Page 76 of Because I Liked A Boy
Almost.
Because deep down, a quiet voice still whispered the truth nothing this good ever lasted. I knew better than to believe in forever, better than to think someone like me could keep someone like him. But right now, wrapped in his arms, his breath steady against my temple, I wanted to believe.
Just for tonight, I let myself.
Consumed
The shrill beep of an alarm clawed through my sleep.
I groaned, dragging the blanket over my head. “Hunter, if that’s your idea of a joke, I swear—”
“Not a joke, princess.” His voice was far too awake for this hour, smug as hell. The mattress dipped as he leaned over, lips brushing the shell of my ear. “Rise and shine.”
I cracked one eye open. The red numbers on the clock glared 6:00 a.m. “Are you insane?”
He grinned, shirtless, hair a mess, tattoos sprawled across muscle like he knew exactly what he was doing to me. “Possibly. But you’ll thank me later.”
“For waking me up at—” I squinted again. “Literal dawn?”
“Yup.” He waved a travel mug under my nose. Fresh coffee. Then dangled his phone, the screen flashing a confirmation email: Six Flags – Your Tickets.
“Tickets?”
“Day off’s sorted. Cleared it with Whittaker yesterday. Roller coasters, greasy food, me winning you the biggest stuffed bunny they’ve got. Noexcuses.”
I buried my face in the pillow, but the corner of my mouth betrayed me with a smile. He stole his coffee back for a sip, then brushed his mouth over mine just enough to tease. “Now get up. Ten minutes before I drag you out myself.”
That’s when I noticed the neat little row at the end of the bed. Denim shorts. A white lace bra and panties. A tiny floral cami.
I turned slowly. He was leaning in the doorway, arms folded, grin smug.
“You went through my drawers?”
Hunter shrugged, unbothered. “You take forever getting ready. Figured I’d save us both some time.”
“By picking my underwear?”
“Matching set.” His wink was lethal. “You’re welcome.”
My jaw dropped. “You’re unbelievable.”
“And you’re still gonna wear it,” he said easily, brushing past me like he owned the place. “Don’t make me come back in here and help.”
I slammed the bathroom door behind me, pulse ricocheting in my chest. Nervous. Excited. A little terrified.
The lace bra clung to trembling hands, and when I caught my reflection in the mirror, it startled me. Flushed cheeks. Softer edges. A girl who looked… wanted. That scared the hell out of me.
“Princess.” His voice carried through the door, smug as ever. “Eight minutes.”
Heat rushed to my face. “What are you, my alarm clock?”
“More creative,” he shot back. “But I can think of better ways to wake you up.”
I rolled my eyes, tugging the shorts up.
“Seven minutes,” he called again, voice teasing but softer. “But take your time. You’re worth the wait.”
Those words burrowed deeper than they should have.
