Page 93 of That's Too Pucking Bad

Across from them, I’m laughing so hard I’m choking on my soju.

Zane slides a piece of bulgogi onto my plate, casual like he does it all the time. “Eat,” he says, his voice low and rough.

“I’m literally eating,” I reply, but the corner of my mouth twitches.

“Eat more.”

I roll my eyes but pop the meat in my mouth. It’s good— too good— and I’m vaguely annoyed that he’s right.

He leans closer, his arm brushing mine. “Good girl,” he murmurs, like it’s some private joke between us.

My face heats up, and I grab my soju glass, downing it in one go.

“Whoa, easy there, champ,” Maya says, laughing.

“I’m fine,” I say, pouring another shot.

Zane smirks, grabbing my glass and taking a sip himself.

“Hey!”

He ignores me, setting it back down before reaching under the table. His hand finds mine again, warm and rough, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. And then, like it’s no big deal, he leans in and presses his mouth to mine.

Right there. In the middle of the restaurant.

I swear the air gets hotter, or maybe it’s me. My skin’s buzzing like live wires, and my head’s spinning— not from the soju but from him.

Maya hollers. “Ow! Ow! Get a room, you two!”

Zane pulls back, slow and deliberate, his gaze fixed on mine. “Ignore her,” he says, his voice just for me.

I swallow hard, trying to pretend like I’m not completely undone. “You’re near impossible.”

He smirks again, lazy and cocky, like he knows exactly what he’s doing to me.

We both look at her and she’s shoving another rice cake in her mouth, watching us. She shrugs with her mouth full and then we all burst into laughter.

By the time we stumble out of the restaurant, I’m tipsy, and Maya’s practically skipping. The air’s cooler now, sharp against my flushed skin.

“I’m cold,” I mumble, wrapping my arms around myself.

Zane shrugs off his jacket and drapes it over my shoulders before I can protest.

“Thanks,” I say quietly, the scent of him— leather and cedar— wrapping around me like a second skin.

Caleb stretches, cracking his neck. “Alright, ladies. Ready to go dancing?”

Maya claps her hands. “Hell yes!”

“Actually…” Caleb glances at Zane, who nods. “Before that, we’ve got a stop to make.”

“What kind of stop?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.

Zane smirks. “It’s a surprise.”

I groan. “Why do I feel like I’m not going to like this?”

“You’ll love it,” Maya chirps, already dragging me along.

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