Page 12 of Because I Liked A Boy
Hunter strolls in, sunlight catching in his hair like he’s in a damn commercial. He looks like he belongs in one of those small-town dramas—the kind where guys like him are both the problem and the plot twist. Black T-shirt, worn jeans, lazy confidence in every stride.
His smirk locks on me the second he reaches the counter. “Morning, Princess.”
“Fuckboy.”
Ruby nearly chokes on her laughter.
Hunter’s smirk deepens. “Miss me yesterday?”
“Like my ex.” I sip slowly, savouring the flicker in his eyes.
“Harsh.” He leans in, close enough for the faint scent of engine oil and soap to sneak into my space. “Good thing I’m harder to forget than your ex.”
His shirt rides up just enough to flash a strip of skin. Strategic. Shameless. I wasn’t paying attention. Not. At. All.
Ruby slides his coffee across the counter without him asking. “One day, you two are going to combust right here, and I hope I’m on shift when it happens.”
“Keep dreaming,” I mutter.
Hunter chuckles low, the sound crawling down my spine. “Oh, Princess… I already am.”
The bell jingles again.
Theo strolls in, all easy strides and Sunday-morning casual—white T-shirt, worn jeans, sneakers scuffed from too many miles. His hair is messy in that careless way that still works, brown eyes warm and sharp all at once.
He’s been around since the first day I met Hunter—his best friend, co-owner of the garage two streets over. Quieter than Hunter, but no less dangerous when he decides to lean into it. If Hunter is fire, Theo is smoke. Slower to spread, but just as consuming once you notice.
“Am I interrupting something?” His voice drips with smug amusement.
“No,” I say flatly.
“Yes,” Hunter says at the same time.
Theo grins but doesn’t press. Instead, he turns to Ruby. “Morning, Rubes.Caramel latte. Extra caramel. You know how I like it.”
A flush rises in Ruby’s cheeks, and she spins toward the machine too quickly. “Yeah, I remember,” she says, aiming for casual.
Theo leans on the counter, watching her with deliberate ease. “You never forget my order.”
Ruby smirks without looking at him. “Some customers are worth remembering.”
Hunter cuts in, dry as dust. “Some customers are also unbearable.”
“Present company included?” Theo shoots back, not bothering to glance his way.
Ruby slides his cup toward him, fingers brushing his just long enough to make her blink faster. “Careful. Don’t burn yourself.”
“I’ll take my chances.” Theo sips slow, eyes finally shifting to me. “You two look like you’re having a moment.”
“Not even close,” I say.
Hunter tilts his head, smirk edging into a challenge. “Don’t sound so disappointed, Princess.”
Ruby leans forward, chin in her palm, grinning like this is the best entertainment she’s had all week.
I drain the last of my cup and grab my bag. “On that note, I’ve got work.”
Hunter straightens instantly. “Perfect. I’m heading that way.”
