Page 24 of Off-Limits Bad Boy

“Keep her out of the house,” he says, surprising me. “For the whole day. Can you do that?”

“Of course,” I say without hesitation. “But where would I take her? What does she like?” It occurs to me that I only know very superficial things about her.

“Emma mentioned an old lighthouse by the coast once,” he says, stroking his chin with one hand and I nod my head. “She said she wanted to climb to the top or something.”

That makes sense. Someone who claims to be afraid of heights wanting to climb to the top of a tall building... that sounds like Emma. “Perfect,” I say, internally making plans.

“Just... distract her.” Alex says.

It's all I can do not to grin. I'm pretty sure I can keep her distracted, but I'm not about to say that to her brother.

“Got it,” I say. There's a flicker of excitement growing within me at the thought of spending a day with Emma, just us, far from the troubles that seem to flit around us at all times.

“Thanks,” Alex says, clapping me on the shoulder to reinforce his gratefulness. “She needs someone right now.”

“I can be that someone for a day, I guess.” I don't want to sound too eager. But I also can't deny the protective urge rising within me.

The next morning, I ring Emma's doorbell, hoping that this plan will work. After making calls last night, I found out that the lighthouse is closed to visitors for the season. Instead, I have two tickets in hand.

She opens the door with a yawn, her tired eyes cautious. “I guess I need to expect you to come and visit more often?” she asks, humor filling her voice.

I lift the tickets and her brows furrow, until she reads them.

“Are you serious?” Her gaze searches my face and I nod.

“Dead serious. Get ready to be amazed by all things green and flowering,” I say, hoping my casual tone masks the nervous energy bubbling inside me and that I made the right choice by opting for the botanical gardens.

“Let me get ready,” she says, swinging the door wide and scurrying off in her adorable sheep pajamas.

Ten minutes later, we’re on the road, my car filled with easy chatter. When we arrive, the expanse of vibrant flowers stretching before us steals our breath away. The sweet perfume of roses and lilies mingles with the fresh scent of damp earth, creating an intoxicating aroma that seems to seep into our very pores.

“Wow,” she whispers, gripping the map of the gardens with childlike excitement. “It's beautiful.”

“Nothing compared to—” I catch myself, and press my lips closed before I can cross a line I'd made this morning before making my way to her place.

But now she’s staring at me. “Compared to what?” She arches an eyebrow, her curiosity shining in her features.

“Compared to... the orchids we’re about to see.” I know it’s a lame comment, but when her attention returns to the map, I breathe a silent sigh of relief.

She’s out of my car like a bullet, looking over her shoulder at me before turning her body my direction and waving me close with both hands. I chuckle and hurry to catch up.

As we wander through the curated chaos of nature, Emma's awe is infectious. She flits from one flower to another, each one seemingly more fascinating than the last. It’s a side of her I've never seen – carefree, unguarded. And damn if it isn't captivating.

I’d gambled that she’d like this place, and I’m glad I was right.

“Thanks for bringing me here,” she says, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear as we find a secluded bench by a pond.

“Anything to see you smile like that.”

Her smile freezes in place, then she looks down at her hands in her lap. “You don’t have to do that,” she says. “I’m worried that guys like Ryan - and you - are what I can expect to find in life.”

Her words sting. “Emma, I swear, not all guys are like that. You deserve someone who knows how amazing you are.” The words pop out before I can stop them, sounding as sincere and raw as I feel. For a second, I imagine myself being that someone to her.

“Look at you, being supportive. I thought I told you to keep annoying me?” She teases, nudging my shoulder with hers as if trying to lighten the mood.

“Hey, I can be a complete jerk when I want to be.” She should know this already.

“Prove it,” she says, laughter dancing in her eyes.

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