“Oh—” The sound slips out of me, quiet, breathy, honest. His grip tightens just slightly, pulling me closer again, like he’s not done. Not even close.
And I’m not stopping him. Not when my head falls back a little further, not when my hands slide into his hair, not when I forget entirely that we’re in the middle of an arena and?—
“Excuse me.”
I freeze at the same time Ty stills, his forehead dropping lightly against my shoulder for half a second like he’s deciding whether to pretend he didn’t hear that.
“Excuse me,” the voice repeats, a little louder this time.
I open my eyes slowly. Very slowly, and turn my head. No way we’re getting busted for making out in public again. Are we?
A man wearing a name tag that says "Building Manager” stands a few feet away, arms crossed, expression caught somewhere between unimpressed and trying not to be amused.
Let’s be clear, this is not the same guy who let us in. My jaw goes slack, and Ty snorts.
“Well,” I say, because apparently, that’s what I’ve chosen to lead with here, “this feels like a bad time for everyone involved.”
Ty exhales a quiet laugh against my shoulder, not even bothering to fully pull back yet.
“Yeah,” he mutters. “Timing could be better.”
I drop my head forward, pressing my forehead briefly against his, fighting a smile that is absolutely trying to take over my face.
“Your arena,” I whisper. “Your responsibility.”
He finally leans back just enough to look at me, his expression still a little wrecked in a way that doesnothingto help the situation.
“But this was worth it,” he says, without hesitation.
I stop a laugh before glancing back toward the very-much-still-there building manager.
“Give me five seconds,” Ty calls out, lifting a hand in a vague gesture of apology. “We’re…wrapping up.”
There’s a pause.
“Please do,” he says dryly.
I look back at Ty.
“You are unbelievable.”
“Not what you were saying thirty seconds ago.”
I narrow my eyes at him.
He just grins.
And somehow, despite everything?—
I’m still not moving.
CHAPTER 20
TY
By the time I slip through the door of the community room, the workshop is under way. Chairs are pulled close, girls talking over each other, and sparkling supplies are spread out across the tables like scattered confetti.
I hang back near the door, out of the way.
