Korbin snorts, but it’s softer than usual. “She seemed okay? After… what happened?”
My chest tightens. He doesn’t say the word attack, but it hangs there anyway.
“Yeah,” I tell him. “Shaken up, but she’s tough. Talked to security. Got escorted back to her car. Tonight she was…” I search for the right word. “Brave.”
Milton watches me, something complicated flickering behind his eyes. “You kiss her?” he asks, half-teasing, half-genuine curiosity.
I could lie. But if tonight has taught me anything, it’s that I don’t want lies anywhere near this.
“Yeah,” I say quietly. “I did.”
His throat works as he swallows. A small, crooked smile tugs at his mouth. “Bet it was good.”
My mind flashes back to the feel of her pressed against me, her fingers in my shirt, the way she tasted like mint and fresh green tea.
“Yeah,” I say again, voice lower. “It was.”
Korbin looks away, jaw flexing, like he’s fighting with himself. “Just… don’t hurt her, okay?” he mutters. “She doesn’t deserve another asshole making her pay for shit that isn’t her fault.”
It’s the closest thing to approval I’m going to get from him, and we both know it.
“I won’t,” I say, with no hesitation. “I swear.”
He gives a short nod, like he’s accepting terms of a deal he never wanted to make, then turns his attention back to the TV.
Milton nudges my leg with his foot. “Text her,” he says. “Tell her you got home safe. Girls like that shit.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m already reaching for my phone.
Me: Home. Had an amazing time tonight.
Three dots appear almost instantly.
Bayleigh: Me too.
Bayleigh: And the kiss was… pretty great.
That grin I thought had finally worn off snaps right back into place.
Me: Pretty great? Just pretty?
Bayleigh: Don’t get cocky, Scorpion boy.
Bayleigh: …Okay. It was really great.
I bite back a laugh, toss the phone lightly in my hand, then clutch it to my chest for one ridiculous second, staring at the ceiling.
She’s not just a crush. Not just a distraction. She’s the first thing in a long time that feels like it could actually be mine. Rivalries. History. Scent matches. All of it can wait. Because right now, all I know for sure is this:
Bayleigh Lennox kissed me back. And I’m not about to stop chasing that feeling.
28
Bayleigh
Waking up this morning,last night feels like a dream. A hot, sexy, mouthwatering dream.
A date. I went on a date with Lincoln Brooks. We kissed, and it was amazing. It was more than I could ever imagine. There’s nothing that can ruin the high I’m on right now..
