“Hey, how are you?”
“Never better,” I answer, dryly.
“Listen, I’m sorry for everything. I should have told you that your mom was pushing for us to date.”
“It’s okay. I’m happy with Killian.”
“You don’t look happy.”
“I just had a fight with Hayley. It’s nothing.”
“I am still your friend. If you ever need to talk just text or call. I promise no showing up wherever you are like a stalker or trying to piss your boyfriend off. I get it now. I never stood a chance.”
“Thanks, Hunter. I appreciate the sentiment. I should get going.”
“I’ll see you around,” he calls out after me.
Outside the cafeteria I find my boyfriend scowling and smoking a cigarette. “That’s unattractive.”
“So is you talking to that prick.”
“Hunter was apologizing for being weird and said he wouldn’t bother me ever again. He knows I’m madly in love with you.”
“Good.” He flicks his cigarette to the ground and snuffs it out before popping grape gum into his mouth.
“Did you get Ben sorted.”
“Yeah. He’s going to race tonight. I told him I’d come. You’re coming too.”
I stop in my tracks. “Are you racing also?”
He shrugs. “Probably not but for the right price, maybe.”
“You aren’t betting my ass,” I warn.
“I would never.” He slaps a palm to his chest and stumbles backward.
Snowflakes start to fall on our heads. Not enough to worry about though, but I mention it anyway.
“Should Ben be racing if it is snowing?”
“Ground isn’t cold enough. It won’t stick. It will melt long before tonight. You got a thing for Ben now? Should I be concerned that you are worried for his wellbeing?” he grins at me.
“You never know. A little competition might serve you right.” I laugh at the murderous expression he shoots my way. “I love you. No one else.”
“How much do you love me?”
“About this much.” I hold my thumb and finger about an inch apart.
“Evil woman. You’re so mean to me.”
“Speaking of evil and mean. I had an encounter with Hayley.”
His brows raise. “She was mean to you?”
“Oh yeah. Told me mean things about my mother and said I would be all alone when you grow bored with me.”
“That will never happen in a million years.” Killian grabs my hips and holds me still. “Look at me.” I meet his gaze. “I love you so much. I’d do anything to keep you. Anything.” The way he says anything sounds almost desperate. I don’t like the way it makes me feel.