Page 101 of Hit Me With Your Best Shot

“He’s not used to strangers,” I explain, embarrassed. “Especially uh, male strangers.”

Gio chuckles, the sound warm and surprisingly genuine. “Challenge accepted.”

The dog gives a single bark as if to say,We’ll see about that, chump, and I debate: should I let the dog stay in the living room with us…or put him in the laundry room with his bed and toys?

I bite down on my lower lip, bending to scoop the little pain in the ass up off the floor, carrying him to the other room so I can bond with Gio in peace and quiet without this tiny terror ruining the evening.

He whines for a second, but I give him a firm look. “Don’t even start. You’ll survive.”

He is so spoiled and it’s not even my fault.

Gio gloats as I close the laundry room door and turn back toward him. “I feel like I should be flattered that you’re locking your guard dog away for me.”

Ha ha.

“Don’t be. If I thought he’d actually go for your throat, he’d still be out here,” I tease, crossing my arms. “Honestly, he’s more likely to annoy you to death than to try to eat you.”

Gio snaps his jaw like a shark, wanting to take a bite of my arm.

“I can handle him. The jury is still out on you though.”

I roll my eyes, heading to the living room. “Big talk for someone who hasn’t proven themselves worthy of the remote yet.”

While I wouldn’t call my living room impressive, it’s comfortable, and the big windows offer a decent view of the rooftops of my neighbors and twinkling lights shining in the distance.

I love city living.

“Oh, I’m worthy,” he replies, dropping onto the cushion next to me. His knee is plastered against mine and he takes my hand, kissing my palm. “I just haven’t gotten the chance to prove it.”

“Well, here’s your chance.” I toss the remote onto his lap. “Pick something. But if it’s boring or another action movie, you lose serious brownie points—and don’t even think about putting on a documentary.”

“Who hurt you?” He holds a hand to his chest as if he’s been hurt. “Documentaries are great.” Gio hums as he channel and app surfs, finally stopping on a movie. “Horror okay with you?”

Not my first choice, but I put him in charge and thus cannot complain.

“Sure, this works.” I cozy up next to him, sinking into his side and the cushions.

“You sure you won’t chicken out halfway through?”

“Not a chance.”

He glances at me, a playful glint in his eyes. “If you get scared, feel free to grab my arm. Or climb on top. Whatever.”

I giggle.

The opening credits roll, and for the first fifteen minutes, we actually watch. Well, mostly.

Gio spends them sneaking sidelong glances at me whenever a tense moment builds, clearly waiting for me to flinch or react. I refuse to give him the satisfaction, keeping my expression neutral even when a jump scare is on screen.

He shakes his head. “Remind me not to put on another scary movie during movie night. You’re no fun.”

That makes me laugh. “Not screaming is a skill.”

His grin widens, and before I can process what’s happening, he leans in and presses a quick kiss to my cheek. “Thanks for having me over. I was excited.”

He was excited.

Awww, I love that.

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