The end result is a very Gumby-like drunk Heath by the time we’ve made it outside where the main party is happening.

He wraps an arm around my shoulders and leans into me. “I think I might be drunk.”

I stutter step my way to where our friends are sitting. Dakota’s found Reagan and they’ve pulled lounge chairs together. They’re sharing one and facing Maverick.

When they spot us, more specifically me desperately trying to unload a very heavy Heath, Mav moves to sit with Reagan and Dakota, and I manage to get Heath and I seated.

“The Oversharer is here!” Maverick lifts his cup with a smile. “How ya feeling, buddy? Feeling good? Feeling like you want to tell all your deepest secrets?”

Heath makes a motion like he’s zipping his lips and tossing the key, nearly loses his balance and falls off the back of the chair.

“How do you get so drunk when you’re this heavy?” I groan as I pull him upright.

“I wanna take you to The Olive Garden.” He sways a little, staring at me. “You deserve The Olive Garden.”

Our friends are laughing, but even drunk and out of his mind, I can’t take my eyes off Heath.

“I’m pretty sure they’re closed right now, but food isn’t a terrible idea.” I look to Reagan. “What do you have in that purse of yours to soak up the alcohol?”

As she pulls out snacks, everyone suddenly gets very interested in eating. I manage to snag a granola bar and a mini bag of pretzels for Heath.

“I think you might be my dream woman,” Maverick says to Reagan as he opens a peanut butter cookie and takes a bite. He finishes that off and then downs two granola bars. “Let’s go eat. We can hit IHOP or get Jack in the Box and head back to the apartment. Ooooh Jack in the Box tacos.” He closes his eyes and moans.

“Can’t,” Heath interrupts. “I’m showing my girl a good time.” He throws his arm around me again.

“You can show her a good time back at the apartment. Naked.” Maverick stands and everyone else follows his lead.

“It isn’t about sex,” he says and looks at me dreamily. My stomach does a thousand backflips.

We aren’t having sex, so even though our friends are reacting with a series of “aww” and laughter, he’s only stating facts. It isn’t about sex, but I think that needs to change soon.

I get to my feet and pull him up. “Come on.”

“Are we going to The Olive Garden?”

The next morning, Heath wakes as I’m getting dressed to sneak out of his room.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He pulls me down and hugs me against his chest.

“I have to go to class.”