Page 88 of Lessons in Chemistry

“About what?”

“That it might be nice to do something like this more often.”

“Go on a date?”

“Would you like to?”

I reach across the table and squeeze his hand. “Yes, definitely.”

His shy smile becomes more confident. “We should also talk about what you want to do for your birthday.”

It’s a week today. I wave my other hand. “Nothing. You know me, I don’t like anyone to make a fuss over me just because it’s my birthday.”

Casey gives me a serious look. “You’ve got two boyfriends now. We’re not going to let your birthday slip by without doing something.”

“Auggie doesn’t know my birthday is coming up.”

“He will.”

I glare at him, but at the same time, my lips quiver with barely repressed laughter, so I doubt he takes me seriously. “I’m glad you and Auggie are getting along.”

“Me too. He’s nice.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Just nice?”

“What do you want me to say? I enjoy being around him. He’s fun. He makes you happy, which makes me happy.” His eyes become unfocused as he stares into the distance behind me. “Yeah, I like him.”

That makes me giddy.

We finish our food and then walk to the bus station to catch a bus home. Our fingers are intertwined the whole time. We chat and pause to kiss every so often. On the bus, we lean against each other, not talking but enjoying being close. When we get home, we gravitate to my room and snuggle on the bed. We kiss some more and finally get around to telling each other about our days.

“This is nice,” I say before kissing him again.

He nuzzles my nose with his. “It is, but I’m not sure what I’m doing.”

I laugh. “Nor am I. We’re both new to this boyfriend thing.”

“It must help to have Auggie to guide you.”

“Maybe with the sexy stuff, but he’s as new to dating as we are.”

“True.” He looks down.

“What’s wrong?”

“Do you mind not doing the sexy stuff with me?”

I trace my fingertips over his jaw. “No. Have I fantasised about it? Yes. But now I know you’re not into it. Besides, it doesn’t mean we can’t do romantic things, right? This is romantic. We spent all evening being romantic. It’s been amazing. I’ve had the best time.”

“Me too.”

“Stay with me tonight?”

“You mean to fall asleep together on purpose?”

I laugh and nod. “Yes. We can kiss and snuggle until we’re too tired to keep our eyes open.”

He grazes his fingers over my cheek. “I’d like that.”