Page 3 of Make You Love Me

I startle out of my daze when I hear high-pitched screeches coming from the garden to my left. It takes me a few moments to realize I’m standing right next to the spooky maze I saw earlier.

Laughing to myself, I take a long swig of my beer. Silly girls, purposefully going into a haunted maze so they can be coddled and cling on the arm of some guy. I’ve never been one for spooky walks or haunted houses. Not because I’m scared, but because I would physically harm someone who jumps out at me even with a fake weapon. I don’t like things popping out at me. It triggers my inner warrior and I physically lash out with strength I forget I possess.

I once accidentally knocked out Ashley’s older brother Micah. We were in her room, deeply engrossed in a horror movie, when he jumped out of the closet with a mask on, scaring the ever-loving shit out of me. He thought it was absolutely hysterical. I, unfortunately for him, did not. My immediate response was not to scream, no that would be too typical, but instead to punch the masked offender square in the face. Not only did he crumple like a pile of fallen bricks, but he ended up with a broken nose and two matching black eyes. Needless to say, he no longer tries to pull pranks on me, even if he is a foot taller than me now.

“What’s so funny?” is whispered softly into my ear, causing me to jump to the side and swing my arm around, making contact with whomever just whispered to me. “Ouch.”

I eye the offender as he rubs his arm in his… Batman suit. “Serves you right. Seriously, who sneaks up on someone like that?”

“You were over here staring into space with a big smile on your face and I couldn’t help but ask what was so amusing. I didn’t realize you were going to go all Cobra Kai on my ass.”

I laugh as he jokingly continues to rub his arm. “I’m surprised the bat suit didn’t withstand the blow.”

“I mean it’s just a suit, and technically, Batman has no real superpowers. He’s just a normal guy, after all.” He smirks.

“Yes, this is true, but he is definitely still one of my favorites.” I beam up at him. Have I mentioned how deliciously tall this Batman is? He’s at least a foot taller than me. “I wanted to be a superhero too, but my better half got the final say, so here we are.” I wave a hand at my outfit for emphasis.

“No shit. Hugh Hefner is walking around here somewhere without one of his bunnies?” he jokes while fake-looking around for an old geezer in a robe.

I hit his arm again. “No jackass! My friend Ashley wanted to be bunnies and I couldn’t let her be one by herself. Certainly not among this crowd.”

“So, there is no Hugh?” he asks, leaning against the railing, putting his body on display.

Yes, I know he’s in a Batman suit and his mask is covering most of his face, but from what I can see, he’s sexy as hell. Thick stubble peppers his strong jaw, and his body certainly fills out the suit he’s wearing.Mmm, he looks delicious.

“No, no Hugh.”

“So then, how does a bunny lose her partner-in-crime and find herself outside all alone?”

“She’s busy dancing with a Joker… Hey, wait a second... Do you have a sidekick as well? Awe, did you and your friend dress up as the Joker and Batman?” I tease him.

“Listen, before you get all cutesy on me. It was my idea to be Batman first, then that fuckhead jumped on my shit and said he was going to be Joker.” He puts up his hands, defending his honor as a badass.

I bust out laughing at how much the idea bothers him. “No worries, dark crusader, your secret is safe with me.”

He makes an exaggerated gesture of relief and smiles a megawatt panty-dropping smile.Holy hell!

“Thank fuck. Wouldn’t want to ruin my street cred and all.”

Shaking my head, I turn back towards the maze and stare out into the unknown. I feel the heat from his body as he comes closer to stand behind me. Then I smell him and oh damn, why does a hot guy who smells good automatically make you question your inhibitions? This guy is drop dead gorgeous and if I’m not careful, I could easily do something reckless.

“You never answered my question. What was so funny before?” he whispers in my ear with that deliciously smooth southern accent of his. Tiny goosebumps erupt on my arms from his breath on my neck.

He situates himself against the railing with his back to the maze, pulling a joint from his pocket and lighting it. He takes a few hits, then passes it my way.

“Well?” he says, gesturing to the joint and looking for an answer with the one word.

Taking the j from him, I take a long drag, letting the smoke fill my lungs and exhaling it out in one smooth breath. I’m no habitual smoker by any means, but when you live in the world I do, it’s a welcomed escape. I think my skilled hit surprises him, considering he raises his eyebrows and nods his head respectfully before taking it back.

“I was laughing at how ridiculous haunted walks and houses are.” He stares at me with a confused look on his face. “Okay, let me rephrase that. How ridiculous girls are when they go through them. All damsels-in-distress and shit. Quite pathetic if I’m being honest.”

To further prove my point, we hear another ridiculously loud screech from the maze.

I motion with my hand in the direction of the noise. “Exhibit A.”

“Never thought of it like that,” he says as he turns around. We’re now standing side by side, looking out amongst the home’s massive yard. The essence of his cologne wafts in my direction and I inhale deeply, trying to hold on to its intoxicating scent.

He continues, “I always thought people enjoy them because of their body’s reaction to the thrill of it all. The adrenaline pumping through your system generally leads to one, if not all of the F‘s in life.” I look at him with a puzzled look on my face. “Fight, flight, or fuck,” he adds.

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