Tutoring the Bad Boy

Get Ready for the Heat

Emma

I couldn't believe I was sitting here watching a Miners' game. Even up here in the nose-bleed seats, I saw the determination on Ryan's face.

It had been three days since I saw him at the café, and I had felt guilty for running off. He didn't know my past, and it was wrong of me to punish him for it. He wasn't my ex.

I came here to explain why we couldn't be together, not even as friends.

The way he moved across the field—oops, I meant the pitch. Madison told me in soccer the playing field was called a pitch.

The way he ran and twisted and turned across the pitch was, well... graceful. It seemed like his body was created to play soccer. No other players could compare to Ryan.

"Damn, now I know why you kissed him," Madison said. "It would help to see the players if we sat closer."

I shook my head. "No. I think where we're sitting is a perfect spot."

I hated that I was being covert. There were moments where I wondered if I was overreacting. There were times I thought I imagined it all, and I was losing my mind.

But that was when I rubbed the scar on my arm—the one Mark gave me when he tried to stab me. The only reason he didn't cut my chest open was because I held up my arm in defense.

The memories were crystal-clear, and I knew I wasn't crazy.

"You know you can't live like this forever." Madison placed her hand gently on my shoulder.

I kicked at a rusted bottle cap by my feet. "I know."

There was a buzzing sound, and a cheer erupted around us. I glanced at the scoreboard and discovered the Miners had won. The players were dancing and fist-bumping each other.

I smiled as I watched some Miners slap Ryan on the back. He had played great today, and pride soared in my chest. I knew I had nothing to do with his skill, but just knowing him and caring about him made me thrilled for his success.

"Should we go?" Madison stood, pulling her purse strap over her body.

I shoved my hands under my legs and kicked the bottle cap some more. "You go on ahead. I want to see if I can catch Ryan before he leaves."

"Good."

Her reaction surprised me. I thought she would be worried and ask me questions. Maybe I was just projecting my worry onto her.

"Look, Emma, you need to take some risks. I'm not saying take out an ad on social media sites telling everyone what school you go to, but dating a guy who is obviously head-over-heels for you is a good risk. Besides, have you seen the muscles on that guy? Your ex would be stupid if he confronted Ryan." She patted my back and walked off.

I watched the stadium seats empty until I was the only person left. What Madison said bothered me. I had been worried the whole time that Mark would find me, but I never thought about Mark going after Ryan.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice someone come up to the row of seats I sat in.

"Emma. I'm glad you came to the game." Ryan's deep voice sent a shiver through me.

He was dripping wet, and all I wanted to do was lick him dry.

"I saw you in the stands, but I wanted to shower and get changed before I came to meet you. I was worried you wouldn't still be here." He moved closer but was waiting for me to signal for him to take the seat next to me.

I did, and when he sat next to me, I inhaled. He smelled like soap and something spicy. I wanted to lean forward and just breathe him in.

"Madison mentioned you were playing a game today, and I... I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to apologize for running out on Monday."