S O P H I A  H O N E Y

"ARE YOU sure this is the place?" I ask Ryan.

He rolls his eyes. "Yes. Why?"

"Because this doesn't look like a drive-in, obviously." I know I’ve never been to one before, but I’m pretty sure a drive-in doesn’t look like an amusement park.

Harley steps in. "Oh, it's a drive-in. Just... with a little fair vibe, you know? To keep people busy till the movie starts."

Honestly, I also thought drive-ins didn’t involve this many people. I mean, Pineville isn’t exactly packed. It's a small town with more cows than people. I guess they must’ve been advertising this event everywhere because the crowd here is way more than the number of us actually living in this town.

"What do you think, Theo?" Ryan asks, finally dragging him into the conversation.

Theo hasn’t said a word since we got here. He’s standing next to me, and I’ve been trying my best not to stare. The fitted long sleeve shirt and black sweatpants he's wearing scream not from around here in the best way possible.

One thing I’ve always admired about Theo—he dresses and smells good. Even back then, when I didn’t know I was already falling for him, I always noticed. He had that presence. He looked like he ran the whole town—not in an arrogant way, but in a quiet, confident one.

The downside? He gets a lot of attention. And I can't do anything about it.

“It looks great,” Theo finally says. Then his phone rings. “Excuse me for a minute.” He walks off to the side to take the call. His expression shifts immediately—he’s smiling, looking down at the ground, clearly enjoying the conversation. Probably one of the guys calling him.

A group of girls walks past, all of them checking him out. One even glances at his ass.

His ass. Like, I know his ass is great but still.

"I guess his effect never fades, no matter where he goes," Ryan chuckles.

"What effect?" Harley asks.

"It’s just this thing I came up with when Theo and I were in high school," Ryan explains. “Even back in middle school, girls were already throwing themselves at him. The guy could be falling asleep in class, drooling on his desk, and girls would still lose their minds.”

It’s true. Theo’s effect is that strong.

Sometimes, I wonder how I didn’t notice him like that back then. But it’s all in the past now and the guy standing over there? He’s mine.

"I called it the Gray Effect," Ryan says proudly. “I miss when girls used to give me snacks just to get near him. I used to eat half of them.”

He laughs, and I can’t help smiling.

"So... girls didn’t crush on you?" Harley teases.

Ryan shakes his head. “I wasn’t their type.”

“Well, you’re my type,” she replies, leaning in and giving him a quick kiss on his lips.

Ugh. Gross. I need to bleach that image out of my brain immediately. It's cute but no.

“Sorry for taking time,” Theo says, returning to the group. He glances briefly in my direction, as if he’s apologizing to me before looking at Ryan.

Ryan shrugs. “No worries. You didn’t waste time.”

Theo nods and falls into step with us as we all start walking around the fair side of the place, checking out booths, and looking for something to do until the movie starts.

We eventually stop at a snack booth where the smell of hot dogs and other greasy delights fills the air. People are already lining up, and just standing around won't work for me.

"So..." Ryan claps his hands together and looks between Harley and me. "What snacks do you guys want?"

"Hot dogs," Harley and I say at the same time, and we glance at each other before laughing.

"Theo, you coming?" Ryan calls over his shoulder as he heads toward the booth.

"Sure." Theo starts to move, but then pauses and turns to me. "Do you want something to drink too?"

"Uh... um, yes. Sure. Thank you." I smile at him. He nods slightly, then looks at Harley and asks the same question.

"Sprite. Thanks," she says, and he walks off with Ryan.

"Hey, do you want to sit over there while we wait?" Harley points at a nearby bench.

"Yeah," I say, and we make our way over. The bench isn't too far from the guys, which means I can sneak glances at Theo without being too obvious.

I'm still mad about the stunt he pulled the other day. Leading me on, making me beg—without even kissing me. It was cruel. Unfair. Low.

"Um... Sophia?" Harley’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. She looks a little nervous.

"You can call me Soph."

"Oh, okay. Umm, Soph. Ryan told me you study photography. That's pretty cool."

I smile. "You think so?"

She nods, looking more relaxed now. "Definitely. I have friends who study it too. It's such a fun course, and their work is really nice. Do you have anything I could see? I promise I won’t laugh."

Works? I haven’t even had the time to properly take pictures. The last one I snapped was of Theo sleeping peacefully after we made up. And now... I mostly take secret pictures of him when he’s not looking.

Yeah. I’m gone for him like that.

I scratch the back of my neck. "Oh, I don’t really take that many pictures yet. I’m still learning."

"It’s okay." She gives me a warm smile. "If you ever need someone to give feedback, I’d be happy to help."

I get it now. I get why Ryan likes her. She’s all sunshine.

"I really appreciate that. And oh, I love your outfit." Her baggy jeans and tank top suit her effortlessly.

She blushes. "You look hot though. Like, seriously."

"Me?" I blink. I didn’t think much of it. Just a pastel dress and a denim jacket. Simple.

"Yes, you." She smirks. "Are you trying to get a certain guy to notice you?"

She glances toward the snack booth, and I feel my cheeks heat up.

"Oh no." I shake my head quickly, but she just raises her brows. "It’s not what you think. I’m not trying to get anyone’s attention."

"So you haven’t been checking him out? Because, let’s be real, he hasn’t taken his eyes off you since we got here. I’m sure he’s looking at you right now if we look up."

He has? I didn’t notice.

"Maybe it’s your eyes," I mumble. "He’s probably just looking at some other girl."

He better not be looking at some other girl.

"That sounded fake, and you know it," she chuckles. "But it’s okay. Let’s talk about something else."

Relief washes over me as the topic shifts. I ask her more about herself. Turns out she’s the middle child of four girls. That must be chaotic... and probably a lot of fun too.

We talk for a while until we see Ryan and Theo making their way back toward us.

"Sorry for the wait." Ryan sits next to Harley with two hot dogs in hand. He passes one to her along with a Sprite. She smiles at him.

"Thank you."

Theo takes the seat next to me and hands me my hot dog while holding the mango slushie.

"Here you go." He leans in close, his lips brushing my ear, his voice low and deep. "I don’t think I said it earlier, but you look absolutely mesmerizing this evening, love."

Holy hell. Why did he say it like that?

"What are you two talking about?" Ryan asks as Theo pulls back.

"Oh, just asking if the flavor’s okay. I didn’t ask her what she wanted earlier," Theo says smoothly.

"It’s mango, right?" Ryan says. "Soph’s a mango freak. Don’t worry about it."

He looks at me and I nod quickly. "Yeah, I like it."

Theo just acts like nothing happened and nods along. "Oh, didn’t know she likes it that much."

Oh what a liar he is.

Ryan chuckles. "Once, she almost tore my head off just because I took her mango cake on her birthday. Don’t you remember?"

"Oh right." Theo looks like he does. "Your mum and dad had to stop her by promising you wouldn’t take another bite."

They both start laughing, and I want the floor to open up beneath me as I take a bite of my snack, dying inside.

I forget that before Theo was my boyfriend, he was Ryan’s friend. Ugh. Why did I have to date his best friend?

Harley laughs too, and I give her a playful glare.

"Let’s forget about it," I say, rolling my eyes. "That was years ago."

"So if I take a drink of your slushie, you won’t mind?" Theo asks, and I shake my head.

"Okay then." He doesn’t waste time. He takes a sip while staring me down, clearly waiting for a reaction. I give him none. He sighs dramatically. "Very tasty. You should try it."

"Okay, you guys should come off it," Ryan says with an amused tone.

"Very mature of you." I take the drink from Theo and shift slightly away from him.

"Are they usually like this?" Harley asks Ryan, and he nods.

"Yep. Oh, and I almost forgot. Mum and Dad want us to take pictures today, and since we have a photographer in the family, you’ll be the one taking the photos."

"Why should I be the one taking the pictures?"

"I just said the reason."

"But you have longer arms."

"And you have more experience."

I groan. "It’s just taking pictures. There’s nothing there."

"Exactly, that’s why you should take them."

"But—"

"Okay, you two." Harley cuts in since she’s between us. "I’ll take the pictures. How about that?"

"Fine," Ryan and I say at the same time.

Theo laughs next to me, and I elbow his side. He groans.

"You okay?" I ask, looking innocent.

Mischief flashes in his eyes. "Why shouldn’t I be?"

"Okay, guys." Harley grabs my attention, her phone already out and raised as she strikes a pose. "Let’s take a picture now."

Everyone adjusts themselves into position. I feel Theo move closer, but I think nothing of it until his hand glides around my waist and gives it a tight grip. My body folds when his fingers slip lower. I go stiff. My head turns blank, but I manage to keep it together. Harley snaps the photo, and we all move apart. I finally get a chance to breathe.

I turn to him, and he’s just acting normal.

"Oh look." He points ahead. "How about a game of ring toss?"

"Not right now," Ryan says, standing up with Harley. "I want to show Harley something." She blushes at that.

"How about we meet there in ten minutes?" He adds.

"Sure," I say.

"Okay. " He turns to Theo, "Please watch over her," Ryan walks away with Harley, and the moment they're out of sight, Theo turns to me and stretches his hand forward.

"What?"

"Let's go."

"Where?"

"Come on," he says, grabbing my hand.

I follow him silently as we weave through the crowd. Before I realize it, I’m stepping into a photo booth with him, the curtain fluttering closed behind us.

"Why are we here—"

He sits down and pats his lap. "Come here."

"No. Move over."

He shakes his head. "I want to hold you."

"You can hold me if I sit beside you. You managed that earlier, remember?"

He smirks. "So you did feel that."

He grabs my hand again, tugging me until I land on his lap.

"You sure know how to act like nothing happened."

I roll my eyes, laughing. "I’ll take that as a compliment."

"Oh it is, because..." He leans in and kisses my neck, slow and warm. I inhale sharply. "I'm starting to behave bad."

His lips trail to my cheek before he rests his head in the crook of my neck.

"Oh really? How bad?" I ask, feeling my body folds with each kiss his lips makes on my body.

"I wanted us to be alone. Just the two of us."

"But we are alone."

He bites my ear and I gasp. "You know what I mean."

I giggle. "Of course I do." I feel him smile against my skin, his lips brushing me again. "Let’s just take the picture and go." I add.

He sighs, long and dramatic, and sets his slushie on the floor. "Fine then."

He slides a coin into the slot. The machine lights up and clicks as the timer begins. We start posing. I smile and throw up peace signs, and he keeps his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer with every shot.

I try to adjust myself, trying to sit properly, but as I move, his hand finds my hips and holds them like he’s anchoring himself.

"Are you tempting me here or what?" he murmurs against my ear, and I feel the warmth of his breath trail down my neck.

"No..."  I say, but even I’m not convinced. I wasn’t trying to. If I was, I’d make sure he knew. But we’re still in public. People are around. Someone could pass by and peek through the curtain at any second.

"I don’t believe you."

His voice dips lower, rougher, and I freeze when I feel his hand pull up the side of my dress, inch by inch. Cool air kisses my thighs.

"I... I'm not lying," He slides his hand to the side of my inner thigh, his fingers warm and slow, tracing patterns that make my stomach clench and my hips instinctively move.

"Stay still," he warns, but I can’t.

My body shifts on his lap involuntarily, responding to the way he touches me like he knows exactly what he’s doing. Exactly what I need.

"Do you want people to notice what we’re doing here? he asks, his voice low and wicked. Do you want someone to see how desperate you look for me?"

God. I can’t answer. I arch a little, my breath catching when his touch grows bolder. The hem of my dress is so high now I feel the edges of my underwear, and my thighs twitch beneath his grip.

I turn my face into his neck to muffle a sound, trying to hide, trying to pretend I’m not falling apart just from his touch. I hold his wrist, fingers trembling, but he’s so strong—too strong—and I don’t really want to stop him.

"Why are you hiding, love?" he asks, almost teasing. "Isn’t this what you wanted back at home?"

"Y-yes... but I wanted a kiss, not this."

Then he stops. Just like that. His hand stills and my heart stutters.

"Do you still want a kiss?" he asks, and I pull back slightly to look at him. His eyes are already on mine. His thumb brushes over my botton lip, parting them gently.

"Fuck, these lips... you look so fucking sexy like this, Soph. I don’t think I can control myself if I kiss you. You won’t believe how much I’ve been holding back since you decided to punish me by wearing this fucking tight dress."

"I..."

"I want to kiss you, Soph," he whispers, pressing his forehead to mine. "But I know I’d do more. I’d hear your moans and your pleads for more and I might do something crazy. But I’ll bet you’d love it, wouldn’t you?"

He shifts, dipping his head to my neck, and sucks softly on the skin.

"Oh god," I arch again and he groans, holding me tighter. The sound of his mouth on my neck fills the tight booth. My fingers clutch at his shoulders, and for a second I lose control.

"Theo, you can’t suck there. Ryan—"

He pulls back with a low laugh, the sound rumbling through his chest. I feel it between my legs.

"Sorry. I can’t help myself when you feel this good in my arms."

"Then let me go," I whisper, though I don’t mean it. I really, really don’t.

"We both know that’s not what you want."

My legs squeeze around his thigh when I feel his fingers graze over the fabric of my underwear, just barely there.

"I know you’re fucking wet for me, Soph," he whispers, his mouth so close I feel every word against my skin. "Or do you want to lie about it too?"

I have no words. No strength to move. No strength to even breathe. I just stay completely still, frozen as his fingers remain at the hem of my underwear, teasing slow circles over my clit while my hips follow each of his movements. Every nerve in my body tightens and sparks up. I try to press my legs together, but his hand tightens around my thigh and forces them back open. My lungs ache from holding in every gasp and moan begging to escape.

I'm trapped in stillness, barely able to move.

Then, suddenly, the shrill sound of my phone rings, breaking through the haze. My heart jumps. It's coming from the inside pocket of my jacket.

My head snaps up like I've been yanked out of a dream.

“Pick it,” Theo murmurs calmly, holding out the phone. His expression doesn’t change.

My fingers tremble as I take it.

“Hello?” I manage, swallowing hard, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Soph.” My blood runs cold. It’s Ryan.

Shit.

“Where are you and Theo?”

I glance at Theo. He says nothing. He just watches me, completely still, his fingers never once stopping.

“Oh um… Ryan,” I say, forcing calm into my voice while Theo's fingers still toyed with me beneath the fabric. “We’re... we're at a photo booth.”

“Which one? I’ve seen like three booths so far. The movie’s about to begin. Harley and I are searching for you guys."

“Oh right... the—” I gasp softly, my eyes fluttering shut for a second as Theo slid his fingers under the thin barrier and finds my entrance. I suck in a sharp breath, my body jolting.“M-Movie.”

There’s a beat of silence from Ryan’s end.

“You okay?” he says with a worried tone.

I couldn't answer straight away. Theo pushes a finger inside me and begins a torturously slow rhythm. My hips twitch as I clench my jaw to keep from whimpering. The sensation is too much, too intimate in a space like this. But his hand… it doesn’t stop.

“Answer him,” Theo whispers into my ear, thrusting that one finger in and out of me, barely moving, just enough to keep me on edge.

“I… I’m okay,” I manage to say, voice tight. “Just... feeling a little dizzy.”

My other hand grabs the back of his head, fingers tangling in his hair as I try to ground myself, try to tell him—beg him—to stop. “Stop,” I whisper, but I sound like I’m pleading for more.

He doesn’t stop. Of course he doesn’t. Instead, he adds another finger, stretching me gently, and my mouth parts. My body sinks against his, trembling with each controlled thrust.

“Keep talking to him,” he says, breath hot against my neck.

“It must be the drink,” Ryan says on the other end. “Can you hand the phone to Theo?”

“Yeah... sure.” My hand trembles as I pass the phone over to him. Theo takes it like it’s nothing—like he doesn’t have two fingers buried deep inside me, like he’s not slowly, deliberately fucking me in a goddamn photo booth.

Then his eyes meet mine, face close, so close even as his fingers keep working me from beneath. “Now love,” he whispers, brushing his lips across my nose, “I need you to be extra quiet for me. Can you do that?”

I nod so fast it makes me dizzy. My lips part in a silent gasp as I try to hold it all together.

He grins, proud and satisfied, then lifts the phone to his ear.

“Yes, Ryan. I’m here…”

Ryan says something through the phone, but I don’t hear it. I can’t. My heartbeat is pounding in my ears, and the only thing I feel is Theo.

“Mmhmm,” Theo responds to whatever Ryan just asked, his tone casual, a soft hum. “She’s just a little out of it. The crowd’s thick here.”

His thumb brushes over my clit, and my body jolts. I dig my nails into his shoulder, my face twisting as I fight the moan clawing at my throat. He knows exactly what he’s doing. He knows how close I am, how hard I’m trying to stay silent.

“You want me to bring her out?” Theo asks, and while he waits for the response, his fingers curl just right, hitting that spot inside me that makes everything blur.

A soft sound escapes me before I can stop it. Just a breath, but loud enough that Theo glances at me sharply and covers the speaker with his palm.

“Shh,” he warns gently, eyes burning into mine. “You’re doing so well, sweetheart.”

I squeeze my eyes shut, but it doesn’t help. My body is trembling now, legs shaking, stomach tight with pressure. I can’t take much more. I feel like I’m going to explode from the inside out.

“No, no,” Theo says into the phone, sounding unbothered. “We’ll find our way. Just go inside. I’ll get her a soda or something.”

He ends the call. He drops the phone somewhere beside us, then looks at me again.

My breath stutters.

“You didn’t answer me,” he says. His voice is low and dark now. “Can you stay quiet for me, or do I need to stop?”

I shake my head fast. “Don’t stop,” I whisper, the words spilling out of me before I even think.

His lips curve into a slow, sinful smile. “That’s my girl.”

Then he thrusts into me again, firmer this time, his thumb circling exactly where I need him. The knot in my stomach pulls tighter and tighter, until I’m holding on to him like a lifeline.

“T-Theo.”

“Yeah.” He’s panting, his breath shallow and hot.

“I want to kiss you.” My voice trembles as I bring my face up to his, barely an inch away. “Kiss me as I come.” I lean in, lips brushing his. “Please…”

He groans deep from his chest. “Soph…”

“I’m serious.” My voice is nearly a whimper. “Please, Theo. Just one kiss.” My hips move on their own, grinding against the bulge that’s been hard against me this whole time. His pants are the only thing separating us, the only barrier stopping this from turning into something more. If they weren’t there, I know we’d be humping like animals, and honestly, I don’t even care right now.

Finally. Finally, he crashes his mouth onto mine, and the world goes blurry. His lips are warm and hungry. His hand cups my breast, squeezing and teasing through the thin fabric. I moan into his mouth and he groans back like I’ve given him oxygen.

“So sweet, love,” he murmurs between kisses, dragging his tongue across mine. “You taste so good.”

His tongue glides against mine, pulling me under until I can’t think straight. I want to tell him it’s probably just the sugary drink we had earlier, but I can’t even form words. My body is too close to breaking. All I can do is whimper into his mouth while his fingers work me in a rhythm that makes me want to beg.

Then he pinches my clit, a cry escapes me, muffled into his mouth. My eyes squeeze shut as I shake, a pulse of heat tearing through me so hard I see stars. My back arches, my legs tremble, and I gasp into his mouth as I squirt, the release making my whole body shake. He keeps kissing me through it, swallowing every sound I make.

“You’re perfect,” he whispers against my skin, pressing a soft kiss to the side of my neck. I can’t speak. My lips part, but nothing comes out. I just nod, breathing hard, eyes dazed as aftershocks ripple through me.

His fingers finally slide out of me, slow and careful, dragging against every sensitive nerve. I twitch as he tucks my underwear back into place. Then he fixes my dress and gently brushes strands of hair from my face, as if we didn’t just cross every line in this cramped little booth.

“Are you okay?” he asks, searching my eyes like he’s looking for the smallest crack.

I blink, forcing myself to breathe. “Uh… yeah. I’m okay.”

“You sure?” His voice softens. He frowns a little when I look away.

“Yeah. Just…” I exhale and look down. “Just embarrassed.”

My cheeks burn. I can’t believe I came like that. That I squirted. Here. In a fucking photo booth.

And I liked it.

“Baby.” His thumb brushes my cheek, coaxing my gaze back to him. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Nothing. And if this isn’t your type of thing, we can always do it indoors.”

“Let’s do it indoors,” I say instantly, and his deep laugh rumbles through his chest.

“Whatever my woman wants, she gets.” He pulls me close, kisses my forehead, then gazes at me like I’m the only girl on earth. “Now let’s go before I have to answer to your brother.”