After all this time, Cash's rejection still hurts. Every grunt of dissatisfaction—every dig at my expense—is a reminder that even when Cash claimed to love me, he still made me feel small.
Somehow, he still does.
The drive home is more uncomfortable than a Winthrop family dinner. Wilder keeps one hand on the steering wheel and the other on my bare thigh while Cash ignores us, staring out the open window as the late afternoon breeze rushes past.
If I had my way, there'd be a backseat in this truck. And I'd be sitting in it. I’m tired of being stuck between these two every time we go somewhere together.
Wilder taps my leg when we turn down our street. A subtle nudge letting me know it'll just be the two of us soon. Cash and the rain cloud over his head will be three doors down.
“Will you be home later?” Cash asks Wilder as we file out of the truck.
Wilder grabs my bag and shakes his head. “I'm staying with Blondie tonight.”
Cash smirks before walking away. “Of course, you are.:
My heart throbs in my chest as Wilder reaches for my hand. “I know you didn't ask me to stay.”
“I want you to.” I let out a sigh of relief as Cash disappears down the street. “I always want you to.”
“Good.” Wilder gives me a breathtaking smile before wrapping his arms around me.
I watch over his shoulder as Cash glances back at us, his body stiffening before turning down the Wilder's grandparents’ driveway.
Thankful the afternoon is over, I bury my face in Wilder's neck, inhaling his woodsy scent.
“Get a room!” We both hear as an engine cuts off in the driveway.
I twist in Wilder's arms and see my scarlet-haired older sister staring boredly at her nails.
Isla Winthrop, Queen of Debauchery and Denial, has officially arrived.
“Where's your broom?” I call.
Isla whips her head back in confusion. “I'm not a maid.”
“I thought witches only traveled by broomstick,” I retort as I flash my eyebrows at her.
Wilder doesn't bother holding in a loud laugh.
“Har har.” Isla bristles. “You're hilarious.”
“I am.” I turn to face Wilder, feeling lighter. “Aren't I?”
Wilder kisses me hard, his tongue slipping between my lips as Isla fake gags from her spot in the driveway.
When he finally breaks the kiss, I'm barely able to catch my breath. “That was...”
“Yeah, it was.” Wilder smiles wide.
“It was disgusting!” Isla hollers as a gray-haired older gentleman wearing a bowtie and thick spectacles appears.
“Who are you?” I ask the strange man.
“This is Harvey Templeton.” Isla cuddles against him.
Wilder and I share a horrified look.
“We're here with important news,” Isla says as she stares up at Harvey with a sickeningly sweet smile.
