Page 77 of Third Time Lucky

His smile widens. ‘You were incredible. I wanted to give you a high-five.’

I laugh. ‘He definitely knows how to push my buttons.’

A chuckle escapes him, filling the room with his warmth.

‘If he’s the reason for that fierce and fabulous version of you, perhaps we should send him a thank-you card,’ he suggests, a playful glint in his eyes.

‘Or a bag of dicks,’ I suggest. ‘There’s a website that does that.’

‘A dick for a dick, genius. Can you request small, misshapen penises?’

‘Maybe?’

We share a laugh as Asher arranges the groceries he brought into the fridge.

‘I’ve never done what you did,’ he says suddenly.

‘What’s that?’

‘Told off a cheating ex. Aaron reminded me of that recently. I usually just break it off, walk away and bury it deep.’

‘Someone’s cheated onyou?’ I ask, instantly mad at this mystery woman.

He chokes out a laugh. ‘Multiple someones. You inspired me yesterday. If it wasn’t rude as hell, I’d call each one of them and tell them my actual feelings right now.’

‘They deserve it. Who hurts a guy like you? You’re perfect! Give me their numbers and I’ll do it for you. I owe you a few favors at this point.’

A shy but curious grin grows on his face.

‘You know what I think?’ he says as he leans against the counter, his palms supporting his weight. ‘You’re worth so much more than Brandon,’ he says, his gaze intense and unwavering. ‘And I know there’s a man out there who would love to give you the stars, the moon, and the entire world if given the chance.’

The lump in my throat grows at the weight of his statement. God, I’m beginning to hope that man is him so badly.

22

LUCY

The drive-in theater is a vintage gem. Its marquee is adorned with playful neon lights that flicker to life as the sun sets. Large trees surround the perimeter and provide a natural barrier against the outside world, leaving the theater in an idyllic bubble. In the back is a cute turquoise snack shop that stands out with its bright and cheerful color. The air is heavy with the scent of pine and fresh-cut grass, mingled with the familiar aroma of buttered popcorn.

Aaron and Madi pull into the spot in front of us, giving us prime seats for whatever entertainment is about to unfold from their vehicle. BYOC did, in fact, mean bring your own car – apparently, they didn’t want us interrupting whatever they’d planned by being in the same vehicle. Considering I know Madi – and now Aaron – too well, I’m not excited about what awaits us from their car.

As the sun sets below the horizon, the sky turns a warm orange hue, and the giant screen in front of us lights up with rules and reminders before teasing us with sneak peeks of upcoming movies.

Couples settle into their cars as evening falls, children bouncing excitedly in the back seats. The sound of laughter and chatter fills the air as friends share popcorn and soda while waiting for the feature film to start.

‘I haven’t been here in ages,’ I confess. ‘But it’s still just as charming as I remember.’

‘Would you believe it when I say this is my first time at a drive-in theater, ever,’ Ash admits, easily tossing a piece of popcorn into his mouth.

‘You’re a drive-in virgin?’ I tease.

He nods. ‘Teach me the ways, oh experienced one?’

‘Well,’ I say, suddenly shy. ‘Usually, you come to these with someone you want to be alone with.’

He looks at me with a hint of surprise, a tempting smile on his lips.

‘Looks like we’ve got that part down,’ he says in a low voice.

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