Page 16 of March’s Bad Boy: Ty

Everything about last night feels surreal. The way he touched me, the way he whispered my name like it meant something more, likeImeant something more. Shifting slightly, I roll onto my side so I can see his face. He looks peaceful, his dark lashes resting against his cheeks, his tattoos stark against his bare chest.

I reach out, my fingers tracing the inked designs on his forearm. I've always admired his tattoos, but now, in the soft morning light, they feel different--like pieces of him I'm only just beginning to understand.

"You're staring," he murmurs, his voice rough with sleep.

I flush. "No, I'm not."

His lips twitch into a smirk, his eyes still closed. "Liar."

I huff and try to roll away, but he tightens his hold on me, pulling me flush against his chest. "Where do you think you're going?"

I swallow hard. I don't know how to answer that. Because honestly? I don't want to go anywhere. But this--us--it's new and fragile, and I’m unsure what happens next.

Ty must sense my hesitation because he loosens his grip, his hand moving to my cheek. "You are overthinking this, aren't you?"

The downside to Ty being my best friend is he knows me better than anyone. I can't just brush this off with him because he knows me too well.

I hesitate, and then bite my lip. "What happens now?"

His expression shifts, growing serious. "That depends. What do you want to happen?"

I glance away. "I don't know. I mean, I do, but..." I trail off, frustrated with myself.

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. "You're thinking too much, baby."

I exhale. "It's just... this is a big shift for us, Ty. And I don't want to be just another girl to you."

Something flashes in his eyes, something fierce. "Youthinkyou're just another girl to me?" His jaw clenches when I don’t answer. "Kara, you could never be just another girl to me. You're my best friend, the one person who's always been there for me, no matter what. Last night wasn't just a hookup for me. It was the start of something more, something I've wanted for a long time."

His words send a shiver down my spine, and a flicker of hope ignites in my chest. "Really?"

He nods, his gaze intense. "Really. I'm in this, Kara. I'm all in. The question is, are you?"

My heart races at his words, and a swell of emotion rises in my chest. Am I all in? The answer comes to me with a sudden clarity, as if it's been there all along, just waiting for me to acknowledge it.

"Yes," I whisper, my voice trembling slightly. "I'm all in, Ty. I want this--I want us."

A slow smile spreads across his face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good. Because I'm not letting you go now that I finally have you."

He leans in, capturing my lips in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless. All too soon, he pulls away with a groan.

"Even though I want to get lost in you again and never leave this bed, we both have to get ready for work," he says gently. Then, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear, he rolls out of bed.

I've never had so much fun getting ready for work as I do with Ty. He is always stopping to kiss me or run his hands over me. He helps me pick out clothes from the few things I have at his house. What makes it even better is the easy conversation we have always enjoyed in our friendship is still there.

He makes my coffee the way he knows I like it, and we both grab some protein bars before we are out the door. I still don't have my car, so I ride into town with him. He parks behind the tattoo shop and insists on walking me to the bookstore.

As Ty and I walk through town together, the crisp morning air is a welcome contrast to the warmth of his hand resting at the small of my back. The memory of last night is still in my mind so much I almost walk past the door to my shop. I wish I had.

A piece of paper, fluttering slightly in the breeze, is taped to the front door.

I stop short, my breath catching in my throat. Ty follows my gaze, his body going rigid as he reads the bold words at the top.

Eviction Notice

My hands tremble as I reach for the paper, peeling it away from the glass. I read the words once. Twice. Three times. Like if I just keep reading, the meaning will change.

"What the hell is this?" Ty's voice is low and sharp, barely restrained fury simmering beneath his words.

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