Page 29 of Rough Rider (Bad Boy High)
Chapter Twenty
ANDY
I’m not sure what to make of Niki and me at this point. For the past couple of days, whether I’m leaving school or getting off one of my shifts at the diner, he’s always there to walk me home, often bringing food with him too. No clue what that makes us, but I know that I like it.
Are we dating or only friends? He hasn’t tried to kiss me again, but he might think I’ll run off and hide in the nearest bathroom like the last time. I still get embarrassed when I recall that. Niki hasn't brought it up, which I’m eternally grateful for. It’s enough that I have to relive it in my memories.
Today is one of my early days out of school. I don't remember telling Niki that, but he's outside of the school when I exit. He's leaning up against the brick wall that has the school's name displayed out front. Niki totally has those too-cool-for-school vibes, which I didn't think was really a thing.
I always find it funny how people give him a wide berth at all times. I'm jealous because I often get shoulder-checked. The thought of someone even trying that with Niki has a smile forming on my face. They would be knocked flat on their asses.
"Niki!" I can't contain my excitement when I see him. He's the first person I get to share this news with. I'm bursting withhappiness. I still don't know how I got so lucky. I practically launch myself at him. He easily catches me but lets out a grunt, smiling. "Oh hush, I'm not that heavy," I laugh. I wiggle in his hold as I slide down his body and back to my feet.
“No, you’re perfect,” Niki responds, causing my cheeks to flush.
“Trying to butter me up for something?” I joke.
“Why don’t you tell me what has you so excited that you practically knocked me down?” I roll my eyes at him because he’s being completely ridiculous. I’m not sure a truck could knock him down. He’s turning out to be all-around solid. I'm not accustomed to that from the people in my life.
“Remember my call to Synergy Recovery Center?” I had a call with them, and my mom did too. She’s getting out of the hospital tomorrow. I didn’t think it was a great idea for her to come home right away.
I thought a rehab place would be a better option to get her on the road to recovery. Her coming back to the same environment would only lead to her falling into old habits again. The hospital has already been helping her detox, so going straight from there would be ideal.
“Yeah.”
“They emailed me back, and they said she’s in!” I squeal the last part. I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up too high, but I want this time to be different so badly. I’m praying that with help, Mom can turn her life around.
“That’s good.” He smiles down at me, but his smile doesn’t reach his eyes.
“She’ll go.” Hell, I don't even sound confident now. "She promised," I add, not sure if I’m doing it for him or me.
"You've done more than your part, Andy. I'm proud of you." Whoa. Hearing him say he's proud of me hits me sideways. A range of emotions fills me.
"I'm not the one going to rehab."
"No, but you put your mind to finding a place that could not only take your mom but also get her a free spot. You're pretty unstoppable when you want something." Now that smile does meet his eyes. He appears proud of me. Damn does that hit me center chest.
"Thanks." I duck my head, suddenly feeling shy.
"You hungry?" he asks, taking my hand.
"I could eat, but I need to pack my mom a bag. So she'll be ready to go." I'm not letting her have an out by coming home for even a second. I’ll have everything she needs in that bag and drop it off at the hospital before she’s discharged.
“All right then. I’ll feed you first, and then we can go to your place and get your mom’s bag situated. Deal?”
I smile up at him before I stand on my tippy toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. He surprises me by turning his head at the last second so our lips meet.
Even though it’s nothing more than a quick peck, heat still courses through my body. I know without a doubt that my cheeks are on fire.
“You stole that one,” I tease him.
“You can steal one back if you want.” I rise on my tiptoes again and press my mouth to his, but I don’t pull away. I let my body melt into his, my tongue stroking across his bottom lip.
Niki lets out a groan, his mouth parting. I grip his biceps as he strokes his tongue against mine. A small moan leaves me when his hand grips my ass, giving a squeeze. Heat pools between my thighs when I feel his hard cock press against my stomach. How do I get so turned on so fast? My panties are already wet, making them stick to me.
“Fuck,” Niki grunts, lifting his head. I blink, dazed, for a second. “Can’t do this here.”
“Right, oh gosh.” I touch my mouth. “When you kiss me…” I trail off.
