Page 54 of Broken By the Bad Boy

“Are you sure it’s just the nerves?” It is more than that. I spent the night browsing the prices of flight tickets. It’s too soon for my boyfriend to have enough money saved for a flight, and I don’t know if he will accept money from me. I have most of my winnings saved up. A wedge appears between his brows, and he shuts the door. “You are way off, Gracie.”

“It’s just the nerves,” I say. Ben arches a brow. My palms grow damp. “I promise.”

“You’re lying,” he whispers.

“I’m lying.”

Ben gawks at me. Anxiety knocks me up, and I nibble on my lower lip. No secrets. No lies. But I am doing both. My breath hitches as his fingertips brush a side of my face. I roll my lip between my teeth.

“What’s going on, Gracie?” The lines on his forehead deepen. I open my mouth without a word. He frowns. “You know you can tell me anything, yeah? Even if I can’t help, I promise to listen.”

Longing darkens his gaze. I unfasten my seatbelt and take my place on his lap. He locks his arms around my waist, and his fingers slip into the waistband of my jeans. My thoughts are a jumbled mess, and I kiss him softly on his lips to delay the conversation. His tongue slips into my mouth. Our tongues lock in a lover’s tango. He pulls back briefly for air and smashes his lips back on mine. We break apart later, chest heaving and breaths rolling out in shallow pants. My fingers work his hair from the root to the tips, and his eyes glaze.

I want to stay here with him. I want to get random kisses in the parking lot.

The pad of his thumb brushes my lips. “What’s going on?”

My eyes lower to his chest, but his hand goes under my jaw, forcing my gaze to his face.

“It’s just some stuff I have to take care of.”

I trace random shapes on his chest, and he grabs my hands to lace our fingers. My heart calms. I meet his eyes blazing with questions I pray he doesn’t ask. Because I won’t be able to answer them.

“Want to talk about it?”

And ruin what we have now? Hell no. I can talk to my parents. Mom will listen to me, I think.

Will she?

It was all she talked about this morning. It’s a privilege for us to have Dad at home. Knowing he will be home for our dinners, breakfasts, and maybe lunches makes her happy. I can’t take that away from her.

“No.” I shake my head. “Not yet.”

He sighs and tightens his grip on me. I don’t want him to think it’s about another guy, so I kiss his forehead. I push stray hairs out of his face, and his frown turns upside down. That’s the Ben I love.

“But you promise to tell me later?” His voice is hopeful. I can’t disappoint him.

I make a zigzag sign around my chest. “Cross my heart.”

“Okay.” His lips pucker, and I plant a kiss on them. “Don’t take too long before you tell me.”

“I’ll try.”

I peek at my wristwatch. We have fifteen minutes until the bell rings. All attempts to get off his lap fail because Ben maintains his hold on me. He’s so possessive. It’s cute and annoying. But more cute than annoying.

“Benny.” I punch his chest gently. “I need to get my bag.” He shakes his head. “Benny.”

“I’ll get it for you.”

My brows jerk up. How’s he going to do that with me on his lap? He understands my confusion pretty soon. Pink stains his cheeks. I giggle and slide off his lap to get my bag on the backseat.

An enormous ball of nerves sits in the pit of my belly when my fingers brush the case of the wristwatch inside my bag. What if he doesn’t like it? Hayden’s words sneak back into my mind.

It is the thought that counts. Ben will appreciate it.

Ben throws me an annoyed look. I’m taking too long. “Sorry, babe.” He mouths for me to hurry. I stretch a hand to him while the other closes around the case. Was he this nervous about gifting me the boots? Back in the front seat, I cross my legs. “Benny, you forgot something. Where’s my note?”

A cute frown appears on his lips as he searches his pockets. He pulls out a folded note with a triumphant grin, and my cheeks hurt from smiling as much. “You will get it when you sit here,” he says and pats his legs. I shake my head, and he whines. “Babe, I’m missing you. Come sit.”

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