Page 15 of My Bad Boy Valentine

I flipped on the lamp in the living room and sank onto the couch. My mind drifted to Caroline, imagining her in that teasingly low-cut sweater she’d worn to Skyline, the way her hair cascaded over her shoulders. Her softness, her warmth. The way she made me feel valued, like I wasn’t just a screw-up with a criminal record. She saw me as a man capable of good. EvenLinzie’s transformation—going from stressed and depressed to happy and relieved—had Caroline at its center. She gave us both hope, something I never realized we were starving for until we found it.

But new threats loomed. I thought about Spade, the glint in his eyes when he spat out his hatred, his talk of “debts.” If he stuck around Hope Peak, I’d have to be ready. The old me would handle it with fists or weapons, but that path led nowhere good.I can’t lose everything I’ve just begun to build.That resolution kept me planted in the apartment rather than storming off to track Spade down. My instincts screamed for action, but my new promise—my vow to live a better life—pulled me back. My mind ping-ponged between images of Caroline’s smile, Linzie’s tears of relief, and Spade’s ominous threats.I’ll protect them both, I swore silently.No matter what.

Chapter Seven

Caroline

I woke on Saturday morning—Valentine’s Day—to a gray winter sky filtering through my bedroom curtains. For a moment, I lay there in a tangle of sheets, feeling the familiar comfort of my room. Then my heart gave a hard thump, reminding me that today wasn’t going to be a normal, relaxing Saturday. Not only did I have the middle school Valentine’s Dance to chaperone tonight, but I also had a family meeting to endure with my parents and Mira. I could guess exactly what they wanted to talk about: Knox Slater, and the fact that I, dear sweet Caroline Belle, had been seen with him at the Skyline Bar & Grill.

I groaned into my pillow, wishing I could hide under the covers.You agreed to this, remember? I reminded myself.You told your dad you’d meet them after breakfast today. No matter how unnerving the thought of facing them was, I wasn’t about to run away. Not anymore. I’d spent too many years accommodating my parents’ expectations, always trying to be the good girl, the one who never caused a fuss. But that was changing.I have a life of my own now—and it includes Knox Slater.

With a resigned sigh, I threw off the blankets and headed for the bathroom. My reflection stared back at me, hair a mess, cheeks rosy from sleep. I pushed aside the flutter of nerves in my stomach.You got this, Caroline. Letting the warm water cascade over my body in the shower, I mentally rehearsed what I’d say to them.Yes, I’m seeing Knox. Yes, he has a record. Yes, he’s changed. No, I’m not going to stop seeing him just because you disapprove. My heart hammered at the thought of actually voicing these words, but I knew they needed to hear them as much as I needed to say them.

By eight-thirty, I was dressed in a warm, fitted oatmeal sweater, plus dark jeans and ankle boots. I pinned back part of my hair in a loose twist, applying minimal makeup—enough to make me look awake, but not so much that they’d suspect I was putting on a show. While I ate a quick breakfast of hot oatmeal topped with sliced banana at my tiny apartment table, I allowed myself a moment to recall the last time I’d been with Knox. The memory made me smile despite my nerves: his strong arms, his fierce protectiveness, the shared warmth that left me feeling more alive than I ever had.

The clock ticked ominously closer to nine, so after I finished the last bite, I put the dishes in the sink, grabbed my coat, and headed out. As I drove through the quiet streetstoward the neighborhood where my parents lived—"wealthy but tasteful,” as my mother would say—I passed by storefronts with windows decked in pink and red hearts, reminding me that today was about celebrating love.Just focus on getting through brunch first, I told myself, though the approaching evening filled me with excited anticipation. I was bound to be an adventure.

The house where I grew up looked as pristine as ever when I pulled into the driveway. The shutters gleamed white against the pale gray siding, and the lawn was meticulously trimmed, even in the midst of winter. I tugged down the visor mirror, taking one last check of my hair.Relax. You can handle this.They’re your family, remember? With a determined breath, I stepped out into the chilly air.

The front door opened almost immediately after my first knock, as if they’d been waiting behind it. Sure enough, I found my mother, face pinched with quiet disapproval, motioning me inside. Behind her, the warmth of the living room contrasted sharply with the frosty morning.

“Caroline,” she greeted, her voice clipped but polite. “You’re just on time. Come in; we’re having tea.” She stepped aside, letting me enter.

I spotted my father and sister Mira in the living room, each holding delicate teacups. The sight felt oddly formal, like a scheduled intervention.Well, that’s exactly what this is. Mira’s eyes found mine, and I saw a flicker of sympathy there. My father, on the other hand, wore his usual stern expression. He cleared his throat.

“Caroline,” he said. “Thanks for coming.”

I forced a small smile. “Morning, Dad. Mira.”

Mira nodded, lips twisting into a half-smile as if to say,Brace yourself. Mom slid the living room door shut behind me, then gestured to the couch. “Tea, dear?” she offered.

I took a seat. “Sure, I’ll have some.”

Mom poured the steaming liquid into one of her antique china cups, passing it to me carefully. The tension in the air was thick enough to strangle a horse. Finally, my mother set down the teapot, folded her hands, and pinned me with a pointed look.

“It’s come to our attention,” she began, “that you’ve been seeing Knox Slater. Ellen McInerny texted me a few nights ago, quite distressed, asking why on earth dear sweet Caroline would be consorting with a convicted criminal at the Skyline Bar & Grill.” She paused, letting the words sink in, her eyes scanning my face for a reaction.

My stomach twisted. So it was Mom’s friend Ellen from her alumnae association who ratted me out. I took a slow sip of tea, willing my hands not to tremble. “Yes, I’ve been seeing Knox,” I said, voice steady. “He and I have grown close lately.”

Dad cleared his throat, setting his cup down with a clink. “We’d like to know what exactly that means, Caroline Rose. Why are you with him? Does this have to do with his sister in your class? Or is it…more personal than that?”

I swallowed. “It started because of Linzie. She’s in my sixth-grade English class, and I noticed she was struggling. I reached out to Knox about it. But the truth is, we connected on a deeper level. He’s… he’s important to me.”

Mom’s lips thinned. “But Caroline, you can’t be serious—Knox Slater has a record. He was in prison. Are you certain this is the company you want to keep? Ellen says the rumors are flying around town about your involvement with him.”

I set my cup down firmly, meeting her gaze head-on. “I’m aware of his past. He served his time. He’s reformed. He’s opened a legitimate cycle shop, he’s caring for Linzie, and I see how dedicated he is to doing the right thing. Why wouldn’t I want to be with someone like that? Who has worked hard to overcome the obstacles in his life and knows who he is and what he stands for?”

Dad let out a heavy sigh. “You have a good heart, sweetheart, but frankly, you’re being naive. You might believe in him now, but you don’t know the potential consequences down the road. This man has already shown what’s capable of. It’s quite likely that he’s just taking advantage of you.”

Mira shifted, glancing at me before speaking. “Mom, Dad. Let’s not talk down to her. Caroline’s old enough to judge character for herself. And from what I’ve seen, she’s pretty happy. Maybe we should trust her instincts.”

Mom’s gaze darted to Mira. “And what do you know about any of this, Mira?”

Mira shrugged, eyes flicking to me. “I don’t. But my sister is a grown woman who seems more confident than ever. If Knox is part of the reason, then maybe he’s good for her.”

A flush of gratitude warmed me. I turned back to my parents. “Yes, he is good for me. I’m not a child anymore. I’m allowed to choose who I spend my time with.” My voice shook slightly, but I pushed through. “He’s not dangerous, Mom. If you’d actually meet him, see how he is with Linzie, you’d realize that.”

Mom inhaled, pearls shifting at her throat as she obviously tried to calm herself. Dad sipped his tea, silent. Finally, my mother spoke again, voice subdued. “We only worry because we love you, dear. But we…suppose you know your own mind. Westill have our doubts, but we won’t forbid it if you’re truly certain he’s changed.”

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