Page 74 of Embers in the Dark

“Sure.” I shrug.

As if on cue, there’s a knock on the door as we walk into the living room.

Tucker opens the door as I start opening the lids of the food containers. My back is to the door, completely lost in the aroma of the food. I’m salivating at the thought of everything in front of me. This is the best distraction before the next forty-eight-hour nightmare of seeing Myles.

“Thanks so much for the invite, man.” I assume that’s Hunter.

“No problem,” Tucker greets his friend. “Come in, the food’s here. I want to introduce you to my girlfriend, Baylee.”

I hear footsteps approach behind me.

I turn around and I drop the lid to one of the Thai containers.

OH. MY. FUCKING. GOD.

“You’re the probie? I FUCKING LOVE YOU!”

“Jesus.” Tucker throws his head back. “Are you fucking serious?”

Hunter, better yet—@huntsamillion as I know him, is absolutely gorgeous and he’s standing right in front of me. His megawatt smile is even prettier when it’s directed at me, and his dimples are so damn cute in person. I’m blushing, I can feel it.

“Baylee!” Tucker throws his arms out.

“I’m sorry, did I say that out loud?” I cover my mouth, even though I’m smiling behind my hands.

Hunter throws his head back and laughs. Oh my gosh, even his laugh is hot. Then he extends his hand out toward me. “Hi, I’m Tyler Hunter. It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for having me over.”

“Don’t thank her, man! I invited you! Fucking traitors,” Tucker protests.

“You aresowelcome for the invite.” I push his hand away and go in for a hug, savoring his toned body and I even breathe him in. I, Baylee Rios, am hugging Tyler Hunter. My friends are going to fucking freak.

“Baylee, baby, may I remind you that your boyfriend is standing right here.” Tucker towers over us.

I pull away from Hunter. “Yes, baby, I haven’t forgotten. But it’sTyler Hunter.” I gesture. “He’s famous!”

“Uh huh.” Tucker crosses his arms over his chest looking less than amused. “I’m regretting this decision more and more by the second.”

“It’s fine, Tucky,” I tell him with a wink.

“Bay, what have I said about that nickname?” he says with clenched teeth. “Now it will get back to Riv and you know that one won’t let up.”

“I won’t say a word. I promise.” Hunter gestures his hands as if he’s zipping his lips and throwing away the key.

“See, he’s not going to say a word.” I point at Hunter. “You’re the sweetest, by the way.” I look over at Hunter.

“Should I give you two a moment?” Tucker says, annoyed.

“Do you mind? That would be great,” I tease.

“I guess it’s not as funny when it’s your girlfriend doing the fawning, is it man?” Hunter taunts and I can see Tucker is rethinking this whole plan of having him over tonight.

When Tucker nearly growls, I move toward him and reach my hand up until he brings his face down so I can capture his lips. Then I whisper, “I only have eyes for you, Tucker. Always. That will never change. Even if you only have a hundred followers.” I joke and smack his ass.

That pulls a laugh from Hunter and we move on to grab plates then proceed to eat our dinner. The lightness of the night helps alleviate the nerves I was focused on before, and I fall in love with Tucker even more for helping me forget all the heaviness I was carrying.

CHAPTER 23

Baylee

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