Page 48 of I Knew He Was Trouble
“I just like to see you sweat.”
Once Tyler gets his card back, we head outside. He places his hand on the small of my back, ushering me through the parking lot. Even through my sweater, I can feel his strong and steady touch, and I shiver.
“Are you cold?” He starts shrugging off his jacket.
“Oh, I’m fine. My car’s right there.” I point at it and keep moving. He walks me to my car, and I unlock the door, fumbling with my keys.
Tyler places his hands in his jeans pockets, rocking on his heels. “Thanks for sticking around tonight. I know this wasn’t the date you imagined.”
“At least you’re closer to my age. When Darla told me she wanted to set me up with her nephew, I was worried I’d walk in to find someone in their fifties.”
He laughs and takes a step forward like he’s considering hugging me. Panic floods my body, unsure whether I should lean in or push him away. I’m saved from having to do anything when he knocks his fist gently on my arm. Honestly, it feels even more awkward than if he’d hugged me.
“Drive safe.” Tyler clenches his jaw, and he looks around, seeming unsure. He shakes his head and jogs to his car before I can respond.
I get in my own car, cranking the heat. During the ride home, I sit in silence, not even turning on Taylor Swift, which is how I know something is really wrong. But I don’t want a random love song to come on and leave me questioning what just happened even more than I already am.
Tyler and I park in front of our houses simultaneously. I gather my purse and head up the sidewalk, locking my car door as I walk. Leaves crunch behind me, and I roll my eyes.
“What are you doing? I’m a grown woman. I think I can walk myself a few yards home,” I say as Tyler follows me toward my house rather than his. “If you think you’re going to get a goodnight kiss, you’re—”
“I’m not trying to kiss you.” He sounds more defensive than disgusted.
“You could only be so lucky.” I place my hands on my hips. “I’m a great kisser.”
“Kelsey.” He steps in front of me and gently grabs my upper arms. I’d normally go allKung Fu Pandaon him. However, the firm but kind way he’s looking at me has me holding back my ninja moves. “I’m not trying to walk you to your door to kiss or even hug you. I’m only trying to pick up Evie.”
I press my lips together, cutting off my next retort. Embarrassment courses through me. He wasn’t trying to walk his “date” to the door. He’s just picking up his niece thatmybesties were watching.
“Right, sorry.” I stay on the sidewalk while Tyler passes me, knocking on the front door.
Shayna opens the door, wearing a bright green face mask. “You have perfect timing. Evie just finished her facial.”
Tyler awkwardly motions to his face. “You’ve got something.”
She reaches up and touches the mask. “Oh, right. I should go wash this off.” Shayna kneels and hugs Evie. “Thanks for coming to girls' night. We’ll have to have another one soon.”
Evie beams. “I hadsomuch fun.”
Shayna smiles and switches places with Alyssa as I walk up the steps to join Tyler. Winston pokes his head into the fray and whines excitedly when he sees me.
Evie looks between us, her eyes filled with joy. “Is Ms. Kelsey your lady friend?”
I turn on the heels of my white platform sneakers and glare at him. “You told her I’m yourlady friend?”
“It’s not like that.” He holds his hands up.
Alyssa pops her lips. “We’ll give y’all another minute to sort that out.” She quietly shuts the door, leaving us standing outside.
The porch light flicks on, illuminating the blush covering Tyler’s cheeks.
I cross my arms. “Explain.”
“Evie asked where I was going tonight. Her mom doesn’t date, and like I told you, her dad left them years ago. I didn’t want to explain what dating is to my five-year-old niece—that’s my sister’s job—so I panicked and told Evie I was meeting up with a lady friend.”
When he puts it that way, it sounds innocent enough.
“It’s just crossed wires, remember?” He nudges my arm as his voice falls back into a playful tone. “I’m not like that. If I was, I would’ve gone out with one of the ladies from the dance studio.”
