Page 44 of Fielder's Choice

“I told Cole we were just going to get it out of our systems.”

“I went home with Matt after our first date.”

“Josh and I took each other’s virginities not too long after we met. But you aren’t us, Liv, and there isn’t anything wrong with that. Take all the time you need. Lane won’t rush you into anything, especially when you’re so nervous.”

I let out a deep breath. “Should I go over tonight, then?”

“I think you should,” Rory replies. “You two are friends, and friends spend time together. Plus, you get to see Sage.”

I laugh lightly.

I think they’re right.

I’m overthinking this. Lane and I are friends, and we can spend time together without worrying about falling into his bed.

And now that I’ve talked it all out with the girls, I’m really looking forward to tonight.

fifteen

Olive

Nerveswashovermethe moment I step onto the elevator of Lane’s building. The long ascent means I have all the time in the world to overthink things and freak myself out.

When the elevator doors open right into his penthouse, though, I breathe a sigh of relief. Lane and Sage are dancing in the living room to Taylor Swift, seemingly having the time of their lives.

I sit my bag down by the door and quietly walk out to join them. I watch from the wall as they dance wildly toThe Very First Night, but the song is only half over when Lane sees me.

“Ballerina!”

Sage looks up now, eyes lighting up in excitement. “Owive!” She immediately runs over to me and hugs my leg.

“Hey, sweet girl. I hear we’re having a slumber party tonight.”

“Yes!”

Lane leans against the wall next to me. “What better way to start than by having a dance party to the queen of pop?”

A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. “Are you a Swiftie, Hotshot?”

“Heck yeah,” he laughs. “I’m not ashamed of that.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?”

He throws his arms out and gestures to himself. “Because I’m the best girl dad ever, duh.”

“Cockiest girl dad ever,” I smirk, and he laughs. “Which song is your favorite, Sage?”

“Sifteen avnoo!”

I look to Lane for a translation. “She’s saying Sixteenth Avenue,” he chuckles. “She lovesI Think He Knows.”

“Oh! That’s a good one, Sage!” I bend down and take her hands in mine. “Why don’t you tell Daddy to play it?”

Sage looks up at him, hands on her hips. This girl is all sass. “Pway it, Daddy!”

Lane briefly grumbles about being bossed around by a toddler, but he does as she requests. When the song starts playing, I take Sage by the hand and lead her to the open living room floor.

We jump and sing and dance around, laughing and having a great time. Lane doesn’t join us; he watches us intently from his perch against the wall.

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