Ring of Love

Tell Me

Ally's pov:

We pull up at a small restaurant only five minutes later, courtesy of Axel. 

Bryce and Dylan bickered for a whole minute on where they each wanted to go, before Axel ultimately decided to shut them up and drive to where he wanted to go instead. 

Us girls didn't have much of a preference, considering the fact that we just wanted food that wasn't associated with the dining hall. 

It was quite enjoyable though, watching the boys bicker over something as silly as a place to eat. 

As soon as Axel parks the car, we all jump out as if we haven't eaten in weeks. We must have looked famished when the host saw us because she sat us as soon as we stepped in. 

And let me tell you, our friends made their intentions quite obvious. For instance, making sure that Axel and I sit next together. Or making up random conversations with each other to make it so Axel and I only have each other to talk to. 

Very obvious. But it was amusing, nonetheless. 

"Have you caught on to their schemes as well?" Axel chuckles into my ear, causing goosebumps to rise on the back of my neck from the heat of his breath.

I was basically on top of him, thanks to the host who was kind enough to shove the seven of us into a booth that was clearly meant for no more than five people. 

"They aren't the slickest, but I admire their efforts," I say, earning a laugh out of him. 

I watch the way he laughs, memorized by the way his face scrunches up, eyes lightening, and eyebrows lifting. He looks even more handsome when he laughs, if that is even possible.

He catches me staring, which earns me a bop to the nose, "see something you like?"

Yes. 

You.

"No," I blush, pushing his face away from mine when he leans over to tease me. 

"You shouldn't lie like that, it's a health hazard," he grins, and I don't know if I want to wipe that annoying grin off his face or kiss it.

Ugh, what a difficult choice. 

Instead of doing either, I decide to ignore him and flip through my menu, "What are you getting to drink?" I ask, aware of his intense stare on my every move.

"Water," He answers. 

Wow, how surprising. The man who swears by water at college parties wants a water with his meal.

I pretend to cough as I mutter, "boring," into my fist, earning a mocked look of offense on Axel's face. 

"Did you just call me boring?" He pretends to look shocked, but by the way the corners of his lips raise into a smile, I can tell he was trying to hide his amusement. 

"Noooo of course not, I must have caught a cold or something. In fact, I think I'm spiking a fever as we speak." I say, holding my hand to my forehead as if I were checking for a temperature. 

He rolls his eyes, "Oh, yeah sureeee. Because my coughs form words as well," he says with sarcasm dripping from his voice. 

"It's probably because I'm a talented individual, you probably can't relate," I tease, enjoying the way his eyes zero in on me.

Getting under Axel's skin has probably become one of my favorite hobbies. I don't think I will ever get tired of the way he looks at me as if he can't decide if he would rather win the argument or kiss me half to death.