“You look like you got more of a bath than the car. I neverthought washing a car would be so hard, but after watching you for the last fifteen minutes, I’m convinced it should be an Olympic sport.”

“This car sucks.”“It was your idea. I, on the other hand, think this car if perfect size. But that might be because I’m not the size of a mountain.”He snickered. “You’re the size of a little, itty bitty doll.”“If you say a vacant doll, I will hurt you.” I wound the necklace chain around my fingers. “Got that?”“Yes, ma’am.”

“If you start climbing on car hoods, I think I might marry you."I rolled my eyes and straightened, giving my head one more shake. "Done."He stared at me. "You're cute.""You're weird.”

“And if you don’t agree, I’ll tie you up—and not in the fun way—and lock you in your bedroom.”My mouth dropped open.“Okay, maybe in the fun way. Like later, after everything is done, I’ll come back and—”I cut him off. “I’d like to see you try to tie me up.”His eyebrow arched. “I bet you would.”“Shut up,” I growled. “I’m being serious.”“So am I. You’re wearing the opal.”I scowled. “This makes no sense.”“It makes perfect sense.”

“You know, my sister and I can’t understand what Dawson sees in you. You’re just a silly little human.” His arm shot out so fast it was a blur, picked up a strand of her hair. “And you’re really not even that pretty.”Oh…oh, that stung more than it should have. Tears burned her eyes as she fought to keep her voice level. “I guess it’s a good thing, then. A relationship between us would never work.”His eyes narrowed. “And why is that?”“Because I’m allergic to assholes.”

“You know what I’ve been thinking?”Why I hadn’t crawled over the center console and into his lap yet? Because damn if I was wondering that very thing, but the car was way too small for those kind of Shenanigans.”

“Jeez, how old are you?” I total y knew how old he was, but I wanted to pick. Aiden cracked his neck. “I turn twenty-one in October.” “Huh.” I shook the bottle. “So have you always been so…mature?” His brows furrowed. “Mature?” “Yeah, you sound like a dad.” I deepened my voice and tried to look stern. “‘Don’t look at me that way’ or else.” Aiden blinked slowly. “I don’t sound like that and I didn’t say ‘or else.’” “But if you had, what would the ‘or else’ be?” I hid my grin with the bottle.”