Page 2 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
“Phoenix.” He stretches out his hand. “Please get on. It’s not safe out here.”
I stare at his hand. It’s so…big. I’ve never noticed it before, but he’s areallyhuge dude. Like massive. I bet he could crush me like a toothpick.
And this guy expects me to climb on behind him? As if.
Releasing a frustrated groan, he slides off the bike and makes his way over to me, yanking his helmet off. “Phoenix, just please get on.”
I narrow my eyes. “Don’t you have a party to go to?”
He steps closer, and I step back. “I was there. Thad told me what happened, so I came looking for you.”
“Why?”
He throws his hands up. “Because it’s nearly midnight and not safe for you to be out here alone.”
I narrow my eyes again. “Why? Because I’m some helpless girl?”
He inches even closer. “No. EvenIwould be terrified to be out here alone.”
I snort. “Sure. A big macho football player like yourself isn’t afraid of anything.”
He gazes into my eyes. “You don’t know anything about me.”
I back up, folding my arms over my chest. “I know you’re a jerk who only cares about himself.”
He presses his lips together, then shuts his eyes for a second like he’s trying to contain his anger. “I’m not in the mood for this right now. Please get on the bike.”
“I can walk.” I turn to go, but he gently takes hold of my arm, spinning me around.
“I’m not letting you walk alone at this hour.”
“Letting me? Excuse me, who gives you the right to control me?”
Still clutching my arm, he bends close until his mouth is only inches from mine. “I’mnotcontrolling you, but I’m not letting you walk alone, either. So get on.”
“No.”
“Stop being so stubborn. Do you want to get hurt? Or worse?” He gestures around with his free hand. “Do you even have any idea where we are?”
“Yes,” I lie.
He shakes his head in disbelief. “Do you really hate me that much that you’d risk your safety?”
No, not really. Of course I’m scared to be out here all alone, with those crazy wolf noises and not a soul in sight. If something were to happen to me, no one would know about it. My family and friends wouldn’t be able to reach me because my phone doesn’t work.
Ethan doesn’t wait for an answer. He tugs me over to his bike, helping me get on. I want to refuse, to demand he take me down, but the truth is I’m a little glad he’s here. Only a tiny, teensy weensy bit.
He gets on, donning his helmet. “Hold on.”
I grab onto the sides of my seat.
He looks behind me. “I meant onto me,” he says.
“I’m good.”
“Phoenix, do you have any idea how fast this thing goes? You’ll fall right off.”
“I said I’m good,” I snap. The thought of touching him sends ants crawling all over my skin. Ew.
