Page 60 of Until It Was Real

“Do you want to go out on a date with me?” I babble on before she has a chance to reject me. “I had a good time at theGhost Tide Festival.I’m good at winning, but I’m also handy for when doors come up and bite you. And I can—”

“Yes.”

“And also…” I trail off when I realize what she said. “Yes?”

She nods, but her smile is shaky and unsure. Did I push her too far?

I start to backpedal. I don’t want her to feel obligated to go out on a date with me. I want her excited to spend time with me, the way I am with her. “We don’t have to…”

Zane and Miles rush into the room singing, “Dakota and Rhett sitting in a tree. K-i-s-s-i-n-g.”

Dakota’s cheeks darken until they’re the color of the ocean when the algae blooms. I growl. “You will not embarrass Dakota.”

They skip to a stop, and Zane rolls his eyes. “We’re only having fun.”

“You can have fun without embarrassing her. Do you hear me?”

Zane salutes. “Loud and clear.”

I stare at Miles until he sighs. “I hear you, Mr. Boring.”

“Good. Now, apologize to Dakota for embarrassing her.”

“We’re sorry, Dakota,” they say in unison.

“It’s okay,” she whispers.

Zane saunters toward her. “If you ever get tired of bossypants, I can—”

I prowl toward him. Miles shackles Zane’s wrist and hauls him away. “Come on. I think they want to be alone.”

I start after them. I taught them better than this. They should know how to behave in front of a woman.

“Thanks for proving me right,” Dakota says, and I stop.

“Proving you right?”

“To give you a chance.”

I smirk. “Get used to it, Havoc. I’m right a lot.”

She giggles and I realize I’d throw my brothers off a cliff to hear the sound of her happiness. “It’s funny you think so, Mr. High and Mighty.”

“Mr. High and Mighty? I’ll show you High and Mighty.” I wiggle my hands as I approach her.

“No tickling,” she screeches.

I drop my hands. “You’re lucky I’m a gentleman. Most of the time.” I wink and her green eyes flare with passion.

I can’t wait to have Dakota naked in my bed again, but I know better than to pressure her. Getting her to agree to a date was hard enough. I need to take it slow. Get her used to me being in her life. Get her addicted to me.

And then, I’ll show her I’m not the least bit boring.

Chapter 20

“Rhett is a dark horse and I’m finding the idea of horseback riding more and more appealing.” ~ Dakota

Dakota

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