crap. I’m not used to guys this hot, hell any guys,
paying me any attention. I feel his eyes on me, and I can’t think.
I glance up, and our eyes lock. He smiles at me as his eyes
twinkle. He’s so out of my league . Look at those eyes .
His mouth curves into an impish grin. “Uh, I’m sorry – what?”
He leans in closer, making an exaggerated show of speaking louder so I
can hear him. “Do…you…miss…Chicago?” He smells like fresh air, hay,
and soap. I want to nuzzle in closer so I can inhale.
Blushing, I chuckle, “Sure, my whole family is there.” My eyes trail back
up to the bats in a vain attempt to keep from rolling my eyes at the lie.
I can’t get into the whole why of what brought me here.
“Why do I get the feeling there is more to that story.” His eyes
narrow as his mouth curves into a skeptical smirk.
“Nah, I’m an open book.” The retort pops out before I can
think. Open mouth insert fucking foot, Amber. God, that was so
lame. I glance around and murmur, “Well, I guess we better get
going.”
“Sure, let me take your aunt’s bags over to check-in, and I’ll drive
y’all out to the college.” He smiles, apparently choosing to put me at
ease and not press me for info. Grabbing my aunt’s bags, he rolls them
over to the valet, handing them off to the hotel staff. “Did you
ladies want to head up to the room or grab a bite in the restaurant before I
head you over to the college?” Waiting expectantly, He clasps his hands
in front of him.
“I’d like to head over to the college,” I say. Glancing at Aunt
Patty, her face drops as I squash yet another opportunity for us to talk.
As Tommy holds open the door, I climb in, I look back to see his eyes
not-so-discreetly checking out my ass. Settling in, I laugh and give him
my best “busted” look.
“I am merely a great admirer of beautiful things,” he drawls with a sly
wink. Closing the door, he climbs into the driver’s seat, flashing me a
wicked grin. My stomach clenches as I feel my mouth involuntarily
drop. My God, he’s so hot . I turn away, searching out the
window so I can hide the heated blush crawling up my face.
The school is nestled down a winding road
outside of town. Luxurious lawns and flowers cover every inch of
campus. The college consists of an administrative tower, several
classroom buildings, and dorms. An athletic field is on the edge of
campus with a swimming pool. It is quite impressive for such a small
college.
Tommy stops the car in front of the dorm and circles around to open the
car door. My aunt climbs out. Placing her hand on his chest, she
looks up demurely, “Thanks, Tommy.” Her hand pushes money in his
palm. Fighting the urge to throw up in my mouth, I roll my eyes and place
my hand on her elbow, attempting to pull her to the entrance of the dorm.
“Thanks, Ma’am. But I can’t accept this…against school
policy.” His smile is friendly as he hands money back to her.
Aunt Patty’s disappointment covers her face. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Kennedy. Ms. Chadwick would have my hide.
She’s serious about the rules at Texas College. She’s quite the
stickler. But…thank you. I enjoyed the ride.” He nods
politely to her and turning to me, he grins. “Ms. Turner, you let me know
if you need any information on the local trails. If you aren’t having
your motorcycle shipped here, I can certainly arrange for you to use one.
Just let me know.”
“It’s Amber.” I glance up shyly. “Thanks...I will.”
Pulling off his shades to gesture to the hills, he says, “You can open up
a bike and ride for hours, lots of open road. You can go for miles and
hardly pass even one person the whole way.” He turns to me, and I get my
second look at his deep blue eyes. Wow. “Let me know if
you’re interested in a ride. I would love to show you