Page 42 of Because I Liked A Boy
Her grin only widens, wicked and delighted. “Princess finally has a date.”
I groan, dropping my forehead into my hands. “It’s not—”
“Don’t even try,” Ruby cuts me off, practically bouncing in her seat. “I’ve been waiting months for this. The banter, the tension, the way you look at each other when you think nobody’s watching—it’s clear this is a date.”
“Ruby, we’re friends…” I mumble into my palms.
She ignores me completely, leaning forward like a general planning a battle. “Okay, first things first. Have you brushed your teeth?”
My head snaps up, scandalised. “What?”
“Mouthwash, floss, the whole works. Hunter’s the type to kiss you stupid before you’ve even finished saying hello.”
“Ruby!” My cheeks blaze so hot I’m surprised the windows don’t steam over more.
She just smirks, ticking something off on her fingers. “Fine, fine. Next—are you shaved?”
I choke on my coffee. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.” She arches a brow, utterly unbothered. “Legs, bikini line, the whole garden. Because if tonight goes anywhere—and don’t you dare roll those eyes—you’ll thank me.”
I cover my face with both hands. “You’re impossible.”
She just tilts her head, eyes glittering. “I’m serious though—are you protected?”
I gape at her. “Ruby, I’m twenty-six, not sixteen. I think I can figure out how condoms work.”
Her grin widens. “Good. Because if this goes the way I think it will, you’re gonna need them.”
I groan again, wishing the earth would open up and swallow me whole. “It’s not like that.”
Ruby smirks, sipping her latte like she didn’t just casually eviscerate me. “Not yet. And you’re glowing,” she adds, eyes softening just a fraction. “Scared out of your mind, but glowing.”
For a second I almost tell her I don’t remember the last time anyone made me feel like this—seen, wanted, less broken. But the words stick in my throat. Easier to hide behind sarcasm.
I peek at her between my fingers. “We’re just friends, Ruby. That’s all this is. Just… friends hanging out.”
Before she can reply, my phone buzzes against the table. I reach for it too quickly, but she’s already glanced down, scanning the preview before I can flip it face-down.
Her grin turns feral. “Friends? Friends don’t send you three texts before noon telling you what to wear.”
My face burns. “He was joking.”
“Uh-huh.” She leans back in her chair, smirk firmly in place. “And friends definitely don’t tuck you into bed and cuddle you until you fall asleep.”
My stomach flips. “Who told you—”
Ruby grins like she’s just won the lottery. “You’ve got that look. The I’ve been held all night by a boy who makes my insides feel like static look.”
I groan, burying my face in my coffee cup. “You’re insane.”
“Insane, yes. Wrong? No.”
I shake my head, desperate to change the subject, but Ruby leans forward again, conspiratorial. “Call it what you want, babe, but tonight isn’t just a hangout. It’s a date. And I’m living for it.”
Ruby leans in, lowering her voice but not her grin. “Okay, fine, let’s test thislittle just friends theory. Do you get butterflies when he texts you?”
I glare. “No.”
