colton pulled out a car part and explainedsomething to the twins, who listened with rapt attention. "Your family is pretty fantastic."

"True, but I'm still your favorite, right?"

Looking back at him, I said, "I don't know."

"It was a rhetorical question."

"Between Betty senior and the twins, you've got competition. I'm just saying."

Sam scoffed. "Well, at least I'm ahead ofmy parents."

"Your dad is kinda hot," I whispered, nearly laughing out loud at the look of horror on his face.

"Gross, Kent."

"What?Your mom's beautiful too.I just meant I can see where you get it from."

He grunted. "Way to kill a guy's ego."

I reached out and restedmy hand on top of his. "You know I wasjoking."

"Do I?"

"Yes," I said, "and you know I prefer your pretty face over anyone's."

Sam grinned, never breaking eye contact, as he brought my palm to his mouth.

"Good to know," he murmured.

The kiss he placed there had my pulse fluttering.

A chair screeched, and I looked up to see Sadie's back as she walked into the kitchen.

"I don't think your mom likes me," I whispered.

"Maybe she heard what you said about my dad," he said.When I gave him a look, Sam added, "Kidding. My mom likes everyone. And shehas to like you because you're with me."

It sounded so simple when he said it like that.

But I couldn't shake the feeling that Sadie had something against me.

When I walked into the kitchen to put my plate in the dishwasher, I had to ask.

"Mrs. Bishop," I said. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Why would you say that?" she asked.

"I don't know.I just got a feeling."

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