“That’s nice of you to say, but the frizz is real.” She smooths her hand down the length of her hair. “I normally don’t bother straightening it, but I thought it would be nice for tonight. Ya know?”
“Uh…” I don’t know. I didn’t have sisters. I have one son. And I’ve never seen someone straighten their hair in my entire life.
Maddie sighs, “Next time I’ll just leave it alone.”
My grip on her hand tightens.Next timerefers to the next stupid asshole that she’s going to try and go out with. And I might have accepted the fact that it won’t be with me, but I don’t have to like it. And I sure as fuck don’t want to hear about it.
“I’m sure it’d look great no matter what you do.”
“Aww, thanks.” She sways into me, bumping her shoulder into my arm. “You’re too nice.”
I snort.
Her head tips back so she can look up at me, “What?”
I shake my head, “Nothing, I just don’t think anyone’s ever described me astoo nice.”
“That can’t be true.” The scowl that forms between her eyes is stupidly cute.
“Afraid so, Baby.”
She makes a small humming sound, and somehow I know it’s her way of disagreeing.
I squeeze her hand again, “You want to argue about it?” I tease.I fucking tease! Who am I?
Her exhale is audible, “I really hate arguing.”
Every hackle I have rises and I stop walking.
The abrupt halt combined with my grip on her hand spins her around on the spot. She teeters with the movement, and I reach out with my free hand and grip her shoulder to steady her.
“Woah,” she laughs. Then her smile falters when she sees the thunderous expression on my face. “Everything okay?”
My mouth starts to open, but what am I supposed to say?Is there someone I need to dismember and bury in the woods for disagreeing with you?God help me, I’m trying to comfort the girl, not scare her.
She stares up at me with those big glassy eyes and I can’t handle it.
“Everything’s fine,” I try to not growl the words.
“You sure?” she looks rightfully doubtful.
“Yeah, Doll. I was just teasin’ you.” I try to say the word without choking on it. “But you can disagree with me whenever you want. I won’t get mad at you.”
“Oh.” Her eyes brighten, “See?”
“See what?”
“You’re too nice to me.”
I heave out a breath. “Maybe just to you.”
She grins, “Look at you, making a compromise on top of being nice. Keep this up and people might think you’re just a big softy.”
I narrow my eyes, “Keep trying to reform demons, Angel. See where that gets you.”
Maddie’s head tips back as she laughs, “Demon?! I don’t think so, Axel Davis.”
My full name on her lips is heaven. Mix that with the rich, free sound of her laughter, and I want to fuse my mouth to hers so I can consume the joy at its source.