Page 47 of Scoop Me Up
Chapter 18
Sam
My heart leaped into my throat when the server mentioned a “date night” special. Was it that obvious that we were into each other? Did we really give off those vibes that intensely? It wasn’t like this was the first time we’d been seen alone together in public. Instead of letting myself dwell on it too much, I focused on the menu—or tried to, at least.
As I worked to read the menu, Sam’s foot moved against mine and I lost all semblance of ability to pay attention to anything besides that sensation. I let my eyes close for a brief second, hoping I looked like I was fighting a headache, rather than the primal urge to leap across the table. The intensity of my desire for Sam shook me. Even with Jennifer, I hadn’t been this much of a desperate, feral creature. Everything with her had always been easy. Low-key. No pressure. With Sam, it was as if something had awakened inside of me, something I could hardly control.
Get a grip, I chastised myself. I took a shaky breath and met Sam’s gaze. “What should we order?” My voice cracked as I spoke.
Sam looked like they were facing the same problem I was. As they swallowed, their throat moved and my gut twisted with wanting.
Christ,I thought.How am I going to survive the rest of the summer like this?
Despite my best efforts, I was unable to focus on the menu long enough to actually read it, so when the server returned to take our orders, I internally panicked.
“What can I get you two?” They looked from Sam to me and back to Sam again, a smirk on their face.
My heart raced as I watched Sam struggle to order a sandwich. “I—can I get—” They stopped to clear their throat. “Sorry. Can I get this?” They pointed at the menu instead of fighting for words.
Sage nodded. “Turkey and avocado, coming up. How about you?”
I tore my gaze from Sam and made eye contact with our server. “Waffles?”
“Sure thing.”
After Sage stepped away, I exhaled in sharp relief, feeling like I’d made it through the first of what was sure to be many trials.
“You okay?” Sam asked, their voice quiet as if they were suppressing a laugh.
I nodded, closing my eyes again for another brief second. “Never better.” I shifted in my seat a little.
When I looked at Sam again, they were grinning, cheeks pink. “Sure. Whatever you say.”
As we waited for our food, Mayor Axlerod came into the diner. She quickly caught sight of Sam and me, sauntering over with a bright smile. “Good evening. How are you two doing tonight?”
Sam looked up and cleared his throat. “We’re good. Have you met Gabe?”
She turned her winning smile to me. “Gabe, you’re Ellie’s dad, right?”
I chuckled. Everyone knew everyone in Maplewood. “I am.”
“I think I spotted you two when you entered the flavor contest at Frozen Fest. You put up a good showing for a first-year entry.”
“Thanks,” I said. “It was all Ellie’s idea.”
“She’s going places,” the mayor said with a nod. “So…” She looked at Sam again. “Parent-teacher conference tonight? Here in the diner? Thatisunconventional. You certainly do go the extra mile, Sam.” She raised an eyebrow, a smirk on her face.
“We’re…”
The mayor waited as Sam floundered, her smirk widening.
“Talking business,” they blurted finally. “Gabe is thinking of investing in the ice cream shop.”
“Well, isn’t that an exciting piece of news? Do you think you’ll be staying in Maplewood?”
“I definitely hope to. We’ll see what happens, though. This one doesn’t want any help.” I gestured toward Sam.
Mayor Axlerod laughed softly. “Sounds about right. Sam’s always been pretty independent, as long as I’ve known them. Which is a long time.”
