Page 32 of Wild About You
“Hey.” He pushes off the wall across from me. In jeans and a basic T-shirt, he shouldn’t take my breath away the way he does.
The hallway is right off the living room, but right now we’re the only two in the space.
“Hi,” I say, stopping in front of him. This is good. A moment alone to ease the weirdness of the situation. I knew I was going to run into him, and if I’m going to show up to things for Scarlett, I have to figure out how to be around him without wanting to kiss him or strangle him.
“I probably should have told you I was going to be here,” I say. “Scarlett and I have become friends. It’s a long story.”
“Leo mentioned you two had met. Scarlett’s great.”
“Yeah, she is.”
He shifts his weight from one foot to the other. “Whatever the reason, I’m glad you’re here, seeing as how you don’t respond to my texts. I was hoping to talk to you.”
My face heats. While I didn’t think his thank you text needed a response, I doubt I would have responded to anything he might have sent. It’s just easier not to open that door again.
“It was no problem staying with Everly for a few hours. Honestly. Your thanks wasn’t needed. I like her and I don’t like the thought of her not having someone she can count on while you’re gone.” I shake my head as I realize how judgmental that might sound. “I’m not saying you’re doing anything wrong. I get how hard it must be. I just mean to say, I’m happy I could fill in.”
“I think she likes you too. You’re the only teacher she doesn’t add some modifier to their name. Evil Mrs. Jones and Asshole Mr. Thomas.” His mouth lifts on one side. “And, uh, that’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.”
My brows pull together. “What do you mean?”
He slides both hands into his pants pockets. “I’ve been relying on Declan to keep an eye on her while I’m traveling, but I found out tonight that he’s been cleared to play starting next week. She’s not a child so she doesn’t exactly need a nanny, but I don’t feel right about leaving her alone for days at a time. Look, I know it’s a lot to ask, and if I had anywhere else to turn, I would, but I’m hoping you might do what you did Friday. I’d pay you, of course.”
“You want me to babysit your sister?”
“Babysit is the wrong word, but I’d feel better if she had someone she can count on if something comes up.”
“I meant what I said, I like Everly, truly, but I live across town and I have school, plus I tutor some nights.”
“I will pay you double whatever you are making at your other jobs. No, triple.” He moves closer and I get another big whiff of him. It’s so familiar and intoxicating.
“Tyler, that’s ridiculous.”
He grins. A smile of four summers ago. “You’re worth it. I know you are. And you can still hate me and avoid me if you want. This is actually not about me this time. I want what’s best for Ev, and I think that’s you.”
I want to believe him, but it’s all too intertwined. I can’t hang with his sister and expect to never talk to or see him. We already have too many strands weaved together as it is. “It isn’t a good idea. I’m sorry.”
He takes a deep breath that lifts his chest, and he nods. “Yeah, all right. I knew it was a long shot. Thank you again for Friday.”
“Welcome.” I take a step toward the party. His gaze follows me but he doesn’t move. “I’ll see you around.”
I hang with Jade most of the night. She introduces me to some more of the hockey guys and others she knows through Scarlett, but mostly we have a damn good time hanging out just the two of us dancing and drinking.
After my second glass of champagne, I hold up a hand to stop her from giving me another. “I have to drive home later.”
“Sam is picking me up. He can give you a ride home.”
I haven’t met Jade’s fiancé. She almost always goes out without him, saying he prefers to stay in. I get that but wonder if it bothers her more than she lets on. It doesn’t really seem like it so maybe I’m projecting.
One of my favorite things to do with Tyler was go out with our friends or his then teammates. There’s nothing like being at a party or in a room full of people and sneaking kisses or little touches. It’s the best kind of foreplay.
I realize as I’m thinking about me and Tyler that me and Chris don’t spend that many nights out together with friends either. We have dinner or hang out at my place, but rarely do we go out with other couples. I forgot how much I enjoyed that.
I look at my friend, smiling, red hair bouncing around her shoulders as she moves to the beat. She’s so happy and free in the moment. I want to be that carefree tonight.
I haven’t seen Tyler since the run-in outside of the bathroom, but I haven’t completely shaken it off either. I feel for him and everything he’s doing trying to look out for his sister, but I can’t be the one that saves him.
“Okay.” I take the glass and tip it back. I’m not going to think about it. At least not tonight.
