Page 99 of Sweetheart

My ice cream was all butforgotten as I stared up at him. "You don't sound scared at all," I saidin wonder.

Samcocked a brow at me. "That's because I'm not."

"I would be. I can't even imagine what it would be like, not having a plan."

"My mom and I talked about it. At our age, she wasn't sure either," he said. "But even she had found her passion with dance.It'slike you with music. I just haven't found thatthing yet."

"What thing?" I asked.

"My purpose," he said. "The thing that makesme want to get up every day and say this. This is what I was meant to do."

Sam gave another small shrug.

"I figure I've got time. Right?"

"Right," I said then shookmy head. "You're kind of amazing."

"I know," he said which made me smile. "Oh hey, look out."

Sam leaned forward swiftly, catching the ice cream that had dripped onto my hand with his lips.My breath hitched as his tongue pressed between my fingers, licking up every drop. Ashis lips closed around the tip of my finger and gave a light suck,I felt shivers from head to toe. And it wasn't because I was cold.

"You good?" he asked.

"Uh-huh," I said.

"Let's get you home.It is a school night."

Giving my hand one last kiss, he smiled then went to hold open my door. As I got into the car, I couldn't help thinking of all the things Iwas and wasn't feeling. I probably should be down about losing at mini-golf. Or jealous that even without a plan, Sam seemed moreat ease about his futurethan I felt at times. Or maybeI should've been appalled by Sam treating my hand as if it was his own personal ice cream cone.

But honestly?

I didn't care about the loss; I wasn't jealous but impressed by his confidence; and I was debating if I would ever wash my hand again.

As my heart sparkled, Ijust kept thinking one thing.Sam had delivered on his promise yet again.

Best first date ever.

CHAPTER 15

There was something so satisfying about drawing a little check mark next to the items on my list.

2. First date.

Check.

20. Fail at something.

Check.

It still astonished me, but losing at mini-golfdidn't feel like a failure. The whole time we'd been on our date, itfelt like flying.Despite staying up way too late rehashing every last detail on my call with Charlotte, the after-effects lingered, and I went to school the next day with extra pep in my step.My sister would've laughed her butt off if she could see me because I couldn't stop smiling.

I was in a good mood, certain nothing could bring me down.

But all that happy came to a halt a moment later.

Sam and Brisa were in a little alcove down the hall.

They were standing close, talking in lowered voices.

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