Page 15 of Sweetheart

"Inoticed a lot of them require two people," he added. "Like a boyfriend or girlfriend."

"You noticed that, huh?" I said.

Sam gave me a look."First kiss, first date, first slow dance in the kitchen—still don't get where that came from."

From a memory of watching my parents do just that years ago—before everything went wrong. Oh yeah, anda dream I had after watching Captain America travel back in time, choose to stay behind and grow old instead of leaving the love of his life.

There was no way I'd confess any of that to the guy sitting across from me. He already knew too much.

"It's romantic," I said through gritted teeth.

"Yeah, Starlet, so are most of the things on your list. I'd have to be blind not to notice."

Annnd he got it wrong again.

We were discussing something intensely personal—to me anyway—and Sam couldn't even be bothered to remember the C in Scarlett. Awesome.

"You seeing anyone?" he asked.

I shook my head in disbelief. "Seriously? You're asking if I have a boyfriend?"

"Hmmm, and you're avoidingthe question. I'll try not to read into that."

"You know, typically when someone asksthatquestion, it's because they're secretly in love with the other person."

A quiet laugh. "In your dreams, Kent."

"You don't know anything about my dreams, Bishop."

"We'll see about that.So?" he said after a beat. "Are you seeing anyone?"

"Not at the moment."

"Got someone you're interested in?"

"That," I said as heat rose to my cheeks, "is none of your business."

"You're right," he said, shoulders seeming to relax. "But I'll take that as a no."

"It's a small problem. I'm working on a solution."

He nodded. "Which means you haven't foundone yet."

"Not yet."I rolled my shoulders back then shot him a look. "Why so interested?"

Sam held his hands up, easily switching from intense to laid back. "Hey, I'm just trying to help," he said.

"How thoughtful of you," I mumbled.

"Have you told anyone else about your list?"

"My sister knows."

"That's it?" When I noddedin confirmation, Sam'seyes lit up."Ah, I see. So, it's a secret list."

"Until about ten minutes ago, yes," I mumbled.

"I'm honored that you shared it with me."

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