Page 79 of XOXO

“They won’t take no for an answer,” Ru said, folding the blanket.

Vi pursed her lips, and I wished he hadn’t said that.

“Come on,” I said, ignoring Ru. “It’s just dinner.”

“Matty, I don’t⁠—”

“Matty?” I scrunched my nose.

“Yeah, Matty,” Levi chuckled.

I glared at him as Vi laughed. “Sorry, I didn’t think Matty would bother you.”

“Matty sounds like a child,” I grimaced.

“If the shoe fits,” Ru said, catching up to us.

“I agree, it sounds so cute,” Levi said, pinching my cheek.

“Fuck off,” I said, pushing him away as Vi giggled.

“Matty is perfect because you're always so grumpy and it makes you sound sunshiny when you're really not,” Vi said, as Levi and Ru laughed.

“What?” I grabbed her, throwing her over my shoulder, tickling her.

“No!” she yelled, squirming and laughing. “Stop!”

Her laugh was contagious and it was enough to start Ru chuckling.

“I take it back!” she yelled, as we got to the car.

I put her down, pushing her against the door. “Call me Matty again, and I’ll tickle you for even longer. Now be a good girl and get in the car for me.”

I kissed her nose, opening the back door for her as she stared at me, gob smacked.

“Okay,” she said, getting into the backseat.

I closed the door, catching Levi smirking at me and Ru’s brow drawn low. I didn’t know what the hell I was doing, but now that Levi had gotten in my head, I wanted one more night with her.

“Hell no.”

“Vi, seriously?”

I shook my head as I grabbed her bag.

“Oh my god. You guys are such pussies,” Vi said, opening the door.

“I’d rather be a pussy than be dead. No thanks,” Levi said, pulling the door closed.

“Guys, it's not that bad, it just looks weird at night,” she huffed.

“What’s your room number?” Ru asked.

“I’m in the girls dorm,” she snapped.

“Still not safe,” I said behind the wheel. “Give Ru the key and you can stay at our place tonight.”

“Great idea,” Levi said, taking her bag.