“Since I was five. I was fascinated with the game and spent every weekend watching college and NFL games. It was how my dad and I bonded.”

“You don’t look like a quarterback.”

“Thank God.” I pretended to wipe my brow in relief.

She touched my hand. I froze. Her fingertips were soft. I almost melted when she linked our fingers. “I like that about you. You always look so sweet and innocent on game day in your skirts and dresses.”

I blushed at her appraisal. “I feel so awkward.”

“Why? You look amazing,” Parker said.

“I’m one of the tallest students in the school.”

“So?”

“It’s embarrassing to have everyone staring at you when you walk by.” I groaned and put my head down on the table. I smiled when I felt her fingers touch my hair.

“It’s because you’re gorgeous and tall.”

I looked up at her and got lost in her wildly blue eyes. My cheeks burned and I took a long drink of iced tea, but it did nothing to cool the rush of lava. “You’re just saying that.”

“Are you kidding me? I have a hard time keeping eye contact with you.”

Her voice trailed off, making my heart swell. She was beautiful and shy and here with me. She was nervous but so was I. We’d figure this out together. “I think I’m the lucky one here. Popular girl, cheerleader, smart, funny.”

“Let’s just agree that we’re both lucky,” she said.

I laughed nervously. “We are. And since this park turned out to be kind of a bust, let me salvage the rest of this date by taking you somewhere less buggy and humid.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“My dad made cookies and said we can hang out over there. I’m sure there’s a good movie we can watch. I know it’s not the best first date, but it’s private.” She helped me pack up the food and raised her eyebrows at me when she saw the blanket in the back of my car. I shrugged sheepishly. “I had visions of a nice picnic by the lake before today’s downpour.”

“It was a great idea,” she said.

“I’m sorry the weather ruined our date,” I mumbled and closed the trunk. I stopped when she put her hand on mine.

“It’s not ruined at all. Plus, the dates that don’t go according to plan are always the most memorable.”