Tutoring Mr. "Bad" boy.

Chapter 28

The night air was crisp as Jake walked me home, the echoes of our footsteps echoing through the empty street.
The soft glow of distant streetlights cast a warm ambiance, lending an air of tranquility to the atmosphere.
I can't help but feel a mixture of gratitude as we stroll together, the earlier encounter with the troublesome boys still very fresh in my mind.
My heart is racing, but in a different way now...first, it was due to the many wild thoughts and what if's that crossed my mind as we stood in the parking lot with the troublesome boys, and now, from Jake's unexpected presence.
Not just his presence at the parking lot, but his presence afterwards!!!!

And no, I don't just mean his physical presence, or him merely being there.
It is his very essence!...an enigmatic aura, that captivates me.
I never knew a person could be this intoxicating!
Jake is a perfect blend of mystery and predictability, a paradox of rugged strength and tranquil composure. In his seriousness, there's a flicker of amusement, and his words are like a symphony, both expressive and a masterclass in attentive listening!

"What is it?" Jake inquires, his voice carrying a friendly tone.
I playfully skip ahead along the pavement markings, with Jake keeping up with my every step.
"Nothing," I reply, my voice laced with a hint of playfulness.

"Come on, Mandy. You clearly want to say something," he urges gently as he falls into step beside me.

"It's nothing, I promi-" I begin to say but I'm abruptly cut off when Jake reaches out and gently pulls me back with a light, reassuring touch. "Go ahead, I'm listening," he whispers persuasively.

I blink hard, my gaze slightly downcast, and swallow hard before responding, "It's just funny, you know....you're like this mysterious being at school, but getting to spend time with you tonight, I find you..." I paused, searching for the right words. I want to convey my newfound respect for him without sending any mixed signals.

"...not as unlikeable as I'd thought you were," I finally continue after a few seconds of contemplation, my words cautious and calculated.

Jake flashes a charming, wry smile. "So, you uh....you find me delightful, huh?"

I chuckle softly and shake my head slightly. "Whoa, slow down. I didn't say that," I argue playfully, but deep down, I think he's right.
Maybe...just maybe, he's not entirely wrong...I do find him delightful.
Well, kinda, I guess...

"But you thought it," Jake continues, with a knowing look in his eyes and I can't help but smirk inwardly.

Well, yeah, technically I'm still thinking about it, Jake. But I can't tell you that, because you have quite an ego, and I don't want to stroke it by telling you just how much of a gentleman I've discovered you to be within the last two hours!

"Yeah right," I scoff playfully, a desperate attempt to avoid detection. "You wish, Jake...you wish."
He simply grins in response, clearly enjoying the friendly banter. "That's what I thought. I'll take that as a yes, then."

I fake an astonished gasp. "Wow! Your sense of humility is truly touching, Jake."

He chuckles gently, a rich and genuine sound. "So I've been told."

As we near my house, I start to wonder....

"So,uh, you live around here?" I finally ask, trying to sound casual, and not like some creepy pervert.
I'd heard the rumors about Jake's impressive mansion near the library, which is way on the other side of town, but, I know better than to believe high school rumors.
If they were true, then what the hell was he doing here on a Saturday night at The Clubhouse? Don't they have clubs at that part of town?

Jake laughs softly before responding, "No, I uh...I don't. I'm not from around here."

So, the rumors are true after all.
"Where, then?" I inquire curiously.