Page 16 of Falling for the Bad Boy
Trinity: Don’t worry. I won’t keep you out past curfew.
I smiled, picturing the smirk on her face as she typed that.
Me: Shall I drive this time?
Trinity: If you insist.
After Macy’s vehicle had crapped out on us, I wasn’t sure what other option we had. I’d tried to figure it out on my own, but the fancy SUV didn’t seem to follow conventional wisdom when it came to mechanicals. I was used to repairing tractors and mowers, not brand-new vehicles with motherboards that were smarter than me.
Her next text flashed on the screen.
Trinity: Pick me up at Macy’s at six?
Me: You got it.
I tried to concentrate on my professor’s words for the rest of the lecture but fell short. Every time I tried to focus, I found my thoughts drifting to how Trinity looked the other night in her soaking wet shirt, how her hair fell over her cheeks that morning, and the way her eyes sparkled when she teased me. The next forty-eight hours were going to pass slower than a sheep heading back to the barn with a knackered leg.
Finally, Saturday night rolled around. I hadn’t seen or heard anything from the other side of the wall. I’d stopped by a few times—to be neighborly, I told myself—but either Trinity wasn’t there, or she didn’t want visitors.
At six on the dot, I stopped my bike at the curb in front of her friend’s condo. Before I had a chance to climb off and walk to the door, Trinity stepped onto the sidewalk. She shimmered in an off-white, off-the-shoulder, flowy sleeveless top. It set off her bronzed skin and made me wonder what kind of tan lines I might uncover if I ever found myself lucky enough to see her without a shirt on.
As she bounced along the sidewalk, heading toward me with a little pep in her step, I let my gaze drift over her. Tight denim capris hugged her legs, her hair twisted up on top of her head, a pendant dangling from a silver chain nestled between her breasts. Seeing her lit me up inside. Part of me tried to squelch the fire in my gut. But another part of me, the part that hadn’t enjoyed the company of a woman in too long, prompted me to let out a low whistle.
She smiled, the kind of grin that told me she knew exactly what kind of effect she had on me. I didn’t mind. That’s what we were doing anyway, toying with each other before the inevitable. We’d been dancing around each other since we met. In my opinion, it was only a matter of time before we both gave in. And the sooner the better as far as I was concerned. Once we added a little kindling to the fire that burned between us, it would fizzle out, leaving me free to finish up the school year without distraction and get serious about finding a job. With Wyatt unable to expand, I needed to step up my search. Time was running out.
As Trinity reached me, I pushed all thoughts of the future out of my head. Right now, my plans narrowed to the next three hours.
“Hi.” She stopped at the curb. Close enough for me to reach out and touch her if I wanted.
“Hi yourself. You look stunning tonight.”
She glanced to her feet. My gaze followed. Strappy sandals tied around her ankles. She’d painted her toenails a bright shade of purple. Maybe I’d tell her later that she’d chosen my favorite color.
“Thank you. You don’t look so terrible yourself.” She unzipped the small clutch in her hand and pulled out a pair of sunglasses. Sliding them into place, she stepped off the curb. “Thanks for driving tonight.”
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I balanced the bike between my legs, holding it steady so she could climb on behind me.
“Not yet. I think I’ll make you wait a little bit longer.”
“Don’t forget the helmet.” I reached behind me to hand it to her.
“Why do I have to mess up my hair while you get to feel the wind on your face?” She stuck her bottom lip out in a fake pout as the helmet dangled from her hands.
I took it and slid it onto her head. “Because I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“But what about you?”
“I’ll risk it.” I fastened the chin strap for her. “Now hop on and tell me where we’re going. I haven’t eaten all day, and I’m starving.”
She sighed as she flung a leg over the seat and settled behind me. “Head south out of downtown. We’re going to the suburbs.”
The suburbs? I’d expected her to pick from one of the trendy hot spots between downtown and campus. Maybe she wanted to take me to one of her favorites where she used to hang out as a kid.
As she wrapped her arms around my waist and pressed her head against my back, I realized I didn’t care where we were going. I’d just enjoy the ride—the way it felt to nestle between her legs. Her hands clasped together, circling my middle and I let out a breath, relaxing into her embrace. Last time we rode together she’d barely maintained a grip on my shoulders. But now, with her breasts pressed against my back, the heat of her core against my ass, there was no doubt in my mind that she felt the same sizzle and attraction. I hoped that wherever we were going would have a short wait so maybe we’d have time after dinner to explore the chemistry between us.
She yelled directions to me as we left downtown. After twenty solid minutes on the highway, she gestured toward the next exit. The standard light fixtures and street signs gave way to a planned community. The landscaping became a well-maintained patchwork of flower beds and pruned bushes. A giant gate loomed in front of me.
“Just pull up here and stop.” Trinity loosened her grip around my middle.
