Page 14 of Sweetheart

I grumbled, sitting lower in my seat. "You didn't even know my name, Bishop. I bet there's a lot you don't know."

"Wow," he said, easingthe car back onto the road. "That was kindaharsh.Weren't you named miss congeniality two years ago?"

I blinked. The fact that he knew I'd beenin the Miss Chariot High pageant—it was a moment of insanity that ended up being a fun experience—wasa shock. Again, he'd gotten my name wrong twice already.But somehow,he remembered that little detail…. "How did you—"

"It's a long ride back, and I look forward to proving you wrong."

Sam lifted my list again.

"Right after you explain what a back hug is," he said. "Is that some kindof weird fetish or what?"

With another sigh, I said, "If I tell you, do you promise to give my list back?"

"Of course, Kent."

He shot me a wink, the dim light of the dash catching the twinkle in his eyes.

"After all, I'm a gentleman."

CHAPTER 3

"So yeah, lists are the best," I said. "They help people stay organized, focused, and goal-oriented. I came up with this one a while back, my list of firsts.Now, I just have to complete it."

Sam was silent.

Apparently deep in thought.

It didn't bode well.

"I'd love to get it back."

He handed the paper over without a word.

"Thank you," I murmured.

Sam didn't glance my way whileI tucked the paper into my cleavage.Not even a peek. His hands, however, did tighten on the steering wheel. Iwished I could read minds—or just his mind. But unfortunately, I was left to wonder.

I'd never liked not knowing.

As we drove on, the stereo changed to a new song, and I couldn't take it anymore.

"You okay over there?" I asked.

"Yeah," he said, "just thinking."

"About what?"

"Things."

Wonderful. Now, I was even more curious.

Sam suddenly turned to me and said, "Have anyone specific in mind?"

I was lost. "What do you mean?"

"Well, none of the items on your list are checked off," he said, returning his gaze to the road ahead."Least as far as I could tell."

"Yeah, I know."

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