He molds his mouth to mine in a kiss that lights me on fire. “Jesus, Liz. I needed to hear that so badly.”
“Many more next times, remember.”
“If you don’t want now to be one of those next times, I suggest we get going before I don’t care that we’re in my truck out on the side of the road for any passerby to see.” I giggle and make my way back over the console to my seat, but not before he smacks my butt. I yelp. “Hey!”
“So damn sexy,” he murmurs and starts the truck.
I texted Julien when we got to Ruby’s diner and asked if he could join us. He arrived a few minutes ago. We’re all smooshed together in a back booth with Jayson sitting next to me and Ryder and Julien across from us. A feeling of pure joy unfurls around me. It's been a while since the four of us have hung out together, talking, being silly, laughing. The waitress brings our food out - burgers and fries. I haven’t had anything to eat today other than the piece of toast Mom left out for me, so I’m ravenous.
“Pass me the mustard, please.” Jayson hands me the squeeze bottle and grimaces. I have an addiction that is mustard and fries. I’ll even put mustard on my potato chips. It grosses Jayson out every time. I slather my fry in mustard and pop it into my mouth. “Mmmm. So delicious.”
“Don’t expect me to kiss you after that,” Jayson playfully warns me. I take two fries and dip them into the mustard again and smirk at him.
“Not a problem right now. I’m so hungry, I don’t think your threat of withholding kisses could stop me.”
“Oh, is that a challenge, princess?”
“Mmmhmm.” I grab another fry. Jayson is quick and grabs my wrist before I can hit it with the mustard and pulls it to his mouth, biting my fry in half. “Fry thief!”
Ryder dips his fry in my mustard. “You know, this shit is actually pretty good.”
“Thank you, Ryder. See?” I stick my tongue out at Jayson.
“I stand by what I said. Now mayo, that’s the thing.”
Julien gags. “Dude, if you start dipping your fries in mayo in front of me, I am going to lose my lunch.” He holds his straw up and fires a wad of paper at Jayson.
“Oh, it’s so on, brother.” Our lunch dissolves into a spitball war and our waitress is none too happy with us based on the scowls she throws our way.
We clean up our mess and finish eating our burgers. “Mom is hinting about a big family vacay for all of us this summer. Pretty sure it’s Hawaii,” I tell them. Ryder reaches over the booth and picks a paper ball out of my hair. “Thank you” I mouth. His foot taps mine under the table.
Jayson’s mouth falls open. “No, shit, Seriously? That would be so fucking awesome.”
“I hate to say that I eavesdropped a little the other night when Mom was video chatting with Freda and Faith. Looks like we’ll be heading to the Big Island in June.”
“Fuck yeah!” Julien high fives Jayson. “Surfing the waves in Hawaii will be monstrous compared to the tiny waves we get here on the coast.”
“I can get Maria to help me shop for some new bathing suits,” I think out loud. Two twin groans erupt from Jayson and Ryder and they start laughing. “What? What’s so funny?”
I get pulled into Jayson’s side. “Oh baby. Those are dangerous words.” He leans in close to my ear, “And don’t forget what happened last time you wore your bikini top in front of me.” My thighs squeeze tight together and I shiver. Jayson notices my reaction and drops his hand beneath the table to lay at the juncture of my thigh and pelvis causing new shivers to erupt.
Julien looks at his phone. “Hey guys. Elijah said party at Fallon’s tonight. We’re invited.”
Jayson gives a hell yeah to Julien and then asks me, “You in, princess?”
“I’m in. Are you and Maria coming Ryder?”
“I can text her and see if she’s up for it. Anyway, thanks for lunch. I need to head back to the garage.”
“I’m sorry we kept you out so long. I’m glad you joined us though.”
“I’m glad too.”
“Jules, need a ride to Fallon's tonight?”
“Sounds good. You guys want to ride with us?” Julien asks me and Jayson.
“I’ll bring Liz in the truck. We’ll meet you there. Text me Fallon’s address," Jayson tells him.
