Page 68 of Things Good Girls Don't Do (Rock Canyon, Idaho 1)

“Ew, that’s gross. She’s in her fifties.” Steph made a face.

“People in their fifties still have sex,” Becca said.

“I can’t believe it,” Katie said, still skeptical. “What did she buy?”

“Now I can’t tell you that,” Becca said, waggling her eyebrows. “Let’s just say that I hope Mr. Andrews’s ticker is in good working order.”

CHASE LOOKED AROUND for Katie, spotting the back of her blond and purple head. She was sitting with Jared, Steph, and Becca, toward the front spread of people and blankets. He grabbed the sack of white cheddar popcorn from his passenger seat, knowing Katie was going to try to hog the bag since it was her favorite, but he didn’t care. He liked to watch her get that sparkly smile on her face when she was happy. Especially when it was because of something he did.

Trouble. That’s what he was in, but he couldn’t help the way he felt. Katie was the girl he’d always fantasized about. Kind, funny, loving. Someone who wouldn’t give up on the people she loved.

The first firework shot off too low, and everyone screamed, hollered, and a few even scrambled to their feet to run. He was a little afraid to sit with them now, as close as they were to the action. Maybe he would ask Katie to move back a bit. They could watch from a safe distance and be all alone . . .

Yeah, he liked that plan. He made his way through the people and came up toward their blanket.

Becca ask, “Where’s your boyfriend?”

Katie said, “He was going to try to make it, but I guess he couldn’t get out of the shop.”

Boyfriend? Part of him wanted to beat his chest like a caveman and crow. He felt honored, proud, happy, and . . .

Then there was the part of him that wanted to back away slowly, make no sudden movements, and make a run for it.

How could he explain it? He wanted to be with Katie, deep down he knew that. But the scared guy he’d always been heard the word boyfriend and freaked.

“You came!” Katie said excitedly when she turned around and spotted him. Jumping up, she wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled up at him. “I’m so glad you’re here, they are still trying to . . . hey, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I brought you popcorn.” Another firework shot off, this one barely higher than the last.

She dropped her arms from his waist and watched him with concerned eyes as she reached out for the bag. “Thanks, but are you sure you’re okay? You seem weird.”

He needed to get away from her, compose himself. “You know, I’m gonna grab another blanket from the car. This one looks a little crowded.”

Turning to walk away, Chase told himself to stop being ridiculous. Katie probably thought it was easier not to correct Becca’s assumption. He was panicking for nothing. Reaching into the back of the Blazer for another blanket, a soft hand fell on his arm.

Katie stood next to him, looking worried. “Hey, there’s something up with you. Talk to me.”

“Nothing. Just thought I’d grab another blanket and maybe we’d sit a little farther back,” he said as several fireworks shot up in the air and exploded overhead.

Katie smiled and reached her arms up around his shoulders. “Aw, is a big, strong guy like you really afraid of a few little fireworks?”

Relief flooded his body as she teased him. They could stay like this, at least for a while. He could have Katie to himself without having to put a label on it. They could play and banter, and maybe down the road the thought of being called “boyfriend” wouldn’t scare the holy fuck out of him.

“Me? No, why would I be scared of potentially flammable, fast-moving rockets coming toward my head?” he said, before adding, “No, I was just thinking how my idea of having you come back here with me, away from the danger zone and prying eyes, and making out all through the show was a lousy plan, just a stupid . . .”

As another round of explosives went off over their heads, she kissed him, probably to shut him up, but he didn’t care. Kissing was better than his idiotic rambling or thinking about how close he was to taking the plunge with Katie. He held her against him and gave her everything he had, trying to choke down his panic.

“Well, I don’t know what you’re doing, man, but whatever it is, it’s a miracle.”

Chase pulled back from Katie, ready to lay into whoever the little turd was who interrupted them. It was Katie’s ex, Jimmy, standing with a couple of cowboys, and his face was twisted in an ugly sneer.

Facing the guy, Chase said, “What’s that, man?”

The scream of fireworks sounded again, but they didn’t faze Jimmy.

“Katie’s usually a little priss in public,” Jimmy said, approaching them. “Wouldn’t give me even a little kiss. But somehow with you she’s more than willing to get her freak on. What’s your secret? ’Cause I might just want another crack at her, if you don’t mind sharing.”

Chase, wanting to tear him apart, stepped toward him menacingly, his hands open like claws. “You need to apologize to her.”

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