Page 144 of When Ben Loved Tim

“It’s a surprise,” he says. “And an apology.”

I roll my eyes to hide my weakening willpower.

“Would it help if I let you kick me in the nuts?” Tim says, trying a smile.

I’m instantly disarmed by the shape of those lips as they frame pearly white teeth.

“You know I’m too fond of your nuts to do that.”

“I mean, I was hoping,” Tim replies.

This time, when he reaches for my hand, I don’t resist. He looks relieved. I only wish I felt the same. He must see the uncertainty in my eyes, because his brow furrows up.

“Have you given up on me?” he asks, sounding vulnerable.

I swallow before responding. “No. Not yet.”

“Good.” He brings my hand to his lips and kisses it. “Friday night. I’ll pick you up at home.”

“Don’t you mean around the block from my house?”

“No,” he says. “I’ll park in your driveway. Okay?”

I hold my tongue, but only to punish him. I already know my answer.

“Okay.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

I want to be happy. And I want to be with him. So during the week, I try to let go of my animosity and return to the feeling I had after we last slept together. The past can’t be undone. All we can do is wipe the slate clean and let this be a new beginning for us. I don’t know what Tim has planned, only that it’s a surprise. By the end of the week, I’m mostly excited by the prospect. Krista puts a damper on this, simply by existing. I can’t help but see her during our economics class. She’s a living reminder of everything that went wrong.

I don’t wait by the door on Friday evening. I make myself look nice, but once I’m ready, I sit in the living room while reading a book. If he wants me that bad, he can knock on the door.

Ding-dong!

Or ring the bell. My misgivings are instantly forgotten. I leap to my feet and throw open the front door. Tim is standing there in a maroon T-shirt and the same torn shorts that I last saw him in.

He looks me over and asks, “What did you get all dressed up for?”

I glower at him and start to shut the door. He puts a hand out to block it and laughs.

“I’m only kidding. It’ll all make sense soon, I promise.”

“Where are we going? Should I grab a swimsuit or something?”

“Nah.” He turns his body to the side and tilts his head toward the driveway. “Everything is all set up. You’ll see. Let’s go.”

As soon as we’re in his car, he leans toward me for a kiss.

I pull back and shake my head. “Not on the first date.”

“We’rewaypast that,” he says, trying again.

“No we aren’t.” I put a hand on his chest and try not to melt. “This is our first date. We’re starting over.”

“Does that include the other firsts we had? We get to do them all over again?”

“Yeah.Ifwe make it that far.”