Page 10 of My Bad Boy Valentine

Hey. I’ve been thinking about our conversation earlier. Would you like to grab dinner with me tomorrow night at Skyline?

My thumb hovered over the send button, heart racing. Am I being foolish? This could be a bad idea. But the voice that had pulled me away in Knox’s apartment was overshadowed by the surge of courage I felt now. I want this. Swallowing hard, I tapped “Send.”

For a minute, nothing happened. I set my phone down, exhaling shakily. Then it buzzed.

Knox:Is this about Linzie?

My lips curved into a smile. He’s so used to me approaching him with teacher talk. I typed quickly:

No, it’s about you and me. I enjoyed talking earlier. I also wanted to thank you for being so honest with me. I’m glad you’re back in Hope Peak.

He didn’t reply immediately, but when my phone buzzed again, my stomach did a flip.

Then yes, I’d like that. Skyline tomorrow night?

I grinned, hugging the phone to my chest. Maybe this was reckless, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. For once, I was doing something I wanted, not just what was expected. Yes, I told myself, it’s time to take a chance.

The next day at school dragged agonizingly slowly. Even my students noticed I was more fidgety than usual, tapping my pen and checking the clock. At lunch, I decided not to confide in Tessa—my best friend—just yet, because I could imagine her squealing with delight and trying to give me outfit advice. Tessa meant well, but I wanted this moment to be mine alone, without external meddling.

After the last bell, I dashed home, changed into black leggings and tall, sleek boots, pairing them with a cozy but form-fitting sweater that dipped just low enough to hint at cleavage. Standing before my mirror, I applied a darker eyeshadow and bolder lipstick than usual. The reflection that stared back at me was someone new.Who are you, Caroline Belle?I whispered, smiling.

My phone chimed, and I read Knox’s text confirming he’d meet me at Skyline at seven. Butterflies swirled in my stomach. I grabbed my purse and keys, hopped into my car, and headed for Levi’s bar. The February evening was crisp, moonlight reflectingon patches of leftover snow. Valentine’s Day was only days away, and hearts and banners adorned the windows of nearly every business I passed.

By the time I parked outside Skyline, my nerves were jangling. This was a date, right? Not an official one, but it sure felt like it. I stepped inside, greeted by the warm glow of hanging lights, the hum of conversations, and the faint clink of glasses. The smell of grilled burgers and fries wafted through the air.

All eyes seemed to turn my way when I entered. Normally, that kind of scrutiny would make me want to shrink back, but tonight I stood a little taller, chin up. I spotted Knox almost immediately—he was leaning against the bar, arms folded, wearing dark jeans and a fitted black T-shirt that showcased every muscle in his arms. My pulse kicked.

He looked up as I approached, and I caught a flash of admiration in his gaze. “Hey,” he said, his voice low, a small smile tugging at his lips. He shifted closer, and the brush of his hand on the small of my back made my heart flutter.

“Hey,” I breathed, returning his smile. He smelled of faint cologne and the lingering scent of motor oil—an intoxicating mix that left me lightheaded.

From behind the bar, Levi raised an eyebrow, then grinned widely. “Caroline, good to see you! Looking stunning tonight,” he called, voice carrying across the patrons. He cast Knox a playful smirk. “Glad you two could make it. Beer? Burger? Fries?”

I nodded. “All of the above, please.”

Knox added, “I’ll take the same. My treat.”

I started to protest—I was the one who invited him—but Levi cut in, waving a hand. “Actually, it’s on the house,” he saidwith a conspiratorial wink at me. “Consider it a ‘welcome home’ for Knox.”

Heat rose in my cheeks. Knox’s eyebrows shot up in mild surprise, but he didn’t argue. “Thanks, man,” he said.

Levi leaned over the bar, dropping his voice. “Caroline, this guy’s a good egg under all that tattoo ink and scruff,” he teased. “Treat him right, okay?”

I shot Levi a grateful look. “Thanks, I will.”

Knox guided me to a table in the corner, every eye in the place following our progress. Instead of wilting under the attention, I felt a surge of pride.Yes, I’m here with Knox Slater. Let them talk. Let them gossip. I wanted to be seen with him.

We slid into our seats, the small tabletop lamp illuminating Knox’s sharp features. My heart thrummed as he leaned in. “You look amazing,” he said under his breath, voice laced with warmth that sent my blood racing.

“Thank you,” I replied, unable to keep the smile from my face. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

His lips curved in a wry grin. “I did try to wash the grease out of my hair this time.”

I laughed softly, leaning forward. “It’s appreciated.”

Our food arrived soon after—a pair of juicy burgers loaded with all the fixings, a mountain of fries, and two tall beers with foamy heads. Knox insisted on paying again, but Levi sent us an exasperated glare from the bar, practically ordering us to accept the free meal. So we dug in, making small talk about how business at the cycle shop was picking up, or how my students were already gearing up for the Valentine’s Day Dance next week.

Throughout dinner, the chemistry between us crackled. Our knees brushed beneath the table. Every time Knox reachedfor his beer, I couldn’t help but admire the flex of his arm. And the way his gaze lingered on me between bites—like he was savoring more than just the burger—made a heady warmth bloom in my chest.

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