Page 82 of You're The One
God, I wish I knew.
TWENTY-EIGHT
“What happened? Lost your nerve?”Summer taunts.
“We seriously didn’t have one moment alone. I swear he purposefully had someone chaperoning us the whole time. It was like we were in an episode ofBridgerton, trying to preserve my reputation,” Victoria huffs.
“You likeBridgerton?” I ask.
“That’s what enticed you to tune back in?” Victoria shakes her head.
I’ve been listening the entire time. I just didn’t feel like hearing about yet another “perfect” date. About how much Dom’s father loved her. How she’s concerned about where his mom is and why they don’t have a relationship. How she can already see themselves going on double dates withmybrother andmyone-day sister-in-law.
The past three days have been a lesson in patience. There’s only so much swooning one can handle before wanting to beat their head against a wall. And I’m dangerously close to that limit.
The mention ofBridgertonreminds me of the fight Dom and I had all those weeks ago, and just how much has changed since then.
Yeah, the kiss and our chemistry are part of it, but it’s more than that. I’ve started to like him as a person. Which is the part I really need to temper.Because his personality was supposed to be the flaw, remember?God, I was so wrong.
I shrug. “It’s my comfort show,” I finally mutter, but they’ve already moved on to a different topic.
“Do you think you’ll be getting a rose this week?” Emma asks Victoria.
Emma bounced back from our disastrous double dinner way faster than I did, reminding us this is what we signed up for and that Dom deserves to explore every connection so he can be sure of his final choice. And she makes a good point, one I’mtryingto believe is true. Emphasis on trying.
Lately, I’ve caught myself studying the other girls a little more closely. Wondering what he sees in each of them. I mean, it’s not hard to see. They’re all driven, self-assured, the kind of women who’d make stable, solid partners. The kind of women willing to risk their hearts for achanceat love.
I’m not there yet. Falling for someone who won’t fall back? Not my idea of a good time.
But I’m giving it achance.
“I better,” Victoria scoffs. “We’re going to Hawaii next week… How romantic would it be to have our first kiss on a waterfall hike? Or in the crystal-clear ocean?”
Emma flops back on the couch like the idea has made her faint.
“I guess the first one-on-one date will claim the kiss,” Victoria adds with a wink.
“I mean, when we’re down to three, the curse can’t possibly continue, right?” Emma reasons.
“Y’all are nuts,” Summer quips. “I’m not risking the curse and getting sent home. I plan to fully enjoy the trip, not get booted on day one. Right, Mia?”
I love Summer. She is not subtle, but damn, everyone needs a friend who would go to war for your happiness.
“Right.”
The other girls are already sucked back into conversation, this time about who’s most likely to winNaked and Afraid, if we were competing for survival instead of Dominic’s heart.
I glance at Summer and mouth,Thank you.
She gives me two enthusiastic thumbs-up, then tugs me out of my spot in the armchair. “C’mon, let’s pick out something to wear tonight.”
It’s finally my turn on a date. Finally, time to meet Dom’s dad and reunite with Ryan and Hannah. I can’t wait to see them.
But more than anything, I’m looking forward to seeing the man I wouldn’t have been caught dead spending time with voluntarily not long ago. It’s been days, and I already miss his stupidly handsome face.
Summer hovers like one of the forest animals who gets Snow White ready as I slip on a pair of heels.
She gave my hair beach-tousled waves, did my makeup, and picked out the white cotton dress I’m wearing. It has a corseted bodice, but the skirt flows into a soft A-line. Summer called it a milkmaid dress, and honestly, she’s not wrong. It pushes up my modest breasts and makes them look fantastic—if I do say so myself.
