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“Maybe the benefits are just really good?” I drawled, giving him a sly glance. Luna groaned, and Archer rubbed his temples.

“I’m done with this conversation. The main reason I wanted to speak with you is about tonight. You know I don’t like my girls at the shed, but I’m trusting you to keep Luna safe. I’m trying to relax my rules with her because I’m aware she’s an adult, so don’t make this hard for me. I want to know if she’s staying at yours or coming home, and I need you to promise me you’re not drinking if you’re driving. I won’t budge on that.”

I turned serious, giving him a nod. “I promise. If I decide to drink, I’ll make sure one of my parents can take us home.”

“No drugs.”

“I don’t do drugs. I tried powder once or twice and didn’t like being high,” I said firmly. “And I’d rat Luna out if she even thought about taking any herself.” That made him relax.

He leaned back in his recliner, relief on his face. “Good to know. Don’t get her in trouble, and keep her safe. Those are my rules.”

“She’s staying at mine,” I said without checking with her. “I’ll bring her home tomorrow.”

“Thank you,” he mumbled, turning his attention to Luna. “Call me if you need me. I don’t care if it’s three in the morning, alright?”

“I promise,” she agreed, getting to her feet. “Let’s go, Riley.”

I said goodbye before letting her lead me out to the car, and once we were inside, she let out a deep breath. “That went better than I thought.”

I chuckled, starting the engine and backing out of the driveway. “I can’t believe you told him so fast.”

She cringed, fiddling with her hands on her lap. “I was worried he’d hear about it from somewhere else and flip out.”

I switched through the gears before placing a hand on her thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’m really proud of you. I know it can be really scary to admit something like that.”

She gave me a blinding smile and laced our fingers together. “I’m glad we don’t have to hide it. I’m still terrified of my feelings, but I think it’s going to be okay. If Dad can cope with it, then no one else should be a problem.”

I didn’t dare tell her the world was full of people who hated people like us or that I’d been dealing with a lot more homophobic shit than she saw. I didn’t want to scare her away, not when she was still trying to understand her feelings.

We’d talk about it once she was more comfortable.

We talked about school for the rest of the drive, and I laughed when she told me about the reward system she’d told her father about. I wished I’d been there to see it.

I parked beside Maddox’s Charger, climbed out, and walked around to Luna’s side. I offered her my hand, waiting to see if she’d take it. If she didn’t want to get too close and personal here, I wouldn’t push her.

To my surprise, she only hesitated for a second before taking it with a deep breath. “I’m nervous.”

“Do you want my hoodie? You can hide in it,” I offered, moving to pull it over my head for her, but she stopped me with a hand to my chest.

“No, it’s fine. I just…” She looked uncomfortable, and I gave her hand a squeeze after letting go of my hoodie.

“Hey. I won’t maul you in there, okay? We can just hold hands, or not. I don’t want you doing anything you’re not comfortable with.”

“I’m not ashamed of you. I’m just really nervous about it,” she murmured, relief filling her eyes in the dim light as I gave her a reassuring smile and let go of her hand.

“You’re allowed to be nervous. I won’t touch you. We can go in there as friends like we always do, and if you decide you want to hold my hand, you can.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, but I could hear the nerves leaving her voice. “I suck at this, don’t I? I don’t even know what I’m feeling, so explaining it to other people is going to be hard.”

I pinned her with a firm look, wanting her to see how serious I was. “If anyone says anything, you can tell them to mind their own business. No one has the right to know your personal shit. You only give people answers if you’re comfortable with it.”

She nodded, starting to walk towards the door. “Let’s get inside before we miss anything.”

I’d hoped she’d at least hold my hand, but I had to let her lead. She’d be in my bed when we left, so I didn’t exactly have anything to mope about.

I kept my hood up as we wandered inside, and my hand itched for my bat. I knew I wouldn’t need it in here, but that didn’t mean I was comfortable without it. It was in the trunk just in case though.

I scowled as someone’s arm snaked around my middle, noticing Luna pause as hurt crossed her face. I had no intention of seeing anyone else, even if we weren’t technically dating.