Page 36 of Midnights
I flash him a satisfied smile. “Not even sorry. You’re the ones insisting on walking us home.
Rachel leans closer, whispering just loud enough for me to hear, “You know, you really do have a way of making things interesting wherever we go. Maybe Scotland during yourNo Boys Erashould be reconsidered.”
I roll my eyes, but a smile tugs at my lips. “Yeah, well, let’s just hope the rest of the trip doesn't involve more unexpected makeouts.”
Rachel laughs, and I swear her eyes sparkle with amusement. “I wouldn’t hold your breath, and I still want the details later.”
“You coming?” I ask over my shoulder, walking with a little extra sway to my hips. What can I say? A girl’s gotta use what she’s got, even if nothing’s coming of it.
They catch up in two strides, effortlessly matching our pace. “You realize it’s a little odd to assumeeveryoneis out to kidnap you, right?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “True. Better safe than sorry, though.”
I mean, he does have a point. For how worried we are about being kidnapped, we caved in less than two seconds when they offered to walk us home.
“You’re walking us home, then turning right back around, getting in your car, and driving home. There’s a difference.”
I glance over at him, and sure enough, he’s raising an eyebrow.
I sigh dramatically. “Okay, fine. I know. If you really were a killer, it wouldn't matter. Yeah, yeah, we get it.”
Then again, with the books we read, who’s to say we wouldn’t secretly enjoy being kidnapped by two hot men in the middle of Scotland? Like,yes please, take me into the woods. Oh no.
“Okay, Princess. Whatever you say.”
I blink, my brows lifting. “There you go again, with thatPrincessthing.”I side-eye him, refusing to let him see how much it gets to me.
The corner of his mouth twitches with amusement. “You don’t seem to mind.”
I roll my eyes but can’t help the little smile tugging at my lips. “Sure, keep telling yourself that.”
We fall into comfortable silence as we walk, the cool night air settles between us and I start to wonder just how far our place really is.
As if reading my mind, he says, “I thought you said it was only a couple of blocks?”
“I’m sure we’re almost there. Don’t you worry your pretty little face about it,” I shoot back, flashing him a sweet smile. “Are you in a hurry to get rid of us?”
His gaze sharpens, the playful glint in his eyes shifting into something that makes my pulse stutter.
I instantly regret the teasing. Not because I don't mean it, but because I have the sinking feeling he’s about to flip this whole conversation on me.
“You know,” I continue, desperate to regain control, “I heard once that if you make a face too much, it’ll stick like that forever.” I shoot him a grin, and right now, it's the best defense I have. “Which would be a shame.”
He doesn't miss a beat. “Oh yeah? And why’s that,Princess? Because you think I’m pretty?”
I groan internally. Walked right into that one. Rookie mistake. His grin deepens as he leans in slightly.
“You know you’re not unattractive.” I aim for nonchalant and fail miserably. “Don’t get all shy now. I’m not blind. So yes, you’re a pretty boy. Itwouldbe a shame if your face got stuck like that though.”
Oh my God. Why would I say that?
Of all the possible responses, that's what I went with? I mentally smack myself. Clearly, I drank too much.Who needs advanced interrogation tactics when a couple drinks or three can turn you into an open book?
Then he laughs, a sound that I absolutely shouldn’t enjoy as much as I do.
“Pretty boy, huh?” He repeats, amused.
Using his own words against him, I glance sideways and smirk. “You don’t seem to mind.”
