Page 70 of Because I Liked A Boy
Hunter opened the back door with a cocky bow. “After you, princess.”
I rolled my eyes but still blushed as I slid inside. His hand lingered at my back, steady and warm, until I was settled.
“Evening,” Theo said after a beat, glancing at me in the mirror. His tone was polite, careful. “You look nice, Isabella.”
“Thanks.” I gave him a small smile. “Hi, Theo.”
He nodded once, then focused on the wheel again. The air felt tight until Hunter climbed in beside me, his heat filling the space instantly.
“Well, don’t we make a picture,” Hunter drawled, buckling his belt. “Driver in his Sunday best, princess looking like sin, and me caught in the middle. Maplewood’s not ready.”
Theo huffed a laugh despite himself, shaking his head as he pulled away. The tension thinned, just enough.
Hunter’s thigh pressed firm against mine, his hand slipping into mine in the dark like it had always belonged there.
The ride was quiet except for the hum of the engine. After a minute, Theo glanced at me in the mirror. “You’re still working at the shop?”
“Yeah. Mr. Whittaker keeps me busy.”
“Good place,” Theo said. “He used to give me comics when I was a kid. Said I was the only boy he knew who’d pick Batman over Shakespeare.”
I laughed softly. “That sounds like him.”
Hunter leaned back, one arm stretched lazily across the seat, his fingers brushing my shoulder. “Batman over Shakespeare? Questionable taste.”
Theo smirked. “This from the guy who thinks Fast & Furious is high art?”
“Family is Shakespeare,” Hunter deadpanned.
The line was so serious, so ridiculous, I snorted out a laugh. Even Theo chuckled, shaking his head.
“You’re an idiot,” he said.
“And yet,” Hunter shot back smoothly, eyes cutting to me, “she still got in the car with me.”
Warmth curled in my stomach at the way he said it easy, sure, like there was never another option.
Theo didn’t push it further, his mouth tipping faintly as he pulled up outside The Ember. Neon buzzed above the door, music leaking into the street.
“You want me to swing back later?” Theo asked carefully.
Before I could answer, Hunter leaned forward, tattooed forearm draped over the seat. “We’ll grab a cab. Or walk. Don’t waste your night babysitting us.”
Theo frowned. “It’s not a problem.”
“Don’t,” Hunter cut him off smoothly, grin sharpening. “You’ve got better things to do. Like go talk to Ruby before she kills you for sulking.”
Theo’s jaw worked, but then he exhaled, almost a laugh. “You don’t quit, do you?”
“Not my style,” Hunter said, flashing teeth. “Call her.”
Theo shook his head, but the ghost of a smile tugged at his mouth. “Have fun, you two. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“That doesn’t leave us with much,” Hunter shot back, already sliding out.
Theo rolled his eyes, warmer now. “Goodnight, Isabella.”
“Night, Theo,” I said softly.
