QUINN
“Merry Christmas, Hunter,” a group of young women say as we pass them.
It’s the third group today to ogle my boyfriend. Most of the time, I couldn’t care less. In fact, I almost find it amusing. But today, in my current mood, I want nothing more than to tear them limb from limb.
“Merry Christmas, ladies,” he says, giving them a wave before turning his attention back to me earning him a scowl. “That’s not my fault.”
“You could quit being so damn handsome and sweet,” I reply. Draping his arm over my shoulder, he pulls me close.
“You prefer when I’m naughty, don’t you?”
As he nuzzles my neck, I pretend to shoo him away, but we both know it’s a weak attempt. “Oh, yeah, you’re real naughty, mister Boy Scout.”
“Is that a challenge?” He raises his eyebrows in question. “Because if it is… I will rise to the occasion.” The dirty double entendre earns him a smile.
“I’d like to see you try.”
“Right here? Right now?”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Wouldn’t what?” Claire asks.
I whip around when I hear the sound of my best friend’s voice behind me.
“Claire? Oh my God, what are you doing here?”
“Hunter invited us for shopping and lunch.”
Grateful to see my bestie, I do a little happy dance and pull her in for a hug, then turn to Hunter.
“Had to call in reinforcements, huh?”
“A smart man knows when he needs help.” Hunter presses a kiss to my temple. “Besides, after lunch, Ashton and I have some things to do, so I figured you could use the company.”
“Wait, you mean you’re ditching me? After all this rah-rah-sis-boom-bah Christmas cheerleader crap?” My hands are on my hips.
Hunter mirrors my stance. “Who would you rather shop with? Me or Claire?”
I don’t respond because we both know my answer.
“That’s what I thought,” he says before grabbing and tossing me over his shoulder. “Let’s get some lunch.”
The Mexican restaurant we decide on is my favorite. It’s also packed. Luckily, the host recognized Hunter and Ashton from the Red Devils and sat us right away. One of the perks of having such a famous boyfriend. Though I am pretty sure his sweet smile and charming ways alone would have gotten us seated. The guy has a way with women. How else could he have nabbed a proverbial party girl like me?
“Really pulling out all the stops today, huh?” I give Hunter a soft nudge with my shoulder.
“Nothing but the best for my baby.”
I don’t even need to look at the menu to know what I want.
“Two steak tacos and a forty-six-ounce margarita,” I tell the waitress when she appears at our table.
Hunter’s eyes widen.
“What? It’s been a rough day.”
CHAPTER5