“More later,” she said. “Our ice cream is melting.”

“Yes, later,” he agreed. “Much more.”

They made quick work of the delicious treat, walking along the idyllic streets of Île Saint-Louis, where Berthillon was nestled. The streets were quiet and peaceful in the charming neighborhood dotted with bakeries, cheese shops, and cafes. The air smelled purely of Paris, ageless and sweet. She loved experiencing Paris this way, without the throng of tourists.

But she couldn’t resist walking along the iconic Seine with their fingers linked, the warm spring sunshine reflected on the water.

Seth brought their hands up and kissed her knuckles. “It feels so great to touch you without worrying about getting caught.”

“I love it, too.” She stood on her tippy toes and kissed him to accentuate her point. “It feels fucking glorious to be lovers in Paris.”

He pulled her into his arms and spun her around. “I can be as corny as I want, and it’ll still be romantic because it’s Paris.”

“But you are romantic,” Tara confessed. “All those times I called you corny, I was actually melting into pink goo.”

“Ah, so you are susceptible to my brand of romance.” His grin turned cocky. “Good to know.”

“I’m susceptible to you, Seth,” she whispered. “I didn’t know it was possible to be so much in love. It’s overwhelming sometimes.”

“I know. Me, too,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Do you think it’ll still be like this when we go home?”

“It’ll be like this wherever we are.” He tugged her hand and they started walking down the river again. “This isn’t some Paris magic, Tara. It’s our own magic. Our love.”

“Corny,” she teased, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.

“Does that mean you’re pink goo right now?”

“Yes, and I have hearts in my eyes.”

“God, you’re adorable.”

“I know. And I’m all yours,” she said with love glowing brilliantly in her heart. “Lucky you.”

“Yes,” he said, looking at her as though she was the greatest piece of art in the world. “Lucky me.”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Dating Dare is my pandemic baby. At times, it was difficult to write. Who am I kidding? It was hard—really hard—to write on most days. Yet, this book has been my escape and my anchor through these incomprehensible, heartbreaking times. Tara and Seth warmed my heart, made me laugh, and moved me to tears. Writing their story gave me a purpose that helped me forge ahead. It kept me whole.

To Sarah Younger, literary agent extraordinaire. Your voice of reason and sound advice—which kept me sane through four releases and two new contracts during the pandemic—allowed me to center myself and write this book. Thank you for having my back, my friend.

To Mara Delgado Sánchez, my wonderful editor, thank you for loving my book. It made me deliriously happy to hear that I made you laugh and cry! Thank you for believing in me even when I couldn’t and working so hard to make The Dating Dare shine. I’m so happy we got to work together on this book.