“That reminds me, I brought you something.” I reached into my pocket and drew out a smooth, round stone. “Here.” She held out her hand and I placed the rock in her palm. “Oh, Corban.” “Male penguins collect stones to present to the female they want to mate with.” “And if the female accepts, she uses the stones to build her nest.” I cupped her cheek. “Hazel, I’m glad we became friends, and I think we can both agree the other stuff was great. But I need you to know something. I don’t want to just date you. You’re brilliant and beautiful and yeah, sometimes you drive me crazy. But you challenge
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