Page 48 of Demons

I hadn’t realized he was so close. I assumed he was visiting from far away.

“I didn’t realize that.”

His expression looked almost shy as he glanced toward the car and back. “She told me not to tell you this, but I’m here because, well, she tagged you in a photo a few weeks back, and I saw it. Saw you. Checked out your Insta and asked her if you were single.”

I paused. He had? And she hadn’t told me?

“Uh-oh. Have I messed up already?” he asked me, looking truly concerned.

I shook my head. “No, not at all. I just … I just didn’t realize you had asked for this. I thought this was Esther trying to set me up again.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “Nope. It was me. You’re the reason I’m here.”

I felt my cheeks go warm. He’d come here because of a photo he had seen of me. How flattering. I wasn’t the kind of girl guys asked to be set up with. At least, I hadn’t been before now.

“I don’t know what to say,” I replied, then laughed at my own awkwardness.

“You don’t have to say anything. I just … I didn’t want to start on a lie, you know.”

I nodded, liking this guy more and more. When we reached the car, he opened the door for me. I climbed inside, and then he followed behind me. Jaiden had a newer Bronco, and he always wanted to take it out whenever we went. Most of the time, I wanted to drive myself so I could escape. Tonight, I was really glad I hadn’t chosen to do that. Tyron smelled nice. Clean, fresh, like soap.

He didn’t tower over me either, although I was in heels. I would guess he was around five foot ten maybe. His frame wasn’t overwhelming and intimidating either. No broad shoulders or thick, corded arms that could hold you down. An image of Thatcher, shirtless with a towel wrapped around his waist, invaded my thoughts, and I wished I could erase that. I didn’t need it showing up and causing problems. Comparing other men to Thatcher wasn’t fair.

I would never attract guys like Thatcher. I wasn’t in a league that they even acknowledged. But with Tyron, I felt confident. This was where I belonged, on this playing field. With those like me. Not those meant for fantasies.

“When are you leaving next week?” Esther asked me over dinner.

I washed my food down with a drink of water before responding, “I go to Tennessee on Tuesday, then fly from there to Kentucky on Wednesday.”

She reached for a piece of bread. “So, you will be home on Thursday?”

“Yes.”

Her mouth formed into a big smile as she shifted her eyes to Tyron. “Listen to that. She will be in town next weekend.”

“Subtle much, babe?” Jaiden said beside her.

Esther shrugged, still grinning at Tyron.

I glanced at him, about to reassure him that he did not need to feel pressured by her, that this was just how she was. But when his eyes met mine, he didn’t look like someone who was upset, but more … hopeful.

“My buddy is the event manager at the arena, and I have four tickets to the Zach Bryan concert if I want them,” he told me.

Esther adored Zach Bryan. I flicked my gaze to my pushy best friend, then back to Tyron. “Do you want them?” I asked since this was not about Esther and her wants.

He chuckled. “If you do.”

“She does!” Esther squealed across from me.

I didn’t respond right away. I did like him. He was nice, easy to be around. He seemed into me. I could give it a chance. Butterflies and tingly feelings didn’t have to come instantly. They could take time. I deserved to see if this led there.

“I’d like to go,” I said, then smiled brightly. “But can you give the other tickets to someone other than them? She’s a bit much.”

A wadded-up napkin hit me in the side of the head as Esther hissed at me.

Tyron nodded, leaning back in his seat and putting his arm behind my shoulders. “Yeah, I could look up some of my other friends. I’ll look for the less aggressive sort.” He played along.

It wasn’t butterflies, but it was something. Even if the something was just friendship. I enjoyed being around him.

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