Page 77 of Because I Liked A Boy
When I opened the door, my pulse was still racing.
Hunter was sprawled on the edge of my bed like he owned it, cap turned backwards, long legs stretched wide. The second his eyes landed on me, his grin spread slow and wicked.
He stood, dragging his gaze down me in a way that made the cami and shorts feel scandalous. “Wow. And with five minutes to spare.” His thumb brushed along my jaw. “Guess I’ve got options.”
“Careful,” I murmured, tilting my chin. “You’ll make us late.”
“For you?” His smirk deepened. “I’d risk the apocalypse.”
Before I could sass him, he spun me onto the bed with a laugh that was all trouble. His mouth was hot and hungry on mine, stealing what little breath I had left.
When he finally pulled back, his forehead pressed to mine, grin crooked and wrecked. “Five minutes isn’t enough,” he murmured, lips grazing mine. “Should’ve set the alarm earlier.”
“Hunter—” My warning melted into a gasp as his hand slid under my cami, heat sparking across my skin.
“Fuck, princess.” His grip tightened on my hip. “You’re gonna make me forget we’ve got somewhere to be.”
For a beat, I almost didn’t care.
But he pulled back first, breath ragged. “Later,” he promised, tugging me up with him. His forehead rested against mine, voice low. “Right now I just wanna give you a good day.”
The morning air was cool against my skin as he tugged me toward the truck. Before I could reach the handle, he swung the door open with a mock bow.
“Your chariot awaits.”
I rolled my eyes, climbing in.
“Yeah,” he smirked, shutting the door after me, “but I’m your chariot.”
The engine roared, the sun bleeding gold across the horizon.
“How exactly,” I asked, side-eyeing him, “did you manage to have your car and clothes ready if you were here all night?”
“Left while you were drooling on my chest.”
I gasped. “I did not—”
“You did. Cutest thing I’ve ever seen.” His grin softened, just a little. “Grabbed my stuff, came back before you even stirred.Smooth as a ghost.”
“You… planned all of this?”
He shrugged, casual, but his knuckles flexed tight on the wheel. “Yeah. Wanted today to be easy. No excuses. Just us.”
The words hit harder than they should’ve.
“Why?” I whispered.
His jaw flexed. “Because you deserve it. And because I wanted to see your face when I told you.” His green eyes flicked to mine, sharp but soft. “That’s it. No strings.”
Nobody had ever chosen me like that. No expectations. No bargains. Just… me.
“Hunter Hayes,” I muttered, shaking my head. “You’re trouble.”
“Best kind,” he grinned. “And I’m winning you that bunny.”
The highway stretched wide, sunlight spilling across the dash. Hunter drove with the windows down, playlist blaring—old rock, a little country, even a shameless pop anthem he sang without hesitation.
“Who even listens to this stuff anymore?” I asked when the next song hit, country twang sharp enough to make me snort.
