Page 95 of Choosing Forever
“There. Just please don’t tell anyone about the discount,” I plead.
His throat bulges as he swallows and then nods in agreement. “I’ll see you later.”
“Take your movie ticket first. You can’t use it yet, but once the drive-in is open, you can redeem it.”
I fumble with the stack beneath the booth and shove it out in front of me. He takes it in a smooth, pristine hand.
“Bye, Sam,” Darren grits out.
I tap my nails against the booth and offer Sam a weak smile. “Bye.”
He’s quick to leave, and I don’t blame him. Not one bit.
“On that note, you can go take a break,” Darren declares.
I almost laugh. “Excuse me?”
“It’s my turn.”
“Oh, you’d love that, wouldn’t you?”
“If you mean because I’m done with watching you do all the kissing, then yes.”
I lift my hands in front of me, surrendering. “You know what? Fine. Go for it. I’m sure you’ll have one hell of a time.”
“Now that you mention it, I’m sure I will.”
“I’m going to find the girls, then.”
He joins me behind the booth and asks, “What, you’re not going to stay?”
“No, thank you.”
“Why not?”
“I need to go to the bathroom,” I lie.
He doesn’t believe me. Of course he doesn’t. And apparently, he’s done with pandering me as well.
“I’m sure.”
I grit my teeth and spin on my heel, prepared to leave.
“Would you mind stopping by the lemonade stand and grabbing me one on your way back? I’m sure I’ll feel a little parched after all the kissing I’m about to do.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I make sure to smile as sweetly as humanly possible.
“Of course. Would you prefer raspberry syrup or manure from Steele Ranch as your mixer? I’m sure Eliza has both with her.”
Darren laughs, deep and raspy, before adjusting the brim of his hat. “How about you surprise me, Elle.”
“Manure it is.”
31
DARREN
A half hourinto my shift at the kissing booth, Bryce stops the line for a break and finally says what’s been keeping her tense beside me the entire time.
