Page 133 of Small Town Firsts

AJ

Being in the dark about our plans is killing me. Iknowhe has something up his sleeve. I can feel it. I even texted Stacia to snoop for clues, but if she’s in the loop, she gave nothing away.Big shocker there.She may be my best friend, but she’s hardcore Team Brock.

Brock quickly joins me and guides me to the elevator bank with his hand pressed firmly on the small of my back. His fingers twitch against the thin material of my dress. “You okay?”

“Yup. Totally. Wonderful,” comes his reply.Right. Because that’s not weird.I chalk it up to him being tired since he didn’t nap as long as I did.

I let out a little squeal of delight when I realize Brock is taking me to the Conservatory. I know, I know. It doesn’t seem like flowers would be my thing…but your ordinary botanical garden, this is not.

“How did you know I would like this?”

“Because I know you, firecracker.”

“No. Seriously.”

Brock heaves out a fake sigh, pretending to be exasperated with me. “Fine. A little bird named Stacia told me.”

“I knew it! Gotta say, you totally fucking nailed it.”

We enter through the sky-high Torii Gates, and, I kid you not, it’s like stepping into a fairy realm. Brock is as enchanted as I am by the out of this world floral and botanical displays—from the blooming cherry blossoms and lotus flowers to the peaceful waterfalls and the massive, twenty-six feet tall, floral woman rising up from the water.

There are so many over the top features that I don’t know where to look next. By the time we finish our tour, I’m absolutely blown away—almost to the point of tears—by the intricate beauty.

“That was perfect,” I say, sidling up next to Brock so that my head rests on his shoulder. “Wanna grab dinner now or later?”

“Now,” he says with a slight tremor to his voice. He leads me through the lobby and into Lago—a highly praised Italian restaurant.

Brock seems distracted as we wait for our food to arrive. He’s tapping his foot, twiddling his thumbs while staring at his lap, and I’m pretty sure there’s a fine sheen of sweat dotting his hairline, even though it’s pretty damn chilly in here.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

He glances up at me and offers a small smile. “Totally.”

“Well, you’re acting a little nutso, so you’ll have to excuse me for not buying what you’re selling, Jockstrap.”

“Sorry. I guess I’m just tired.”

He doesn’t sound tired, but I decide to take him at his word. “Well, we don’t have to go out tonight. We have all week.”

He’s about to reply when our server comes out with our meals. In lieu of entrees, we decide to split several small plates—including short rib, filet, bruschetta, and mushroom risotto—and each one is more delicious than the last.

We’ve just placed our dessert order when Brock clears his throat, pulling my attention away from the glorious fountain show.

“So,” he taps his fingers on the tabletop. “What you said earlier got me thinking.”

“What I said about what?” I ask, confused because let’s be real…I talk…a lot.

“About getting married.”

“What about it?” I laugh at how adorably awkward he’s being. “Use your big boy words.”

“It’s just…I love you. And hell, I’ve already announced to practicallyeveryonewe know that I’ve been crushin’ on you since like kindergarten. And God, Abs, those years when you weren’t in my life…there wasn’t a single day that went by where I didn’t think of you. When I didn’t regret ruining our friendship because I was a horny little preteen asswipe.”

His tone is serious, and his words hit me right in the feels. “That’s all in the past. We made it. And we’re gonna keep on making it. You don’t have to keep appologiz?—”

He cuts me off. “I’m not apologizing. It’s just…you’reitfor me. When I saw you in the library that day and learned you were my tutor, it was like the fucking clouds parted for the first time in a long time.”

“Look at you, being all sentimental. You’re def getting some tonight.”

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