Page 26 of March’s Bad Boy: Ty

Tipping her chin up, I make her meet my gaze before walking her backward just enough that she can look out the doorway leading into the main shop area. "Look outside, Kara."

She hesitates, but turns her head, peeking through the window. Her breath catches as she takes in the crowd, the decorations, and all the people who love her.

"Every one of them is here for you," I say. "Because they believe in you. Just like I do."

Tears shimmer in her eyes, but she blinks them away, nodding. "Okay. I'm ready."

"Damn right you are. Now let's go cut that ribbon."

The moment she steps outside, the crowd erupts into applause. Her cheeks flush, but she straightens her shoulders, and lifts the scissors Orville hands her with a slightly shaky hand. Caitlin and Emma flank her sides, beaming with pride. When she finally cuts the ribbon, a cheer rises down the street.

As soon as the doors officially open, the store floods with people. I watch Kara move through space, greeting customers, helping kids pick out books, offering recommendations like she's done this her entire life.

Not only does she belong here, she was made for this.

And I was made to love her.

The realization doesn't just hit me. It crashes into me with the force of a tidal wave. I don't just want Kara. I need her like I need my next breath. I don't just care about her, I love her. For longer than I want to admit, I have loved her.

But I don't say it. Not yet.

Instead, I roll up my sleeves and get to work helping at the checkout counter. When I get a chance, I steal glances at her when she's not looking. Every time our eyes meet, she gives me a soft, grateful smile. The kind that makes my chest ache in the best way.

Hours pass in a blur of book sales, laughter, and celebration. As the crowd begins to thin, Kara finally takes a breath, sinking into one of the cozy chairs near the back. I grab two cups of coffee and drop into the seat beside her, handing her one.

"You did good, Bookworm."

She sighs, leaning her head back against the chair. "I still can't believe it. This is a dream. It doesn't feel real."

I watch her for a long moment, taking in the way the sunlight catches in her hair, the way she looks at this place like it's her whole world. And maybe it is. But she's mine.

I clear my throat. "Hey, Kara."

She turns to me, eyes curious. "Yeah?"

My pulse kicks up, but I don't let myself hesitate. "I need you to know something."

Before I can finish, a group of kids rushes over, demanding her attention, dragging her back into the magic of the bookstore.

I bite back a smile, shaking my head. The words can wait. But not for long. Because soon, I'll tell her everything.

As the day winds down, the bookstore grows quieter. Most of the customers have left, leaving only close friends helping with last-minute cleanup. Kara is at the counter, reorganizing a stack of books, completely in her element.

I approach her, unable to hold it in any longer. "Kara."

She looks up, surprised, and then smiles softly. "Hey. What's up?"

I exhale, my heart pounding. "Can we talk?"

She tilts her head, setting the books aside. "Of course."

Taking her hand, I lead her outside where the air is cool, and the town has settled into a quiet hush. I turn to face her, nerves twisting in my gut. "I've been trying to tell you something all day. Something I should have told you a long time ago."

Her eyes search mine, and I see the flicker of realization there, the same warmth I've been holding in my own heart.

"I have something too," she says, and I open my mouth, but she just keeps going like she can't stop the words from falling out. "I don't want to ever go back to being just your best friend anymore, Ty. You are everything to me. I love you," she says, whispering the last part.

I stand there shocked, before I smile and say the words on the tip of my tongue.

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