I adore you as a friend, and I’m not ready to shift our friendship to something more. I hope you understand.”
A bitter smile swept across his lips. “I do. I guess I was hoping you’d feel what I feel.”
“I know you’re frustrated with me, but I don’t want to lead you on. I think you’re fun, witty, totally smart, and very handsome, but I enjoy our friendship immensely. I hope it isn’t in jeopardy.”
He shook his head.
“Please, don’t be mad at me.”
“I’m not. I’m just disappointed. I really like you a lot, Kylie.”
Her heart pulled. What the fuck was she doing? Pushing away a normal guy for the chance that the asshole in Pinewood Springs might like her someday? How fucking stupid and pathetic.
“I gotta go.” He kissed her quickly on the cheek and walked down the hall. She waited until he turned the corner before she went into her room.
“So, did you guys make out?” Taylor stretched out on her bed, her elbow propping her up, searching Kylie’s face.
“No. I gave him the ‘I just want to be friends’ speech.” She groaned and flopped on to her bed. “Why can’t I be normal? Ricky’s a great guy.”
“But you like the bad boy who’s treating you like shit. I’m sure you’ll cover that section in your psychology class.”
Kylie laughed dryly.
“It’s usually that way—the ones we want we can’t have, and the ones we can have we don’t want. I give you kudos for not settling. You know who you want, so go after him.”
“No way. I texted him today, and that was a fucking disaster. I just need to put some space between us. I’m probably the only one who’s happy finals are coming up. I can lose myself in my studies.”
“It was a great concert, though, right?”
“It was. I just wish I wasn’t feeling so weird tonight. That fucking jerk was there. You know, the one with the purple Corvette. I tried to tell you when we were getting the drinks, but you couldn’t hear me over the music. I only saw him once.”
“Are you sure it was him? I mean, you told me you don’t really know what he looks like.”
“It was his sunglasses—they’re very distinct.”
“So, what did he look like?”
“I still couldn’t see him real clearly. It was so dark. I only saw his teeth twisted in a mean smile. Under the lights, they glowed an eerie blue.” She shuddered. “I’m sick of his shit.”
“Tell your dad. He’ll take care of the asshole in no time.”
“You’re right. He’d also make sure his prized Corvette is reduced to a nice cube.” The two women laughed. “I should tell my dad, but I know he’ll overreact and not let me come back next year. He’ll definitely put me in lockdown. I’ve told you what a hard time I had convincing him to let me come here in the first place. If it hadn’t been for Cara, I’d be at a community college in Pinewood Springs. No, I think this jerk’s game is in scaring me. Next time I see him, I’ll be on the offensive. He’s probably just a bully.”
“I don’t know. I wouldn’t do anything foolish. Do you think it has anything to do with your dad and his club?”
“No. If it did, I’d already be toast. Bikers don’t fool around and play games like this asshole is doing. He’s probably doing it to me and a few other women.”
“You’re probably right, but I still think you should tell your dad, but in the meantime, file another report with security tomorrow.”
Kylie nodded then pulled herself up from her bed and checked her phone. One text from Ricky saying if all he can have is a friendship with her, he’s all in. She smiled. He really was sweet. Nothing from Jerry. She sighed heavily then went into the bathroom to wash up before crashing.
The next morning, Kylie gathered her books for her morning classes and was just about to leave the room when Taylor turned over on her side. “You want to come with me to Durango for my grandmother’s birthday?”
Durango was in the southern part of the state, and
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