The Last Virgin Standing

Chapter 23: Heart to Panties with Mr. Bad Boy

Dedicated to Nicararocks for being there since the beginning and reading every other story I have posted.

---

Chapter 23: Heart to Panties with Mr. Bad Boy

Ever since my talk with Tyler, I was being more sensitive to other people's feelings. I was consciously making an effort to think before blurting things out loud. I kept my eyes peeled for anyone who looked like they were contemplating suicide. I tried not to be so paranoid about it, but I just couldn't help it. It's not like I could do anything about it without throwing myself in the nuthouse.

His story touched an untapped part of my heart. And for that, I felt closer to him. The fact that he was being vulnerable and opening up to me was unbelievable, and it meant a lot to me. More than words could explain. I'm pretty sure that I was already starting to like him more. I mean, I already knew that I liked him, but I liked this new side to him that I was seeing. It was different from his badass, 'I don't give a damn' attitude. It was comforting.

"Pst, Tyler," I hissed, nudging his arm with my elbow.

No reply.

"Tyler?" I poked him. "Tyler!"

He turned his head slowly toward me, a slow, sullen scowl crossing his face. "What?"

I smiled innocently and waved. "Hi!"

He rolled his eyes and gave a low chuckle. "Hey."

"So..."

"What?"

"Do you have any plans for this weekend?" I blurted, regret instantly flooding my body. Way to be desperate, Charlotte.

He laughed again, which made me uneasy. He was going to reject me. I could feel it coming. I just wanted to grab the offer that was hanging loosely in the air, but it was out of my reach. I was like a dog, chasing after my tail.

"What?" I demanded. "What's so funny?"

"I just find it ironic that you're asking me out."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, isn't it supposed to be the other way around? It almost seems as if you're trying to take my virginity." There was a small sparkle in his eye. I wouldn't have caught it if I wasn't looking so closely and my senses weren't sharpened.

"Well, it's obvious that you're not going to make the first move to hang out with me."

"That's because you deserve better. I won't be a good influence on you."

"I don't care."

"But I care. You should be with Luke—"

"Don't say it," I gritted through my teeth. "Don't say his name. Don't suggest that I should be with him."

"Trouble in paradise?"

I glared at him.

"I'll take that as a yes...well, even Ian is better than me."

"Ian's nice enough, but I like being with you."

He sighed and said, "You're going through that phase," which only caused more questions to arise and heighten my curiosity.

I cocked my head to the side. "What do you mean?"

"The bad boy phase. It seems as if every girl goes through that."

"I don't like you because you're a bad boy." I put air quotes around 'bad boy.' "I like you because I like talking to you."

He scoffed. "Because I'm such great company," he muttered sarcastically.