Page 60 of Losing Faith

“It’s not a date.”

As if she heard me say the opposite, she literally squeals. She starts shooting a ton of questions at me but I ignore her as I reply to him.

Hey, yeah breakfast is still a go on one condition.

*sighs*

LMAO

Fine, I'll just cancel.

I’m joking! What are your conditions?

Breakfast in bed, preferably yours.

I bite back another smile as his text bubbles appear then disappear. This happens a few more times before a picture comes through. It’s clearly a definition, and when I tap on it, I realize he Googled what PG-13 consists of.

Breakfast in bed can happen on the condition that our clothes remain on. I don’t make the rules.

That’ll make for a boring movie.

With you as the star? Doubt it.

This time, I can’t hide my smile if I try.

“Hello!” Harmony loudly reminds me of her presence.

“Go to class. Senior year is important.” I hang up on her before sending one more text to Jackson.

True, you’d bore the crowd though so let’s save breakfast in bed for when we make this rated R. I’ll see you when you get here, hot stuff.

He doesn’t reply, but with the sudden energy to clean, I decide to pick up my room, starting with the pile of cups and water bottles.

I finish my room fairly quickly and get halfway through with the living room when someone knocks on my door. Not expecting anyone, my brows pull together as I set the trash bag down and head for the door.

“Hey.” Jackson stares back at me, a bouquet of blue crocheted flowers in his hands.

I give him a once over and shake my head at how good he looks in casual clothes. Don’t get me wrong, he’s hot in everything, but now he’s in a black sweatsuit and this is my favorite look.

“You’re so beautiful.” He sounds out of breath and my defense response is an eye roll.

“I’m going out later today,” I lie, refusing to let him think this was for him when really, I’m just having a good day. “You didn’t need to get me flowers. We agreed this wasn’t a date.”

My eyes meet his and he simply smiles down at me before shrugging.

“I made it clear that I wanted you last night. We’re keeping it casual until I speak to your brother, but until then, I’m going to show you a glimpse of what you’re in for.”

I bite my cheek so hard, I can taste the copper in my mouth. “Flowers in a color I hate are what I’m in for?”

He stifles a laugh now. “I’m not ever going to win with you, huh?”

I shrug as I grab my keys from beside my door. “Why would Ievermake anything easy for the male species?”

Jackson opens the diner doorfor me before I can reach it and I shake my head at him. He just paid for our breakfast and while I’m not considering this a real date, he’s earning all of the brownie points in my book.

He steps beside me before looking down at his watch, and I can see the diamonds in it glisten against the sun. “We have two more hours before we have to head to the pottery shop. Is there anything in particular you want to do?”

“Do I have a budget?” I smile over at him teasingly.

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