Page 56 of Sweetheart

Sam nodded. "Like #12?"

Despite my best efforts, warmth rose to my cheeks, but I refused to be embarrassed.

"Skinny-dipping," he added. "Wonder who'll be your partner for that."

I sniffed. "Like I said, maybe I'll do it on my own."

That was my plan anyway.

Getting naked with someone else around? Nah, I'd pass. My jiggly bits were for my eyes only.

Better to go it alone.

Sam shook his head. "I wouldn't recommend it."

"Why not?"

"Anything could happen. You might lose your clothes—"

"That only happens in the movies," I said.

"—or get eaten by an alligator."

"The probability of that happening is less than zero. It's Chariot, North Carolina."

"You're right," he said. "If anything, you'll get bitten by a water moccasin."

Eyes wide, I stared at him.

"Happened to a friend of mine once," he said with a shrug.

"What's your point?"

"Just saying you might want to bring another person.For safety purposes."

"Thanks for the tip," I murmured. "I'llconsider it."

Sam looked way too pleased with himself. "So, back to the itinerary."

"Yeah." Placing any and all thoughts ofdangerous wildlife to the back of my mind, I said, "It's pretty self-explanatory. I thought we could use some structure."

"Why?" he asked.

"To make sure we're on the same page. No surprises."

He tilted his head, causing his hair to fall over his eyes in the most distracting way.

Did he practice that move?

Probably, I decided.

It made me want to reach out and run my fingers through it.

"Surprises can be fun," Sam said.

"Let's just stick to the plan," I said back.

He stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Okay, but I had an idea."

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