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Her giggle has me resting the pillow against the window and covering both of my ears for a second. God, it’s screechy. And loud.
“He told me I had a sinful voice,” she tells him sweetly.
Banner struggles to concentrate on the road when he bursts out laughing. I flick his thigh, shushing him quietly.
“I just bet he did,” Connor mutters. “Hey, you’re the chick who stole Banner. How you doing?”
Not wanting to be rude, I turn in my seat and smile. “Hi, I’m Emma.”
His eyes widen, going from me to Banner. “Bro, I can see why the fuck you’ve been hiding her. Were you that scared I’d steal her from you? She’s fucking hot.”
Blushing, I turn around in my seat, watching the cars pass us by.
“Shut up, Connor. And you can’t steal what belongs to me.”
Warmth fills my chest at his words, feeling love seep through me. He takes my good hand in his, resting it on his thigh as he drives.
“It’s probably all of the layers she’s wearing,” Kelsea pipes in.
“What?” Connor asks, sounding puzzled.
“You said she was hot. I just meant if she took a few layers off, she wouldn’t be.”
Connor laughs, sounding genuine and relaxed. “She can take as many layers as she wants off,” he says suggestively, making me blush.
Banner’s hand squeezes mine for a second before releasing it. “Bro, unless you want me to pull over and lay you out in front of your girl, I suggest you shut up.”
“She’s not my girl,” he blurts out, causing Banner and Tom to start laughing.
“I’m hiswoman. Girl makes me sound five. And how cool is this trip! I wasn’t sure about going camping; I’ve never been. But Connor explained it’s luxury at its finest and I couldn’t resist. While you guys do guy stuff, I’m gonna go get a wax, maybe a pedi and massage done at the spa.”
“Um, it’s not that kind of—”
“Bro, I wouldn’t bother unless you want to drive back,” Connor interrupts Tom.
“She’s doesn’t know it’s not—”
Connor coughs, interrupting Banner. “Bro, I said don’t.”
“I’m so excited. This is going to be the best weekend ever,” Kelsea gushes, completely oblivious to what’s being said.
I stare out the window, away from Banner. It will only take one look for me to burst out laughing. I don’t want Kelsea to think I’m laughing at her.
*** *** ***
We pull into a carpark outside a building, which I think is the reception, a gift shop, a tiny food shop/off-licence, and a café.
Pulling to a stop, we all get out of the car. I stretch my back, groaning at the crack that feels so good after sitting down for so long.
“Um, Connor, where’s the spa?”
Connor pops his head out of the boot, grimacing. “I just need to set up a tent. We’ll talk later,” he tells her.
She pouts, scanning the area with a puzzled expression. “A real tent?”
“A real tent!” Tom yells, looking ready to strangle her. She did spend the drive yapping everyone’s ear off.
“I thought you were joking. I know how much you love to tease me. I can’t sleep on the floor. It’s not good for my back. I need a real bed.”