Page 8

8

CONNOR

I should’ve known this fucking Barbie Dream Car couldn’t make it to Vegas.

It’s been mocking me for hours.

The too-tiny seats. The humiliating shade of bubblegum pink.

The fact that Allie won’t stop fucking laughing at me.

I grip the wheel.

But then, the first sputter happens. A strange, choking noise coming from the engine.

I ignore it.

Maybe if I pretend it isn’t happening, it’ll go away.

Then a boom!

The entire car shudders and dies.

I slam my hands on the wheel. "FUCK."

The pink convertible rolls to a slow, pathetic stop on the side of the highway.

I drop my head back against the seat.

This isn’t happening. It has to be a fucking nightmare.

Allie gasps way too dramatically. “Oh nooo,” she sings. “Petal. She’s hurt!”

I close my eyes.

Breathe.

Do not strangle her. Don’t commit a felony.

Don’t set this car on fire.

I open my eyes, turn my head, and glare at her.

She’s grinning.

I hate this fucking trip.

* * *

I push the door open and get out. "Fucking hell," I mutter, running my hands through my hair.

Allie follows, skipping over like this is the most exciting thing to ever happen to her.

She leans against the car, smirking. “Wow. If only someone let me drive.”

I snap, kicking the fucking pink car. Hard.

“As if that would’ve made a difference,” I grit out between clenched teeth. My fucking foot throbs, though I refuse to show it.

“I’m sure it would have. I respect her.” Allie strokes the pink car affectionately.

Even though it makes my dick hard, I’m still enraged. "Piece of shit ," I bark, kicking it again.

Allie gasps, fake-offended. "Connor Byrns! You will not abuse this precious vehicle."

I whirl on her. "Precious?" I point at the demon car. "This thing is a fucking disgrace."

She gasps again, clutching her chest. "Petal has feelings, you monster."

I groan, dragging my hands down my face. "Shut up," I mutter.

She tilts her head. "Make me."

I freeze.

She smirks.

I inhale sharply, stepping toward her.

She doesn’t move.

I don’t stop.

We’re too close.

Her lips part slightly. Her breath is shaky.

For one insane second, I consider grabbing her, pinning her against the hood of Petal, and shutting her up exactly the way she wants.

But then, a horn blares, snapping me out of my fog.

I step back fast.

My eyes meet Allie’s.

She’s still smirking.

I blow out a breath.

I hate the way she affects me.

* * *

The tow truck pulls up, and the guy driving it barely hides his amusement. He leans out the window, chewing on a toothpick. "Y’all are a mess."

I say nothing.

Allie beams at him like he said something amazing. "Yep!" she says cheerfully.

The guy eyeballs us. "You two married?"

"No," I bark.

At the same time, Allie chirps, "Not yet."

I whip my head toward her.

She winks.

The tow guy chuckles. "Yeah. You’re doomed."

I grip the back of my neck, resisting the urge to kick Petal again.

Jesus Christ! She has me referring to the fucking pink thing as Petal.

Doomed doesn’t even cover it.