Happily ever hookup. (Book #2)

8 "Why are you laughing?"

Updated and tweaked 7th May 2020

Emily's P.O.V

It's Sunday morning and the long drive back from New York is doing nothing to calm my nerves.

I'm scared about what awaits me at the other end of our journey but I appreciate Hunter taking a couple of days off of work to come with me.

He's tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as Ed Sheeran bursts loudly through the speakers, he glances over to me, grazing my chin with his index finger so I'll give him my full attention.

"Cheer up Squirt, you love this song," He says before singing at the top of his voice, completely off-key.

"Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine."

His out of tune attempt hurts my ears and I visibly cringe but it does nothing to deter him.

"Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song."

I feel my face lifting into a small smile and he grins back at me triumphantly. This is one of the many reasons I love this man. He's crazy and is willing to do just about anything to make me smile.

"Come on Emily, I know you want to sing along." Hunter nudges me playfully. We're only halfway home so I'll take any distraction I can get.

"We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes"

My smile widens as I join in singing, I hear him cheering me on and my goofy grin turns into a full-blown laugh. I move my hand and thread my fingers through his and he squeezes gently, reminding me that no matter what, he'll always be here for me.

We finish the song, which has turned into an awful rendition of me attempting to be Queen Bey, and Hunter laughing all throughout.

"I'm glad I amuse you," I say and Hunter turns the volume down.

"You're a brilliant singer, maybe you should take that up, you know, since you're unemployed" He teases me and I'm tempted to wack his arm.

I'm only unemployed, for now.

When my dad got sick, all of my plans changed. I realised I would never get a job in marine biology Because I couldn't leave our tiny little town and Connecticut definitely wasn't handing any out.

I decided to study English. I've always loved reading, writing and literature, you can just imagine Hunters smug face when I told him of my plans for college.

Our first ever argument was about being in college and how pointless he thinks it is.

I almost have to agree with him.

Almost.

"At least I'm not training a load of stuck up posh kids how to run around a field for sixty minutes." I poke my tongue out like an absolute child and he laughs.

"Real mature" He rolls his eyes.

"You're the one that wants to marry me" I grin, knowing he won't have a comeback.

I'm right, and he doesn't say anything in response. He turns the volume dial again as a Sia song starts playing.

It's loud enough to hear the lyrics but still subtle enough so we can talk and still hear one another.