Page 23

CHAPTER 22

GROUND RULES

THAT NIGHT

Cass: I think we should set up some ground rules for tomorrow.

Wilder: About you eating breakfast?

Cass: About you stealing kisses.

Wilder: Fair. Just so you know, you can steal them too.

Cass: So, tomorrow is the first time we’ll be together-together in public, our formal announcement, if you will. It’s important we sell it.

Wilder: I think I like where this is going.

Cass: Touching is obviously necessary.

Wilder: I definitely like where this is going.

Cass: No bathing suit parts.

Wilder: Killjoy.

Cass:

Wilder: I’m kissing.

Cass:

Wilder: Kidding lol. Auto.

Cass: Speaking of kissing—I’ll allow it. CONDITIONALLY.

Wilder: I’m listening.

Cass: First, I think we should plan it. I was thinking maybe when you come off the field.

Wilder: Just like the old days. I’m in.

Cass: Second, you’ll need to keep your tongue to yourself. I will only accept church kissing. Chaste kissing. Zero tongue. Lips together.

Wilder: I thought you said we have to sell it?

Cass: We do, but you can’t be just mugging my face in public.

Wilder: If we were together, I’d be mugging your face every chance I got, if we’re keeping it real.

Cass: Fine, how about lips parted, no tongue.

Wilder: How about subtle tongue? Polite tongue?

Cass: In opposition to what? Porn tongue?

Wilder: Obviously.

S everal minutes pass.

Cass: Fine. Polite tongue. Also, don’t call me wife.

Wilder: Hold up—you called me husband last night.

Cass: Well you were being all sweet. Moment of weakness.

Wilder: Do you really hate it that much?

Several more minutes pass.

Cass: No. That’s the problem.

Wilder: What’s the penalty if I slip up?

Cass: With your tongue or the wife business?

Wilder: Either. Both.

Cass: For one, you’ll have slipped up on the whole *earn Cass’s trust back* goals.

Wilder: Also fair. But if you call me husband, the wife clause is null and void.

Cass: lol that won’t be a problem.

Wilder: Wanna make a bet?

Cass: Sure. If you get me to call you husband, I will porn tongue kiss you.

Wilder: Where?

Cass: omg your face you jackass.

Wilder: I’ll take what I can get, Cassidy.

Cass: Even scraps?

Wilder: Feed them to me and see for yourself.

Cass: goodnight Wilder.

Wilder: Night Cass.