Page 85 of Next to Everything We Wanted

Then I relate to him on a spiritual level.

“Don’t just stand there!” Arielle exclaimed, shoving me out of my room.

“I love you, too,” I muttered. She tried to close the door, but I held it open. “Thanks for everything. I’m not a fan of eating ice cream and watching sad movies after heartbreak, so I won’t mess this up.”

Gracelynn and Raina blew me kisses before Arielle nearly slammed my fingers in the door.

The doorbell rang as I rushed to the front door. I opened it, unable to contain my excitement. Gavin stood in front of me with his hands in his pockets, looking as handsome as ever in a blue button-up shirt and black dress pants.

“Hey!” I wrapped him in a hug, rubbing my hand against his back. Gosh, he felt so strong. “You’re here early.”

“I couldn’t wait to see you.” His lips formed a beautiful grin as he took me in. “You’re stunning.”

Fireworks exploded in my chest. “You always stun me.”

“Good.” He took my hand as he led me to his car, sending a thrill down my spine. He could hold my hand forever, and I’d never get tired of it.

The two of us caught up on our weeks during the drive to the restaurant. I wasn’t sure where we were eating since he wanted to surprise me, though I knew it was in Boulder Valley, the next town over. The drive took less than half an hour, and we arrived at what looked like a nightclub. The words “SUNSET MELODIES” were lit up in purple and blue, strobe lights flashing in front of the building.

The inside had the same vibe, with purple and blue lighting and a huge bar area. There were a few tables and booths around the bar, making the place appear more like a restaurant. An old Lady Gaga song blared through the speakers as the DJ played music to the handful of people busting moves on the dancefloor. It was like a karaoke bar, a club, and a restaurant mixed into one.

Oh, this wassomy element.

“This is already the best restaurant I’ve been to,” I told Gavin as we waited in line to check in.

“I’m glad,” Gavin said, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “I was worried that you’d want me to take you to a nicer place.”

“Please, I’d take this over a fancy-schmancy restaurant any day.” Not that I’d ever been to one. The fanciest place I’d eaten at, other than the country club for my friends’ birthday parties, was Olive Garden.

His mouth brushed against my ear as he leaned toward me. “Then you’re my type of girl.”

I planted a kiss on his forehead, feeling the warmth of his temple. “Good.”

After a woman led us to our table, I looked through the menu as I bobbed my head to the music. Both of us ordered root beer and shared a Spinach artichoke dip. I picked shrimp for myentree while Gavin picked steak. The waiter took our order and returned a minute later with our root beers.

“What do you think is the best decade of music?” I asked Gavin while sipping my drink.

“That’s a hard one. I’d have to say the 2000s. Though if I can cheat a little, the first half of the 2010s are golden.”

“Perfect taste,” I said with a grin.

“Okay, I have to ask a serious question. One that may determine whether or not we have another date.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Ask away.”

“Do you . . .” He drew in a sharp breath. “Like country music?”

“Will you drive off if I say yes?”

“I’d consider it.”

I snorted, nearing sending my root beer spraying.Don’t embarrass yourself!“It depends onhowcountry. If it’s something like Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood, it’s probably on my playlists. If the country accent is that thick, and they’re singing about buying boats or some crap, I’d rather jump in a sewer than listen to that.”

Gavin laughed. “Okay, maybe I can still go out with you.”

I beamed. “Thank you for giving me a chance.”

“So, what genres are your dealbreakers?” Gavin asked as he sipped his root beer. “I know I was on thin ice for the coffee thing on Sunday.”