Page 40 of Bad Boy
“What kinda road trip snacks do you like, Preppy? I think I’m gonna get a Mountain Dew and some Skittles.”
“Um. I’m not sure. I’ve never been on one.”
“You’ve never been on a road trip?” I ask in disbelief.
“Nope,” he says, popping the “p.” “You met my parents. They’re more the fly-directly-there-and-back type of vacationers. Not that we’ve really had many of those. And I’ve never been on a trip with friends. Or even a school trip. Until now.” He rolls his lips inward like he’s embarrassed he let all of that slip out. But I love hearing anything and everything he says in that slight drawl.
I chuckle at how fucking cute and sexy he is. He has no idea, either. Everything he’s self-conscious about, I’m completely and unhealthily obsessed with. His mismatched eyes, his quirky personality, his intelligence, his kindness, his fucking innocence.Gah, I want to wreck that innocence. Teach him and show him everything we’ve never done before. Because even though I’ve been with plenty of girls and watched plenty of gay porn, I’ve never been with a guy until the other day. With Lincoln.
“Okay. We’ll just get a bit of everything, then.” I grab chips, popcorn, two chocolate bars, and a bag of Blow Pops—because anything with bubblegum inside is fucking amazing. Especially ice cream.
Linc stands in front of the glass refrigerator pondering his drink decision like it’s his last.
While he’s distracted, I wander down the personal care aisle until I spot what I’m looking for. I grab a small bottle of lube and a pack of condoms. I’m not sure we’ll use either this weekend, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. I add a few more snacks to my basket, a two-liter of Coke, and cranberry juice for mixed drinks and chasers.
I noticed the big, burly gas station attendant sneering at us the second we walked in. Maybe he saw the quick peck on the cheek I gave Lincoln outside after he stumbled over a crack in the pavement. Or maybe he’s just repressed and mad at how hot we are. Because honestly, no one should care that much what someone else does. Either way, I don’t want Lincoln to see and have it affect our plans. Because I know it would upset him. So, I sidle up next to him and take the Snapple from his hands.
“Go wait in the car. I’ll check out,” I whisper into his ear, allowing my lips to ghost over the skin. And sure enough, a small shiver runs down Lincoln’s body. I glance up at the lumberjack cunt and wink. His face turns bright red. Linc and I break apart, and I strut toward the counter, ready to check out.
I wait until the bells above the door chime then set my basket on the counter.
“Beautiful afternoon, isn’t it. . .?” I glance down at his name tag. “Jimbo.”
He curls his lip in disgust while he checks out every single item with an unnecessary and uncalled-for rage. Jimbo grumbles under his breath as he scans the condoms and lube. He shoves my change and my bags at me forcefully.
“My Doritos better not be crushed, or I’ll be back for a refund, Jimmy!” I call over my shoulder with a wild cackle.
Homophobic prick.
At least he knew to keep his mouth shut.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
LINC
An hour and a half into our journey, the GPS lets us know we’re almost there. “I Like You” by Post Malone and Doja Cat ends, and Remi pauses his new road trip playlist with the steering wheel controls.
“Love me some Posty,” he chuckles, knowing I do, too. We haven’t chatted that much, more so just enjoyed the music and snacks while I’ve been glued to my latest book. We did, however, discover we have the same eclectic taste in music, loving everything from hip-hop to indie rock.
Remi has his left hand on top of the wheel and holds out his right, waiting for mine. I don’t even hesitate before placing my hand in his, threading our fingers together. He darts his dark gaze over to me and bites his bottom lip, giving me his signature wink, and my stomach flips low.
Crap. Don’t get hard. Please don’t get hard.
I’m too horny. Maybe I need to jerk off more. I can’t get an erection from a simple handhold. It’s embarrassing.
We rest our entwined fingers on the center console, and Remi gives me a reassuring squeeze. “Having fun on your first official road trip?” he asks, glancing at me again. I’ve noticed he does that a lot—look at me. Watch me. Like he’s fascinated by my every reaction. It’s overwhelming in the best possible way. I close the Kindle app and set my phone down, giving him my full attention.
“Oh. Um. Yes. It’s been really fun.” I pour some Skittles into my hand and tip my head back, dumping them into my mouth and chewing a few times. “I like snackin’ and readin’ while you drive,” I mumble around my mouthful of candy. Something I wouldn’t normally do. But I’m basically on vacation right now, so screw it. “It’s relaxin’.”
“And I like driving and snacking while you read,” he replies with a smoky chuckle that curls my toes. “I like seeing you relaxed and happy, Preppy.”
Warmth unfurls in my gut, butterflies taking flight. I set the bag of Skittles down in the cupholder and stick my hands into my front hoodie pocket, unsure how to respond to something like that. Remi told me to dress comfortably and not bring any button-ups or slacks. So instead, I’m sitting here in one of the few hoodies I own, with Blue Ridge Prep Treasurer stamped across the chest. And I’m wearing the same soft, light-wash jeans I wore the first day we met, along with my Chucks. I brought hiking boots that look similar to the ones that Remi likes to wear, although they have fewer buckles. A lot fewer buckles.
Remi is as dark and mysterious as ever, his black Henley sleeves pushed up to his elbows, showing off the intricately shaded tattoos snaking his muscular forearms. I’ve been trying not to stare, but he’s usually covered up by his school uniform. From what I can see now, there are flowers and sparrows and skulls. A jungle full of hidden mementos, with space for more. It’s beautiful.He’sbeautiful.
Continuing my perusal, my gaze trails down to his skinny black jeans that have rips from thigh to ankle, letting his pale skin show through. My eyes dart back to his face, admiring his sharp cheekbones and strong brow just a little while longer.
He peeks at me and smirks.
