Page 89 of Of Pucking Course

“You’re not mad?”

“Of course not.”

“You’re not even a little disappointed?”

I smile. “Nope.”

A warm smile pulls at her pretty mouth.

“How about we order some takeout and watchBig Bang Theory?”

She gives me a proper grin this time. “I’d love that.”

An hour later, we’re cuddled on the couch together eating Korean fried chicken and kimchi stew, and watching Howard serenade Bernadette with a song he wrote for her.

“This is probably my favorite scene in the whole series,” Dakota says.

“Really?”

She nods, her cheek against my chest. “It’s just so romantic. I mean, it’s their anniversary. He had this big surprise planned, but then poor Bernadette gets exposed to a dangerous virus at work and has to quarantine at a hospital. She thinks the whole evening is ruined, but then Howard shows up with his keyboard and his friends and performs this incredibly sweet song he wrote for her. It’s a top ten romantic grand gesture, no question.”

I grin at her. “Is that something you’d want your boyfriend to do for you?”

Her tan cheeks blush as she looks at the TV, then at me. “Yeah. I know that’s cheesy, but it’s the truth. I’m a sucker for a sentimental grand gesture.”

I’d love to be the guy who gives you all the grand gestures you want.

My heart thuds in my chest. I wonder if she feels it since she’s cuddled up next to me.

Quit reading into things. You’re just two friends having fun, remember?

Despite how much I tell myself this, it doesn’t feel like just a bit of fun anymore. It feels like a lot more.

Dakota flashes a warm smile at me. “This was just what I needed. Thank you.”

Even though it feels wrong, I smile at her and say it anyway. “What are friends for?”

Chapter 32

Dakota

When I walk through the front door of Sam’s townhouse after finishing my run, I’m greeted with a bunch of golden balloons that spell out “happy birthday.”

“What in the world…”

Sam walks out of the hallway, grinning.

“Happy belated birthday, beautiful.”

My tummy tingles hearing him call me that nickname. He started calling me that when he agreed to be my coach in bed, but I’ve noticed he calls me that a lot when we’re hanging out too. I really, really like it.

“Is this why you skipped out on running with me this morning?” I ask, eyeing the balloons.

“Yup. I wanted to surprise you. How did your run go?”

“Really well. I made it five miles without stopping.”

He high-fives me. “Nicely done.” He’s smiling so wide. He looks so proud of me, and it means everything.

---