See No Evil

I’ve lived all of my young life responsibly, so doing stupid shit sometimes reminds me that I’m still young with the best years still ahead of me. It’s oddly liberating, being reckless every now and again. We only live once, so we should grab life by the balls whenever the opportunity presents itself. Life should be a string of moments lived to the fullest, not full of regrets.

And for the next twenty minutes, I do just that—enjoy my youthful recklessness with the wind in my hair, good music on the radio, and Fi

I take a peek at the man at my side and see a damn smile still widely planted on his face, mimicking my own and making me melt further into my seat.

Once we get to our destination, I make a ruckus with my sharp-break parking, a

Going fast in life leads to trouble, and I’ve got too much of it, to begin with. My father taught me that, at least. To be cautious. He was the perfect example of how, with one false step, everything you love can be ripped away from you. So, as much as I adored the adrenaline rush when driving Fi

Am I still talking about the car or its owner?

“Is this where you want to eat?” Fi

“This is the place,” I reply, trying hard to school my features. “Do you have a problem with that, pretty boy?” I ask with my usual sass, my hands on my hips and brow raised high.

Instead of Fi

“No problem at all.” He grins once he’s had his way with me, his heavy eyes staring into my own. “Just needed to do that first.”

“Satisfied now?” I smirk back at him, a little too breathless to play off that he didn’t just kiss me stupid.

“Not by a long shot, but it’ll do for now.”

“Come on, quarterback. I bet you’re starving.”

“You have no idea,” he replies flirtatiously, biting his knuckles as he scrolls his eyes over my body.

“Will you stop?!” I slap his chest, laughing at his lame-ass i

“Then don’t make it easy for me!”

“Just move those feet,” I order, and with another chuckle he begins to walk beside me toward the food truck, but not before grabbing my hand in his.

“You know, you might be a little too dressed up for truck food.”

“And who says that?” I taunt.

“Sorry, you’re right. My bad.” He laughs.

I order three chili burgers, some fries, and two sodas while Fi

I eye him up and down and see he really did clean up nice to take me to whatever place he had in mind. A small sense of guilt rises within me, making me think that perhaps I ruined his plans with my drama. It’s an emotion I’m unfamiliar with, and if I’m honest with myself, spending time with Fi

“Hey, you okay?” he asks once I’ve gone silent.

I give him a tight nod and a fake smile while walking us over to one of the free tables. He sits in front of me, always observant with that watchful eye of his, making me inadvertently bow my head.

“Stone, you sure you’re okay?” he asks suspiciously when five minutes pass without barely touching my food.

I bite the side of my lip while playing with my fries, not one bit thrilled to feel this way.

“I was just thinking, maybe this isn’t exactly your style? I mean, have you ever eaten at a food truck before?”

“Are you kidding? Of course, I have. You think you’re the only one who likes greasy food?” he laughs out, taking a huge bite of his burger.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer to eat lobster or caviar, or whatever you Northside, rich folk eat?”

He takes another big bite of his chili burger, closing his eyes while letting out an exaggerated moan, looking like he just took a bite of heaven itself. He then shakes his head and replies, “I’m good, Stone. Food is food. It’s the company that matters.”

I can’t help but chuckle at that little comment.

“You’re such a dork,” I exclaim with a little laugh, feeling more relaxed.

“Whatever. Just eat your burger.”

I laugh again but do as he says. The peaceful silence that arises while we eat our di

After we’re finished, Fi

“You tired?”

“No, not really. Why?”

“I want to take you back to my spot. You game for that?” he asks nervously, his blue eyes as clear and bright as a summer’s day.

I just give him a little nod and follow him to the car, this time letting him take the wheel. He puts on some music, and again I feel that peaceful silence between us.

“I’m not used to you being so quiet,” he states, the back of his knuckles slightly grazing my cheek.

I hold his hand and open his palm to land a small chaste kiss to it. It’s the only answer I have for him. Anything else will be messy. Explaining how he turned a bad night into something serene and normal is not something I want to discuss.

He leans in closer, gently pressing his temple against mine, making his woodsy scent kick-start the beat of my heart. His eyes are shut as he takes a minute just to breathe me in. I lick my lips, letting my eyes close of their own accord, to try steady my foolish heart.

“Just take me to see the stars, Fi

“Not as much as they’ve missed you. Not nearly enough.”