“Why are you apologizing? You don’t need to. This is your first date.”

“Thanks for reminding me,” I muttered.

His lips twitched as if he wished to smile. “It’s not a bad thing. You’re going to be nervous.”

“You’re not.”

“That’s because I’m awesome.”

I rolled my eyes.

He laughed, and the sound was deep and rich. “You just don’t have to be. I want to be here with you, Avery. You don’t have to worry about impressing me or wowing me. You’ve already done that.”

“That’s…” I shook my head, ignoring the lump in my throat. I stared at him. “You’re just so… I don’t know. You just know what to say to…”

“To?”

I tucked my hair back and then dropped my hand in my lap. It was shaking. “You just say the right stuff.”

“It’s because I’m—”

“Awesome,” I supplied. “I know that.”

Cam leaned back. “I wasn’t going to say that, but I’m glad you’re starting to realize my awesomeness.”

“Then what were you going to say?”

“That I said that because it’s true and I want to.”

“Why me?” I blurted out, and then closed my eyes briefly. “Okay. Don’t answer that.”

The food arrived just then—thank God—and the conversation was deterred… for about two minutes. “I’m going to answer that question,” Cam said, peering at me through his lashes.

I wanted to face-plant my stuffed chicken. “You don’t have to.”

“No, I think I do.”

Clenching my silverware, I drew in a deep breath. “I know it’s a stupid question to ask, but you’re gorgeous, Cam. You’re nice and you’re funny. You’re smart. I’ve been turning you down for two months. You could go out with anyone, but you’re here with me.”

“Yes, I am.”

“With the girl who’s never been out on a date before,” I added, looking him dead on. “It just doesn’t seem real.”

“Okay.” He cut off a piece of steak. “I’m here with you because I want to be—because I like you. Ah—let me finish. I’ve already told you. You’re different—in a good way so get that look off your face.”

My eyes narrowed.

He grinned. “And I’ll admit, some of the times I asked you out, I knew you weren’t going to say yes. And maybe while I wasn’t always being serious when I did, I was always serious about wanting to take you out. You get that?”

Um, not really, but I nodded.

“And I like hanging out with you.” He popped a piece of steak into his mouth. “And hey, I think I’m a pretty damn good catch for your first date.”

“Oh my God.” I laughed. “I can’t believe you just said you were a good catch.”