Page 71 of The Kiss Connection

She’s not going to attend college graduation? “Why not?”

“My parents are in Montana. They offered to fly up here, but that’s not practical. Besides, I’ll be going to visit them in a couple of days for Christmas.” She takes another bite of sushi and she’s getting a little better with the chopsticks. It’s a learning process; it takes time.

“I’d watch you walk,” I say, and I mean it. Someone should be there for her.

Juniper reaches across the table for my hand. “That’s sweet, but I already gave my tickets away. It’s really not a big deal. Rowan is busy Saturday with work. I just figured I’d celebrate another way.”

“Oh. How do you want to celebrate?” I ask, my eyes lighting up. I could take her to dinner? Although we’re doing that now, it might not seem special to her.

“Don’t you have a game Saturday anyhow?”

We played Thursday, which means, yes, we have a game tomorrow. Our last home game for a little while too, so I’m not sure when I’ll see Juniper next. “I do have a game tomorrow, but I can’t ask you to go to that, not if it’s your graduation. You really ought to attend your graduation, even if it’s just for you. I mean, isn’t that something you’ll regret not going to?”

She purses her lips and gives a mild shrug.

The waitress brings over our check, and I grab it before Juniper can even glance at the bill.

“How much do I owe you?” she asks, reaching for her wallet.

“I’m not going to expect my girlfriend to pay for dinner.”

Does she really think I would let her pay?

“Let me cover the tip at least.”

I shake my head. “Save your money for your bookstore; you’re going to need it.”

Juniper scrunches her nose at me, but after a beat, she smiles, and it almost appears genuine. “Thank you.”

“You really should think about graduation.”

“I didn’t pick up a cap and gown, so it’s probably too late. Besides, I’d rather spend my Saturday curled up reading than sitting and listening to a commencement speech. Seriously, Myles, I’m not upset about not going. You sound more upset than I am.”

We finish dinner and I convince her to take a stroll with me outside. It’s cold, and she’s bundled up in a heavy coat, winter boots, hat, and gloves. She hasn’t made the mistake of wearing anything super short since the charity date.

Don’t get me wrong, she looked dynamite, but knowing how cold she must have been, I’m glad she’s dressing a little warmer for the weather.

“Where to?” she asks and nudges me. I link my arm in hers, keeping her brushed up against me. I like keeping her close; besides, the ground is slick in spots, and the last thing I need is a photo of one of us on our asses.

“You like hot cocoa?”

“Is that seriously a question, Myles?” She stops walking and stares at me, dumbfounded.

“Yes.” I nod and nudge her to keep moving. I’m chilly. She’s dressed warmer than I am. “I had a girlfriend who used to hate chocolate, so never can be too sure.”

“That’s … a travesty. You dumped her because of that, right? Hating chocolate? That’s like a mortal sin.”

I chuckle and lead us to the small café down the block. “I’m not sure about that,” I say, “seems a bit harsh, but I am glad that it didn’t work out with her. Because it brought me to you.”

The corners of her lips quirk upward. “You don’t have to say that kind of thing around me. It’s just us,” she whispers as I open the door to the café.

There are other people on the street.

It’s not just us, but I don’t point that out.

Juniper needs to be more careful when we’re out in public about what she says, but that’s not a conversation that I can have now with her.

The small shop is warm, quite toasty, and I unbutton my coat while she removes her hat and gloves.