“Unfortunately, he still hadn’t asked for my number, or a date, or my hand in marriage, and my drink was getting low.”

“Are you a lefty?" he asked with amiable interest."No. But if this hand gets bitten off, I'll still have my good one to write with.”

“Arcadia,” Lon’s voice said from my phone. “Who is this?” I teased. “You can’t take my son on a date.” “I didn’t ask him. He asked me.” “He stole my cell and called without permission.” “Sounds like a personal problem to me.” A low growling noise came out of the phone.”

“You want a drink?” he (Brady) offered.“My friend’s getting one.” She gestured toward Susan, who approached.“Your date?”“My-no! No, I’m not—” God, did he think she was a lesbian? Boy, talk about seduction fail.”

“It's not a date. I bought my own drink and I didn't shave my legs.”

“Birthday present number three,” he murmurs, brushing my hair back off my face.“I’m still yet to get you anything.”“I got all my twelve the moment you agreed to be mine.”