Page 7 of March’s Bad Boy: Ty

"Hey," she says, tucking her phone away. "What's up?"

I lean against the counter, crossing my arms. "Figured I'd check in. See how you're feeling about your big date."

Her smile falters. "I... I don't know. Nervous?"

This girl doesn't know that guys stare at her everywhere we go and that she'd have so many guys asking her out if it weren't for her always being with me. They assume we are together. Not that I mind the guys leaving her alone.

I nod. "Yeah?"

She bites her lip, looking up at me through her lashes. "Think we could do another lesson?"

I should say no. Should tell her she doesn't need lessons because the truth is, no guy in his right mind would need convincing to fall for Kara.

But I nod instead. "Yeah. We could do that. Maybe a lesson on flirting and some dancing."

Her shoulders relax, and she grins. "Really?"

I smile. "Yeah. But let's do it at my place. No distractions."

I tell myself I suggested my place to prevent the rumor mill of Mustang Mountain from going crazy. Not because I want her undivided attention on me. And not because I might want something else to happen.

Her cheeks turn pink. "Okay."

Oh, fuck. I’m in trouble. That blush is so fucking sexy. She has no idea what she's getting herself into.

And neither do I.

Turning quickly, I walk down the aisle of the bookstore, putting some distance between us, and grab a book that looks interesting from an author I like. Then I go over to the large, plush bean bag chair I bought specifically for when I hang out here. Plopping down, I read while Kara closes the shop and then puts away her most recent shipment of books.

Once she grabs her purse, I set the book down and stand up.

"Why don't we grab dinner and head back to my place?" I ask.

"Sounds good," she says, not quite meeting my eyes.

"Pizza?" I ask, even though I know she won't say no. We both love pizza.

"Yeah, sounds good."

So many times we’ve grabbed a pizza and gone either to her place or mine to watch a movie or hang it out. But this time it feels different. It feels like a new beginning. Maybe even something pivotal?

CHAPTER 4

KARA

I insistedon driving my car to his place. But I didn't tell him it was so I could make a quick escape if needed. Ty followed behind me the whole way here. He says he isn't a gentleman, but the Ty I get to see always has been.

Pulling up to Ty's house, I grip the steering wheel tighter than necessary. My heart is a tangled mess of nerves and anticipation. This is supposed to be just another lesson, but after last night--after that almost-kiss--I know better. Something has shifted between us, and I don't know how to pretend otherwise.

The outside lights light up the yard of the cabin-style house. I've been here a hundred times, but tonight, it feels different. By the time I get out of the car, he's waiting for me at the door. His arms are crossed, and he’s leaning against the frame like he has all the time in the world.

"Bookworm," he greets, that lazy smirk in place. "Thought you were going to turn around and bail on me."

I force a laugh as I step out, trying to appear unaffected. "I wanted to finish the chapter of my audiobook."

While he knows I listen to audiobooks in the car all the time, it's not a far stretch. He looks at me almost like he knows I'mlying. His eyes flicker with something I can't name, but he steps aside, letting me in.

The air inside smells like cedar and something unmistakably him. There's a lived-in comfort to his space. He has a leather couch and shelves lined with tattoo designs and sketchbooks. There’s a single mug in the sink. It's so effortlessly Ty. Very comfortable. I shouldn't feel as at home as I do.

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