Best Dating Rules by Tamie Dearen (no david read aloud .TXT) 📕

clouds. He was close, so close. Was he going to kiss her? She closed her eyes and waited, sensing the nearness of his lips to hers, feeling his breath on her cheek.

Abruptly, he sat up and pulled off his t-shirt, rolling it carefully. She stared hungrily at his rippling muscles as he moved. He smiled as he lay down next to her, propping his head on his shirt.

“No fair. You’ve got a pillow,” she teased.

“Just take off that shirt, and I’ll make you one, too.” He flashed his even white teeth in a grin.

“I think that wouldn’t be wise. I didn’t come prepared to sunbathe today.” She noted a number of other girls on the park lawn had the forethought to wear swimsuits. “When did you make brownies?”

“I got up early this morning before I picked you up.” He yawned, stretching his arms above his head, and she appreciated the display.

“Wow. After you were up so late last night? I saw you texted me after midnight. What project were you working on with your dad?”

“Uhmm, bathroom. You know, uhmm... plumbing and stuff. We were replacing a vanity and sink.”

“Oh. Sounds hard. Maybe you could show me at dinner Sunday night?”

“Uhmm, yeah. Well, that’s the problem. The new one didn’t fit, and we had to put the old one back. That’s why it took so long.”

“Oh. I see.” He was lying. She was almost certain of it. Her heart broke a little. But maybe there was another explanation. She didn’t confront him because she didn’t want to know the truth. She was in love with Spencer, and right now they were together.

He was sweet and caring and protective. He was the type of guy she’d always wanted—the kind who’d love you so much they’d risk their lives for you. Maybe he really did love her, but he was too insecure to say it. Maybe if she shared her feelings just a little, he’d find the courage to tell her. She steeled her nerves before she spoke in a timid voice.

“Spencer, you know... I really like you a lot. I mean, more than I’ve ever liked a guy before. And... And I don’t know, I just wanted you to know. Because I know you saved my life even after I went out with Asher, and I know I hurt you. And I’m sorry. I don’t know if I’ve ever told you how sorry I am. Except I’m glad I almost died because you saved my life, and that’s how I found out how special you are. Well, that and when you kissed me...” She paused, waiting for his response. But he was quiet. Had she said something wrong? Had she hurt his feelings?

“Spencer?” She sat up and leaned toward him, searching his face.

He was sound asleep.

Chapter Sixteen

Spencer knew he had to talk to his parents and enlist their help. It was Sunday, and family dinner was looming. If only he hadn’t used his father as an alibi for Friday night. He groaned. Even if his father agreed to back up his story, his sisters might say something to give away his lie. How could he have been so stupid? He should’ve made up a different story. Sighing, he decided to face his parents first. He could hear his mother and father in the kitchen.

“Hey, Momma. Papa. Uhmm... Can I talk to you guys?”

His mom immediately got that oh-my-gosh-something-terrible-must-have-happened-tell-me-now-before-I-die look.

“Sure, Son.” Joe took his time, filling a glass with water before he sat down at the table with Spencer.

“I got myself in trouble with Emily, and I need you guys to help me out.”

“You got Emily in trouble?” Connie asked with wide eyes.

“No. He’s in trouble,” said Joe. “Calm down, Connie. You always overreact.”

“I do not. I’m more sensitive to the underlying emotions. You, on the other hand, have the sensitivity of a shoehorn.”

“A shoehorn? Where on earth did that come from? That doesn’t even make sense.”

“Have you ever met a sensitive shoehorn? Of course not. That’s what I mean—you’re not very sensitive.”

“I still say that doesn’t—“

“Momma! Papa! Can you argue later? Emily will be here in an hour.”

“Sorry, Son. What is it?”

“Well, I told Emily I was helping you with a bathroom project Friday night.”

“I see,” he said, his eyes narrowing. “And what were you actually doing on Friday night?”

“I was working. I got a job doing valet parking to earn some extra money.”

“Are you having trouble making your rent?” asked Connie. “I thought your internship at Gherring Inc. was paid.”

“It is. I make enough to pay rent, which is better than a lot of my friends. But I don’t make any extra.”

“What do you need the extra for? To take Emily out? Wouldn’t she understand?”

“Well... I’m trying to save money, and I didn’t want her to know. For a ring.”

“I knew it! I just knew you were in love with her. You see.” Connie punched Joe on the shoulder playfully. “It’s because of my sensitivity—that’s why I knew before you.”

“Have you two talked about this? And have you talked to her dad?” asked Joe.

Spencer gulped. He’d forgotten about talking to Mr. Gherring. “We haven’t exactly talked about it. But I’ll get around to it before I actually buy the ring.” He hoped that was true. He still hadn’t figured out how to broach the subject. Saturday had been like torture. He’d been so close to kissing her multiple times, but he’d held himself back. Just barely. He hadn’t wanted to upset her, but it was so hard to resist when her lips looked so kissable.

Joe stood up and clapped Spencer on the shoulder. “She’s a wonderful girl. We’ll love having her in the family. I hope she doesn’t mind being swallowed up by your sisters. I’ll cover for you this time, but you need a better story if you’re going to keep this up. When are you going to ask her?”

“I don’t know yet. As soon as I can afford to buy the ring