“I know.” She bumps me with her elbow. “But after all the matchmaking you’ve done in your life, it only seems fair that we get to return the favor.”
“Hey, I set you up withAugust Wentworth.You’re welcome.” I frown. “And you saw the Crocs headlights. Don’t deny it.”
Marlow grimaces. “How could I have known—”
“And.” I hold up a finger. “I didn’t get the town involved. There were no committees to determine the ...” What was it again?
“The Outcome of Bigfoot Versus Boyfriend,” Marlow says, every muscle in her face fighting a smile. “And you’re right. This whole bet got away from me.”
I laugh, tipping my tired head onto Marlow’s shoulder. “Maybe a little.”
Chapter 22
Adam
The things I do for the forest mascot,I think with a shake of my head as I scrub my dinner dishes.
After work I came back to my place and took a fortifying nap in my hammock because I hardly slept thanks to last night’s town meeting. My mind was spinning after my appointment to the Ad Hoc Committee to ... I can’t remember the actual name of the committee. All I know is Stevie nominated me, and now I’m one of four people who will determine the outcome of her bet with Marlow.
Insanity.
Stevie has pulled me into her delusions in an official capacity, and I’m worried about how unworried I am. This most likely means last night wasn’t my first-and-last town meeting. It also means people think they can call me and text me throughout the night attempting to sway my vote. I learned that the annoying way. I don’t know how they found my number, but changing it is on my to-do list.
I shouldn’t mind, because I also lost sleep over that wildfire kiss with Stevie. I keep picturing her and remembering the taste of strawberries on her mouth. I can’t stop thinking about what I consider to be our first date—sitting on my steps, eatingwild strawberries between kisses, and talking until it was way too late. Spending time with Stevie feels like hanging onto a shooting star—always fiery and way too short-lived. I’m left full of awe, staring after her and hoping for more.
It makes up for every bit of irritation I felt when Muffie Horowitz called me at midnight and tried to browbeat me into being a double agent. I should’ve recorded that conversation for evidence.
My phone buzzes against the kitchen counter, and I jump.
These people are making me lose my mind.
But it’s Stevie calling, and now I’m jumping for another reason. I hurry to dry my hands on a dish towel.
“Hey, pretty girl,” I answer. Who have I become? Ruth would be doing cartwheels if she heard that.
“H-hey, Adam,” Stevie says, breathless. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to this ... this being how it is with us.” She stumbles over her words, which from what I know about her so far, is out of character.
“You don’t like it?” I hang my dishtowel on the oven handle and make my way to my bedroom to change.
“Oh, I like it.” She titters.
“Good, because I can’t get you out of my mind.” I pull my shirt over my head. “I’m going a little crazy over you, Stevie.”
The line goes silent, and I hold my breath.
There’s a shuffling sound on Stevie’s end, then a muffled screech.
“Are you okay?” My heart is thumping for so many reasons, it’s hard to keep track.
“Sorry. Yeah.” She’s out of breath. “That’s a pretty big matzo ball hanging out there, Adam,” she teases.
No way. Did she just quoteSeinfeld? Or was that a fluke? Either way, Stevie’s right, and she’ll love that. “You’re right. It’s true, though. I’m losing my mind here,” I murmur.
Itwasa pretty big matzo ball I left hanging out there, as Jerry Seinfeld would say. My heart is on my sleeve, and Stevie hasn’t responded. I’ve never made such a bold move with anyone, let alone a wildfire of a woman. The memory of her kisses makes me confident.
“Adam?”
“Hmm?”