Page 126 of If It's You

“That’s because I’ve learned a thing or two from you this summer. And tonight you have no choice but to join me on this date,” he said, and Maizie’s breath sped up. She liked being in control, but she definitely didn’t hate where this was going.

“Ready?” he asked.

Maizie could only nod. They followed Jayce and Lindsay out to Grandpa’s truck. Jayce got in the driver’s seat and drove toward the fields.

“Where are we going?”

“Patience, princess,” Christian said, reaching for her hand again. Her fingers fit so perfectly in his, and she wanted the feel of his hand to live forever on her skin. If only this could survive the end of summer, she’d take it.

The truck wound through the fields, sending up clouds of dust behind them. Maizie was growing more confused by the second. She wasn’t exactly dressed for a picnic in the field.

Jayce pulled to a stop at the old barn. Christian got out and opened the door for her, then escorted her to the barn.

“You wanted another dance lesson, huh?” Maizie teased.

“Of course.” He winked. “But I don’t think you’re dressed for one.”

She scoffed. “I’m a dancer. I always wear spandex shorts under my dresses.”

Christian looked into her eyes, a hint of amusement playing in the oceans of blue. “I’m half tempted to ask you to prove it.”

“Shut up.” She smacked his arm.

He cracked open the door to the barn, and Maizie gasped. Twinkle lights had been strung along the ceiling and down each beam. The floor was swept clean, and a table sat off to the side with fake candles and flowers.

“You did this?” Maizie asked, pressing a hand to her chest.

“Jayce helped.” Christian shrugged like it was no big deal, but it was.

She was guided to the table, but all she wanted to do was dance.

“Don’t worry, we will dance later,” Christian whispered in her ear, reading her mind. His voice and his secret made her spine tingle. He sat down beside her while Jayce and Lindsay took the other side of the table.

The door to the barn opened and Maizie’s mom came walking in carrying bags of food.

“Your dinner.” Anne placed a wrapped burger and fries in front of each of them. “Sorry, the line at the Rio’s was too long, so you got burgers.”

“This is perfect,” Christian said.

“Have fun, you guys.” Her mom squeezed Maizie’s shoulder before she left.

Christian played with something on his phone, and soft, romantic music erupted into the barn.

“You guys, this is amazing!” Lindsay gushed.

“It was Christian’s idea.” Jayce said. “I just helped.”

Christian looked at Maizie. “I hope you don’t mind sharing our first official date with them.”

“I didn’t have a choice about any of it, apparently,” Maizie said, nudging his side.

Christian smiled down at her. The city boy smirk was gone. And the way he smiled at her now made her dizzy in the most glorious way.

“Okay, let’s eat.” Jayce unwrapped his burger. The rest of them did the same.

They ate and laughed, and every now and then, Christian’s leg brushed against hers, making her all kinds of giddy.

A slow song began playing, and Christian stood up, extending his hand to her.