Page 98 of I Wanna Text You Up

“Hey,Caleb?”

“Yeah?”

“I like you…alot.”

“I like you a lottoo.”

“Let’s not screw this up,okay?”

He’s quiet for several moments before he finally says, “I’ll do my best,Zoe.”

* * *

Caleb hasone hand resting on my thigh, one holding the steering wheel as we blaze our way down the highway to Outer Banks. Mittens rests on the floorboard between my feet, soaking up the afternoon sun. The windows are down, and the cool breeze is blowing through my loose hair. My road trip partner is wearing his signature ball cap, this time turned the right way, the edges of his blond hair peeking out beneathit.

I think a few days of freedom are going to do us good. After last night, this trip feels like the start of something more between us, and I think I’m ready forit.

Reaching over, I run my fingers through his hair as it blows loose, enjoying how the soft curls feel. “I kind of dig your hair longer likethis.”

“Yeah? I always hated mycurls.”

“They’re sexy on you, plays into the boy-next-door thing you have goingon.”

He grins. “You know, I’m not as innocent as you’d like to think,Zoe.”

My cheeks heat. “After last night, I’m starting to believethat.”

“So, did you grow up in OuterBanks?”

“Nope. Northern Virginia. My parents moved down here when I left forcollege.”

“Why OuterBanks?”

“Why not? Beachallyear long—what’s not to love aboutthat?”

He lifts his shoulder. “I’m not a big beachperson.”

“Really? I figured you’d be all forit.”

“Nah. I mean, it’s not bad, but I’m not going to go out of my way to get there, youknow?”

“That kind of makes me sad. I love the beach. Soaking up the sun, listening to the waves crash against the shore—it’s one of my happy places. I was so thrilled when my parents decided to move toOBX.”

“Maybe you’ll convince me to love it like youdo.”

“I hope so. I’d hate for that to be the deciding factor in whether or not I want to dateyou.”

“And do you, Zoe? Want to dateme?”

“I think Ido.”

“Think? Or do? Come on, sweetgirl.”

I take a deep breath, not answering for severalmiles.

Do I like Caleb? Yes. Do I want to date him, turn this kissing roommates thing into something more? Yes. Am I scared as shit? Hellyes.

But I think I’m ready to let go, to let myself find that happiness Delia keeps talking about, and I think I’m ready to find it withCaleb.

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