Page 66 of I Don't Need Your Romance

I smile. How could this guy be so perfect?

Our conversation shifts to our favorite book-to-movie adaptations. The guy is kind of being a book and movie nerd right now, and I love it. It feels so natural to talk to him, so comfortable. I feel like I can be myself around him and he won’t think I’m strange. I don’t want the date to end.

He must share my thoughts because he says, “Want to get ice cream from down the block?”

“Sure.”

We leave Lottie’s and make our way to the ice cream shop. Our hands are side by side and for a second, I wonder if he’ll take mine. I want him to, but maybe it’s too soon. Holding hands is a significant step in a relationship and I don’t want to dive in too deeply until we’re both ready. Axel doesn’t seem to realize my hand is only inches from his, but that’s okay. Whatever he’s comfortable with.

I wonder if he feels so natural with me the way I feel with him. Is this his first date, too? Probably not because he’s so good-looking. But I shouldn’t assume.

He turns to me. “I’m having an awesome time, Sophie. You’re great.”

My cheeks heat up. “Thanks. You’re great, too, and I’m also having a great time.”

He grins. “Awesome.”

We both laugh.

We reach the ice cream shop and he holds open the door for me. “You’re such a gentleman,” I compliment.

He bows. “Anything for my lady.”

I find myself giggling again. We stand in line with many others. The place is chaotic, since it’s the best ice cream in the area. Some people come from the next towns over just to buy this ice cream.

But it’s so worth the wait.

“Have you been here before?” Axel asks me.

“A few times. Mostly when I celebrate with my friends. I miss it like crazy when I go back home. I get such a craving.”

“Where’s back home?” He gets this strange look on his face, like he’s worried I live too far.

“New Jersey.”

His body relaxes. “Phew, okay. Was worried we wouldn’t be able to spend the summer together.”

I gape at him. “Oh…” Is he really thinking that far ahead?

He scans my eyes. “Sorry. Was that too presumptuous of me? I just feel so comfortable around you that I’m saying whatever is on my mind.” His gaze lowers like he’s mentally reprimanding himself for messing up the date.

I’m so happy this means as much to him as it does to me.

“It’s okay. I feel so comfortable around you, too.”

He smiles in such a warm way that makes me all tingly.

“Next!” the guy behind the counter calls.

We step forward and give him our orders. I go with strawberry cheesecake with sprinkles and fudge while he chooses pecan.

We grab a table in the back and lick our ice creams. So yum.

We don’t talk much because we’re focused on our treats. He keeps sending me smiles and my stomach can’t take the butterflies anymore. But I don’t want them to stop ever.

When we’re done, we take a stroll around the area. “Want to go to the arcade?” he asks.

I take out my phone to check the time. “Darn it. Curfew is at ten and I still didn’t finish my homework.”