Page 72 of In The Dark
“My nose itches, which tells me you two are talking about me,” Hunter calls out. “I hope you’re being nice.”
“All compliments,” I call back, and his chuckle echoes down the hall. “I really am happy, Sky.”
“You deserve it. And I better be your maid of honor.”
“We’re not there yet. If wedoget there, I promise you will be.”
“Good. I’m so happy for you, sweetie.”
“Me too,” I say, feeling like my heart could burst.
TWENTY-FIVE
HUNTER
Max is always cute,but watching her get excited about the old school video games at the arcade bar I brought her to makes me so fucking happy. She lit up when she saw the pool tables and Skee ball lanes, boldly telling me she’s going to kick my ass after we finish up a round of drinks.
I’m letting her shit talk me because it’s my first time being out in public with her, and I’m nervous as hell. I want this to go well and I want to do thisright,and if that means letting her beat me at a couple games so she keeps smiling, so be it.
God.
She’s so beautiful when she’s happy.
“I see two seats at the bar,” she practically yells over the ninety’s music playing from the speakers on the wall. “Gosh. It’s busy in here, isn’t it?”
“I’m not a fan of crowds, but I am going to be a fan of watching you bend over the pool table. I’m going to imagine I’m fucking you from behind.”
“Are you evernotthinking about fucking me?” Max laces our fingers together and guides me over to the high top counter. “I’m starting to think you’re only with me because of my ass.”
“It’s a very nice ass, baby, but it’s on the long list of reasons why I like spending time with you.”
“Yeah? What’s at the top of this list?”
“How wonderful you are.” I tug the belt loop on her jeans, pulling her toward me. “How happy you make me. Leo told me this morning he doesn’t know if he’s ever seen me smile so much. That’s because of you, angel.”
“You’re being a sap.” She puts a hand over my heart, grinning. “It’s making me want you to bend me over the pool table.”
“So scandalous, Max.”
“Only so I can show you off. Half the women in here haven’t stopped looking at you since we walked in.”
“Like I care about that. I only have eyes for you.”
“You’re good at using lines.”
“Because you make me go out of my mind. I’m a mess when you’re around.”
“When you say things like that, you make me think…” Max trails off, and I lift her chin so she looks up at me. “That this could be something serious.”
“Do you want it to be something serious?” I ask, and I could throw up waiting for her to answer.
“Yeah.” She stands on her toes and kisses my cheek. I want to pump my fist in the air and cheer. “I do. I don’t want to rush anything, but I like you, Hunter Wilder. I like you a lot.”
“What a surprise.” I slide my hands her back packets and give her ass a squeeze. “I like you a lot too, Maxine Walters.”
“I figured that was the case after youstalkedme.”
“Can’t wait to tell the kids how we met.”
