Page 16 of The Love Playbook

He nods, his laughter fading, but his eyes still crinkled with mirth. “I can see how that would make you scared of them, though.”

Looking down, I lift one shoulder in a shrug. “I know it seems a little silly. But I really don’t like the idea of being stung.”

“Yeah, well, I’m pretty sure that’s a universal sentiment.”

Meeting his eyes again, I return his smile. “True. Not everyone becomes a babbling ninny, though.”

He starts laughing again. “Ninny? I don’t think I’ve heard that word outside of like a Dickens novel in my life.”

This time I join his laughter. “Well? It’s the most fitting word. It’s not my fault that people don’t use it much anymore.”

The waitress returns then with our food, and conversation dies down for a few minutes while we start eating.

Even though he blushes a few times, with Jackson that’s normal. Otherwise he’s a natural at this. He makes witty conversation throughout dinner, entertaining me with stories of his teammates and their tradition of passing around a stuffed pig called Piggy throughout the season and how he’s somehow successfully avoided ever getting Pigged, as they call it.

I have to bite back a snort at that, because it sounds a lot like “pegged.” And the image of doing that to shy, modest Jackson is a little bit hilarious. But also … some guys really like it. Could he be one of them?

That’s not something I’ve ever done before. One guy I kinda dated last year really wanted me to, but we ended up going our separate ways before I got around to getting the necessary equipment.

For sure we’d have to work our way up to something like that with Jackson. But I’ll add it to the maybe someday list.

When we’ve finished our meals, the waitress returns and offers the dessert menu. Jackson looks in my direction, and I hold up a hand. “None for me. I’m full. The ravioli was delicious.”

With a soft smile, Jackson also shakes his head. “I’m good, too. Just the check, please.”

For the first time since our food arrived, there’s a lull in conversation. And I let it settle, content with the silence because I know Jackson is similarly unbothered.

The waitress returns with the check a minute later, and Jackson hands her his credit card. Fizzing anticipation zips through my stomach. In just a few moments, she’ll return with his card, and we’ll head outside.

It’s nearly time for our goodnight kiss.

Will he actually kiss me?

God, I hope so.

CHAPTER NINE

Jackson

As soon as I sign the check, it hits me that the moment is almost here. The moment whereIkiss Autumn. Yeah, we’ve kissed a few times already, but somehow being the one to initiate it feels … scary.

It’s ridiculous. I know it’s ridiculous. She obviouslywantsme to kiss her. And I want to kiss her too. It’s just so much easier when she’s the one making it happen.

But if I’m going to actually put myself out there and date, this is what I need to do. Right?

Right.

Swallowing hard, I return my card to my wallet and slide the little folder with the signed check in it to the edge of the table.

When I meet Autumn’s eyes, she gives me a bright smile. “Ready?”

Am I ready? I’m not sure. But ready or not, we’ve reached the end of our date. Clearing my throat, I nod, aware that I’m blushing once again.

Autumn lets out a soft chuckle and reaches across the table. My hands are in my lap, so she can’t actually reach me. She just pats the tablecloth in front of me. “Relax, Jackson. This has been a lot of fun. We’re just going to stand up and walk to our cars. It’s no big deal, alright?”

With another nod, I lean to the side and replace my wallet in my pocket. Sucking in a deep breath, I meet her eyes. “Ready.”

She gives me that same bright smile and stands. When I’ve reached my feet, she comes around the table and hooks her arm through mine, just like she did when we arrived. “See?” She smiles up at me. “Not so bad, right?”

---