Page 58 of More Than a Spark

“Good, guess that’s settled.” He set some meat on his plate and some on mine. “I think the movie’s less than two hours.” He did a double take of me. “You dirty boy. You want to skip the movie to go home and explore?”

“Maybe.” Biting the corner of my lip, I ticked my shoulders. “It’s not a terrible idea, is it?” But we were on a date…

“No, it’s not terrible.” He wrapped his pork in lettuce. “Whatever makes you happy, babe.” With a grin, he kissed my cheek, then ate his food.

My heart flooded with emotion. This was so perfect, being with him. “We’ll see the movie first. The waiting will make what comes later that much better.”

“You’ve got a point.” He tapped his beer glass on mine, then sipped it.

* * *

After watchingthe comedy we’d picked out and laughed through, we drove back to the band house, flicking glances at each other. Sitting close to him in the theater, touching and knowing what was to come had my dick on full attention and now I couldn’t wait to get him into my bed.

He parked in front of the house and shut off his truck.

I peeked at the band house, the front window giving off a soft glow from inside and the front entry light was on. “Looks like someone’s home. Probably Gabe and Jeremy.” I climbed out of the truck and waited for Ryder.

Ryder rounded the front of his truck and snatched my hand, then kissed the back of it. “They’re back in law school, right?”

“Yeah and Gabe is in ASU’s marching band.” I led him up the walkway through the warm night air. The sound of cicadas hummed all around us. It was almost time for them to die off. “When they’re in school, they studya lot.”

“I’ll bet.” He stopped at the door and grabbed the handle.

Something dark buzzed my head. “Fuck!” As my heart jolted, I swung at it and ducked.

Ryder yanked me into his chest and covered me. “What the hell was that?” He burst out laughing. “A cicada?” He held me tightly.

“Fuck if I know. The thing was huge.” I closed my eyes for a beat, swooning in his arms. I wouldn’t mind him saving me from a fire at all. Those people were lucky.

He freed me, then checked the door around the light. “There are a few more, but they seem to be staying put.”

Glaring at the dark, oval bugs, I tutted. “Maybe we should go in through the garage.” Fuck if I wanted one of those things landing in my hair.

“Come on, they don’t bite. Relax.” He wound his arm around my shoulders.

The door swung open, and Gabe stood in the entry. “What the hell is going on out?—”

A cicada flew at Gabe.

“Shit! What’s that?” Gabe shouted, flailing his arms.

Jeremy raced up beside Gabe. “You okay? What happened?”

“Get inside and close the door.” Ryder shoved me inside and slammed the door shut behind us.

“Fucking cicadas are out for blood tonight.” Gabe shook his shoulders and growled.

“Yeah, they get bad toward the end of July.” Jeremy chuckled, brushing his fingers down Gabe’s arm.

Gabe eyed Jeremy. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.” Jeremy shook his head. “Just you getting all worked up about an insect.”

“Those things are massive this year. Did you see it?” I pointed at the door, a shiver working up my spine. They might be harmless, but I didn’t like themon me.

“Remember that year you got one stuck in your shirt?” A sly smile teased Ryder’s lips.

The shiver rolled over my skin again. “God, yes. It took you forever to get it.” I pushed on Ryder’s chest.

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