Page 22 of The Summer Dare
Just about anything you want.My inner vixen screams, but I’m fairly certain he meant that as a rhetorical question—so I playfully wink then turn and grab a glass from the cupboard.
Within a few minutes, the movie’s cued up and we’re settled on the couch. I’m snuggled into his side and his arm drapes over my shoulder. It takes a few minutes for my body to relax. Between that kiss, his delicious scent, and the promise of more, I’m no longer sure the movie will hold my interest. But his steadying breaths settle me and shortly after the opening credits roll, the plot pulls me into the storyline I’ve been obsessed with for years.
Eventually, I’m so sucked into the movie, my heart races as the characters struggle with their first major dilemma. Hell, I even flinch when the other shoe drops, and they’re left in despair.
When Ryan notices, he chuckles. “Don’t you know what’s coming next?”
“Yes, but I feel the same way when I re-read the books, too. I get so lost in the moment, I forget what’s coming next.”
“I wish I could do that,” Ryan grumbles. “I don’t think I’ve ever re-read a book on purpose, once I started reading chapter books.”
Leaning forward, I stare into his eyes in disbelief. “Really?”
His chin pulls back to his chest as the “What?” flies out of his mouth, clearly in defensemode.
“You’ve never re-read a book?”
Rubbing a finger down the bridge of his nose, he shakes his head. “I know what happened, so what’s the point?”
“But don’t you ever just want to feel the emotions of the book again? Like being transported back into that world and getting lost?”
“Uh… all I have to do is read the title or be reminded of it and I remember it all.”
“That’s just… weird,” I admit when nothing else comes to mind.
He has the gall to chuckle. “Tell me how you really feel, why don’t you.”
“Does that work for everything? Or just things you read?”
“Oh, I’ve been known to forget things… trust me. Like I’ll know something is happening on the twelfth but won’t actually realize that the twelfth is tomorrow if that makes sense. But mainly just things I read.”
“I’ll bet that comes in handy for school,” I grumble, wishing I only had to read things once.
“It has its perks.” He shrugs. Then points to the TV. “Are we gonna find out if their plan works? Or do you want to turn it off? I’m kinda invested and need to know how they take down this terrorist. I already know it will have an HEA, as it’s a romance. But I wanna know how they take those bastards down.”
“HEA? You’re speaking my language.”
“Hey, everyone deserves their own Happily Ever After, don’t ya think?”
On instinct, I poke him in the chest.
“Hey, what was that for?” He peers down at me confused.
“Just checkin’ to see if you’re for real.”
Before I can pull away, he grabs my wrist and pulls me close to him. When we’re only a breath away from each other, he whispers, “I’m very real. Flaws and all.” Leaning in, he kisses me chastely then maneuvers me so that I’m back in my original position beside him.
I’m sure my expression remains confused because my mind’s reeling from his abruptness.
“Don’t worry, sweet girl. There’s plenty more where that came from. But let’s finish the movie first.”
Hmmm… I’m not quite sure what to make of bossy Ryan.
What in thehell has gotten into me?
First, I’m telling her about my photographic memory. Then the next thing I know, I’m manhandling her like one of the characters in the movie we’re watching.
I seriously can’t believe I did that.
