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She fits so nicely here.

I smirk down at her. “What would’ve happened if I hadn’t been here to catch you?”

In a strong shove, she pushes off me, rolling her eyes. With a wave of my hand, I motion ahead of me, watching as she glides her way toward the diner.

Inside, we’re seated at a booth in the back. The place is packed with drunk partiers in the same out-of-place outfits as us, desperate to satisfy their late-night cravings.

“Can I get you guys something to drink to start you off?” a middle-aged woman in a diner skirt and apron asks the second our asses hit the booth.

“We’ll have two midnight burgers, fries, and two chocolate shakes.”

I’ve spent my fair share of early mornings in this diner. I wouldn’t dare to branch out and try something different; it’s arguably the best burger in the city.

With a lackluster nod, she begins pushing away from the table, but Fia stops her.

“Actually, I’ll take a strawberry milkshake, and no tomato on the burger, please.”

Fia’s corrective tone is aimed at me, her sincere eyes still pinned on the waitress. Like she’s proud, the waitress gives an approving grin only to Fia.

“Be out in a bit. I’m Tanya, so if you need anything, just give me a yell.”

Fia smiles so wide it meets her eyes, but it’s fake and fast. The second Tanya leaves, they’re furiously zoned in on me.

“Don’t order for me.”

“I know what’s good here.”

“And I know what I like.”

So do I, baby, so do I.

She grunts, annoyed, and slouches deeper into the booth.

“I don’t need your help more than once tonight.”

Her words are laced with so much anger, like helping her in any capacity is the most unbearable thing in the world. I kind of love how much she’s fighting this.

“Technically, I’ve already helped you twice tonight. Third time's a charm.” I wink.

I’m sparring with her on purpose. I love that the more I push, the harder she pulls. It’s like a fucking drug.

“If this”—her finger swings like a pendulum clock between us—“is going to happen, there needs to be strict rules.”

My heart flutters, palms tingling as I wait for her order like a puppy waiting for a treat. I’m no rule follower, but I can be a respectable listener. I’ll agree to her terms; I’ll do anything to make her feel good. But when it comes time for me to disobey, I’ll do so without question, then wag my tail at her feet like the good boy she makes me.

And I bet she’ll love it.

“I thought you already set rules?”

“I did, and in case you weren’t listening, I’ll refresh your memory. Absolutely no touching, unless it’s for a good reason.”

“No touchie, check.” I trace the air with my pointer finger.

Her eyes squint, but she continues. “Hand-holding and forehead kisses only.”

I thought she said cheek kisses. I smile, urging her to continue.

“Hands and foreheads, check. Anything else?”