𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬

➻Chapter 19 - Karma Is A Bitch.

TYLER'S POV:

I slouched back onto the couch, landing with a thud beside Adele, who was eyeing the items I'd scattered across the table. From the look on her face, it seemed like she was trying to decipher hieroglyphics.

Seriously, woman? They were just party poppers and snow sprays.

"What's with the stare-down? Haven't you ever seen party poppers and snow sprays before?" I finally broke the silence, prompting Adele to whip her head in my direction, shooting me a glare that could freeze lava.

"What are we? Like 5?" she snapped, tossing her head back and releasing an exasperated sigh. "Party poppers, Tyler? Seriously? Party poppers?"

I rolled my eyes. "So, what? Do you want me to bring a disco ball to the birthday bash?"

"You're ridiculous."

"You're overdramatic. Geez."

"I swear, Tyler, you're hopeless at this!" Adele shook her head, narrowing her eyes at me. "Haven't you ever been to a real birthday party? We're not planning a kiddie bash here, you know! Party poppers and spray? That's just so dumb."

I ran a hand through my hair, pulling it back tightly, and let out an exasperated sigh. Seriously, this girl was driving me up the wall. I was beyond done. Sure, I'd been to parties before, but organizing a surprise bash? That was a whole new level of insanity.

"Alright, Ms. Know-It-All. Enlighten me. If not these, what's your grand plan?" I shot her a sarcastic grin, to which she responded with an arched eyebrow.

"Well..." Adele paused, looking at me as if searching for inspiration. I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her genius idea. But surprise, surprise, it seemed the well was running dry. "I don't have any ideas at the moment. But I'll think of something. I promise it won't be as childish as party poppers."

I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. "Oh, great. An 'exciting' idea from you? Color me thrilled," I chuckled. "What a joke."

"Ugh, you're impossible! Can you give me a moment to think?"

"No, I won't. Don't pressure your little brain. There ain't nothing coming out of it!"

"For God's sake, will you shut up for a moment? I am trying to think of something!"

"And what if I don't?" I smirked, releasing my arms. I so loved annoying her.

"If you don't, I swear I'll knock the living shit out of you, Tyler!" Adele growled, throwing her hands up in frustration.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her threat. "You'll what? Knock me?" I stifled a laugh, relishing the opportunity to tease her a bit. I had a knack for getting under her skin, after all. "And how exactly do you plan to do that, genius?" I leaned in closer, watching as surprise flickered across her face.

With a playful smirk, I inched even closer, trapping her against the couch. Adele's eyes widened, and she shifted uncomfortably as I hovered over her, grinning mischievously.

She swallowed hard, giving me a puzzled look as if I'd suddenly lost my mind. But I couldn't help but revel in the moment. She never shuts up, so this was probably the best way to shut her up.

Ah, the sweet taste of victory.

I was just about to continue teasing Adele when her startled expression morphed into a wicked smirk. My heart sank as her hand darted toward the table, grabbing the snow spray. Oh, crap. Please don't let it be what I think it is.

"You think your jerky ways would work with me?" Adele narrowed her eyes at me, her smirk growing more sinister by the second. I gulped, slowly backing away as she brandished the spray in front of me.