Page 44 of Sweetheart

"Really?" Realizing I sounded way too curious, I brought my voice back down to regular volume. "Anyway, I thought about it and decided that, from here on out, we should try to keep things more professional."

Sam crossed his arms. "Professional?"

"Well, it was kind of unplanned," I said.

He cocked a brow.

"The kiss, I mean."

"I knew what you meant," he said.

"I just thought we should bring back some order."

He tilted his head. "And how would we do that?"

"We stay focused," I said. "No more flying by the seat of our pants. I've divided up the list, and I figure if we complete three or four items a day, we can accomplish our goals in a timely manner."

"Sounds fun," Sam said.

I nodded. "I'm glad you agree."

He made some noise in the back of his throat, but I didn't know what it meant. Seeing my car pulling up outside, I tucked the receipt in my pocket.

"So, we stick to the plan," I said. "No more kissing. Everything will be good."

Sam's mouth opened, but before he could respond, a squeak sounded then the office door opened, revealing Betty and Bennet.

"You guys kissed?" Bennetsaid, sounding equal parts shocked and disgusted. "Gross."

"Not how I'd describe it, bud," Sam said then turned to me. "How about you, Kent?"

"It was…definitely not gross," I said, trying and failing to fight back a blush.

Sam laughed quietly while Betty cocked her head at me.

"Why are you blushing?" she asked.

Because I'm embarrassed. And Ihave a feeling Sam knows just how "not gross" I found his kissing abilities.

"Is it because of the kiss?"

"No," I said. "It's hot in here."

"I'm good," Sam said.

"Me too," Bennet said.

"Anyway," Betty cut in, "what's swindle?"

"It's when you try to cheat someone out of their money," Sam said sternly. "Basically what you andBennet do on a weekly basis and why Dad won't leave you alone in here."

"Oh—but we never really take the money."

"Yeah," Bennetsaid, "we're just joking. Not swindling."

"We'll let the courts decide," Sam said.

"Well, bye," I said with a wave, sliding out the door as the twins started talking over each other. Was I trying tomake a quick escape? Yes. But could you blame me? The twins were way too inquisitive, and Sam's knowing gaze seemed to follow meas I walked away.

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