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“You… you don’t have to do that.” I mean it, but I also really want her to keep that promise.

Felicity throws her head back in laughter. “Are you sure? Because your face is telling a different story.”

Busted. “Sorry. I’m just incredibly attracted to you. It’s hard to control my reaction when you say things like that.”

“When the time is right, I hope you don’t control yourself at all.”

Is she talking about sex? The tone of her voice tells me she is, but that seems to be skipping a lot of steps. Right now, I’d be happy to stay in this car for hours making out. The only reason I’m not suggesting it is because I’m trying to take things slow for Felicity. Sex on the other hand… that’s a whole other story. Sex isn’t something I ever want to rush into, especially since I’m still a virgin. I want to make sure my first time is with the right person at the right moment.

Luckily, I don’t have to respond since we’re now in the drive-through at Starbucks. We put in our orders then park in the back of the parking lot, away from all the cars. “I’m going to miss this when basketball starts in a few weeks,” Felicity says before taking a sip of her venti white chocolate mocha.

“I’ll still be around.”

“Not as much though.” She pushes her lip into the pout that I find so incredibly cute. My mind is preoccupied with the thought of kissing those lips until Felicity slaps her hand to her forehead. “Shit. I just remembered I had homework for my pre-calc class. Rain check?”

“Of course.” My lips will have to wait, apparently. It’s fine. I can be patient for my literal dream girl.

When we get to school, Felicity says a quick goodbye before practically jumping out of the car. She must be really worried about that math homework.

As I walk up to the building, I’m surprised to find Abby outside. “You’re here early.”

“Yeah, I did some volunteer work this morning.” Abby looks around and lowers her voice slightly as if she’s telling me a secret. “Did I see you get out of Felicity’s car?”

“Yeah. We were supposed to be working on something for chemistry, but it turns out she had another assignment that’s due sooner.”

“I’m not dumb, Marjorie. I’ll admit I didn’t believe Marcus when he first told me he thought there was something going on between the two of you, but I see it now.” I try to avoid eye contact with Abby, but she dips her head down so I can’t. “Am I right?”

I shake my head. “You can’t tell anyone. Not even my brother. Please.”

“Are you free after school? Can we get together?”

“I think you might have the wrong Madden sibling. I know the resemblance is uncanny.”

Abby laughs and playfully pushes my shoulder. “Shut up.”

“Ouch.” I rub my shoulder as if she hurt me. “I’m actually off tonight. What did you have in mind?”

Abby shrugs. “Whatever. Doesn’t really matter. Want to just meet me at my car after school?”

“Promise I won’t catch you making out with my brother?”

Abby holds two fingers in the air. “Scout’s honor. Just for you, I’ll make sure Marcus is nowhere to be seen.”

“Perfect. I see enough of that face.”

“Me too, honestly.” Abby sticks out her tongue to show she’s clearly joking.

***

After a long school day, I’m more than ready to spend some time with my future sister-in-law. As promised, it’s just Abby standing by her car when I get there. “I thought maybe we could go mini golfing,” she says as she opens the passenger door for me. “Enjoy this fall weather before it gets freezing again.”

“I love when it’s freezing because that means it’s officially basketball season.”

Abby snorts and walks over to her side of the car. “You’re such a nerd.”

“Says the girl who just snorted.” I bump my shoulder against hers before putting on my seatbelt. “Plus, can I really be considered a nerd if I’m nerding out over a sport?”

“Yeah, you totally can. Now, why don’t you put your money where your mouth is and try to beat me on the mini golf course, Miss Athlete?”