“Sure.” Dance. How she missed it.
She rested her face against his chest. His clean smell radiated through his coat. He was so well-built, making her feel safe and setting her heart thumping at the same time.
The dance ended all too soon and she started shivering the moment she left his arms. Ty must’ve thought it was because she was cold, the truth was she immediately missed being surrounded by his strength.
“I’d better get you home,” he said.
Kazlyn knew the night couldn’t last, but she didn’t want to leave his side.
The drive home was full of light-hearted banter and when he left her on the doorstep with one more gentle hug, Kazlyn thought she must be in heaven. It was the middle of the night before she realized he’d said nothing about seeing her again and hadn’t even asked for her cell number. Maybe he hadn’t enjoyed the date as much as she had.
Chapter Six
Ty could’ve kicked himself. He’d been so into the hug on the doorstep and arguing with himself whether he dared try for a brief kiss, he hadn’t stopped to think. Kazlyn had whispered goodbye in a husky voice that seemed to say she was as affected by the hug as he was. He’d walked away grinning. He was in his truck and driving home before he realized he hadn’t asked for her number or what her schedule was like the rest of the weekend. As serious as she was about school, he doubted she’d want to go out during finals week, and she was going home Wednesday. He was an idiot.
“Ty?”
His head snapped up and he realized he was daydreaming about Kazlyn during a time-out. Coach Anderson’s narrowed gaze told him he hadn’t fooled anyone.
“I’m here, Coach.”
“Well, stay here.”
They broke the huddle and Ty went into play mode. Basketball was such a part of him, he could initiate and respond without really thinking about it. The crowd’s raucous cheers just fueled the experience for him. He had three dunks, fifteen rebounds, and twenty-eight points before the night was over. He felt like he was on top of the world.
Running up the tunnel after the game ended, he heard the sweetest voice call his name. He glanced up, stopped dead, and one of the assistant coaches ran into him from behind. “Sorry, Coach.”
Coach Maughan shook his head and followed Ty’s gaze up. He smiled, slapped Ty on the shoulder, and walked around him.
Kazlyn leaned over the tunnel edge. A warm grin lit her beautiful face. Her green eyes sparkled like a Christmas tree, set off by a red sweater. “Great game.”
“Thanks.” He thought she’d probably say she needed to study, but he had to ask. “Will you wait for me?”
She nodded and he couldn’t hide his happy grin.
He pointed at the other tunnel. “I’ll come out of the locker room over there.”
“I’ll be there.”
Ty winked and ran up the tunnel. He was going to set a record for quickest shower. Hopefully the coach’s speech wouldn’t be long.
***
Kazlyn watched Ty go, then straightened and hugged herself. She’d only made it to the last half of the game, but she wished she’d seen it all. Ty was even more amazing to watch now that she was completely infatuated with him. It had been well worth taking a break from studying.
“You finally figured it out.”
Kazlyn turned around to face the same teenage girls from last week. “Thanks for setting me straight. I don’t want to miss out.”
“You’re so lucky,” the redhead gushed.
“Yes, I am.” Kazlyn gave them one more smile, and then made her way to the other tunnel.
Fans and some cheerleaders filtered past her to the exterior door. A burly guy with longish blond hair and an Aggiette dancer hanging off each arm leered at her as they walked past. Kazlyn wrapped her arms across her chest. The guy winked slyly before the girls tugged him from the tunnel. Kazlyn shivered.
“Hey,” an older gentleman’s voice pulled her from the fear of that wink. “You were with Ty last night at Takara.”
“Yes.” She recognized the couple from the restaurant. She suddenly felt awkward, maybe they thought she was just after Ty because of what an amazing athlete he was. “Um, thanks for dinner.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” The guy ducked his head, obviously hiding a smile.
The wife slapped him on the shoulder. “You’re so transparent.” She turned to Kazlyn and said kindly, “Ty’s a great guy. You must be something special if you’re dating him.”
Kazlyn smiled. “Thank you. He is a great guy.”
They said their goodbyes and proceeded out into the icy darkness. A few of the cheerleaders waited for the players with Kazlyn. She forced herself not to feel jealous. They were beautiful girls, flashing a lot of skin, and here she was in a turtleneck sweater and jeans, covered from neck to toe. Ty had said he was a Christian, too. Hopefully he appreciated modesty.
Ten minutes later, a few coaches came out of the locker room door. Kazlyn tried to be patient and not think about the studying she should be doing. It was worth it to be with Ty for a little while, and he’d acted so glad to see her.
When Ty finally burst out of the locker room door, several of the cheerleaders squealed his name. One rushed over to give him a hug. Ty smiled and said thanks, but his gaze was on Kazlyn.
He broke away and crossed the distance. “Kazzy.” He took her hand. “Thanks for coming.”
She gnawed on the inside of her cheek, suddenly sweating from the pressure of his hand and the look in his eyes. “It was great to watch you play.”
“Thanks. Are you hungry?”
“No.”
“I’m betting I could talk you into dessert.” He looked down at her with a lifted eyebrow.
“Sure.” Kazlyn blushed, for some reason picturing something different than sugar when he talked about dessert.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Kazlyn was over a foot shorter than him, but she felt beautiful and tall in his arm, even though she probably looked like his little sister. They walked through a picturesque winter night, down the hill away from campus. Snow fell softly and it was much warmer without the wind. When Ty directed her into the Bull’s Head, Kazlyn hesitated. She’d never been in the restaurant; she just didn’t fit in with the typical college crowd. Ty gave her a gentle smile and enveloped her small hand in his palm. Kazlyn was pretty sure she’d follow him anywhere as he ushered her through the door.
They were accosted with cheers and congratulations the second they entered the restaurant. Ty asked for a booth in the back. Maybe he understood how uncomfortable she was with everyone watching her, wondering who the lucky girl was with the superstar. The hostess escorted them through the crowded restaurant. Ty bumped people’s fists and received a couple of hugs. He held onto her hand the entire time and introduced her to a few people who must’ve been actual friends, not just fans.
They settled into their seats and Kazlyn took off her coat and gloves. “Wow. You seem to deal with all the attention so well.”
Ty shrugged. “It’s only a pain when I want to be alone with a beautiful girl.”
“That’s why you requested the back booth.” She blushed, thrilled he wanted to be alone with her.
“We should’ve gone somewhere else, but I really like the food here. I didn’t think about it being so crowded right after a game.” He studied her. “Does being with me and all the attention bother you?”
She didn’t know how to answer him. She was proud to be with him, but didn’t like feeling every eye on her. She went for flippant. “Only when the girls hug you.”
He smirked. “You should know, I’d much rather be hugging you.”
“Good answer.” She loved his answer, but a part of her wondered if that was just how guys who dated a lot of girls talked. How would she know when she’d rarely dated anyone?
He ordered fried pickles and a pizza while Kazlyn got a frozen brownie sundae. She didn’t like the sound of frozen, but it was chocolate so she figured she couldn
’t go wrong.
Ty reached across the table and took her cold hands in his warm grasp. Tingles spread up her arms. His touch was magical and the look in his eyes made her stomach flip.
“I was so mad at myself last night.”
“Why?”
“I didn’t get your number or make a plan to see you again. I decided tomorrow I’d just stalk your apartment until I found you.”
Kazlyn laughed. “Would knocking on the door be so hard?”
“I never thought of that.” He cocked his head to the side and his eyes twinkled. “I knew you were a smart one.”
“Sometimes.”
“Do you have time to do something next week?”
She sobered, thinking about all the studying she needed to do in the next few days. “I’m going to leave Wednesday as soon as I’m done with my last final, and I’ll have to focus on school until then.”
Ty nodded. “I guess I’ll just have to settle for texts and long stints of Facetime to get me through the holidays.”
Kazlyn couldn’t hide her smile. “It might be good to get to know each other better without the physical attraction getting in the…” Her face flamed red. “I can’t believe I just said that.”
Ty squeezed her hands. “I’m sure it’s hard being so attracted to a guy with giraffe legs.”
“I’m sure it’s hard being so attractive.”
“You should know,” he countered with a broad grin.
The waitress brought their food and Kazlyn felt the loss of Ty’s hands on hers, but thoroughly enjoyed talking to him throughout the meal. He walked her home and gave her a hug again, promising to keep in touch throughout the holiday. Kazlyn wished it could be more now, but she appreciated him being willing to let her study. She wanted to spend every minute with him, but still had her doubts. She kept hoping that she wasn’t just another number, maybe she was someone special to him like he was becoming to her.
Chapter Seven
Tuesday night Kazlyn dragged her feet as she made her way down the hill from the library to her apartment. Tomorrow was her last final. She was pretty sure her GPA would stay above three-eight, but barely. She was having a hard time caring right now. She’d pray hard, take her test in the morning, and then go enjoy her mom and brothers for two weeks. Next semester would be soon enough to stress about grades again.
An arm wrapped around her from behind and pulled her off the sidewalk. Her bag slid off her shoulder, thumping on the sidewalk. She squealed in surprise, but at the same time wondered if it might be Ty. Maybe he’d just got done practicing and saw her.
The guy jerked her closer and she realized the body pressed against her back wasn’t close to Ty’s height and this man smelled like strong cologne, not Ty’s clean, crisp scent. Another hand wrapped around her mouth cutting off the scream that built inside and then exploded from her throat. She started praying with every ounce of faith for protection from whoever restrained her.
Kazlyn squirmed against the firm hold and flung her head back. Her head connected with the person’s face. The man cursed and flung her around to face him. Trees shielded them from foot traffic or the road. Only someone coming out of the Spectrum could see them and all the windows in the huge building looked dark. Fear pulsated through her body. Sweat raced down her back, even though it was freezing outside.
“What a beautiful little surprise,” the man said, hazel eyes tracing over her face. He tossed his shaggy blond hair.
Kazlyn immediately recognized him from the basketball game. She couldn’t forget the way he’d leered at her and then winked. She shuddered.
“You want to go somewhere where I can warm you up, sweetheart?”
Kazlyn yanked backward, but couldn’t break his grip. “I’m going nowhere with you.”
He shrugged. “I think you are. I saw you at the game. I could tell you were into me.” He pulled her into his chest again, her arms crushed in his iron grip. She could smell spicy gum as he lowered his mouth to hers. Kazlyn let him get close, then she leaned forward and bit his lip. He howled and backhanded her. She screamed from the pain and fear.
“Get your hands off her.”
The guy flipped Kazlyn around, shielding himself with her body. He yanked her against his chest. She glanced up at Ty and a sob escaped. Her body went limp and the guy had to support her. “Ty,” she whispered.
“Hey, Ty,” the guy called out. “How are ya?”
“James,” Ty returned, his voice cold. “Get your hands off my girl.”
“Oh, she’s yours?” James’ voice matched Ty’s, sending a spike of ice down her spine. “I didn’t see it stamped on her forehead.”
“Let her go.”
“Or what?”
Ty’s fierce glower almost scared her. “First, I’ll beat you until you can’t say the word football, let alone play next year. Second, I’ll have the cops pick up your sorry butt for attempted rape.”
James barked an unsteady laugh. “It’s your word against mine.”
“The coaches aren’t going to help you out this time—no second chances, remember?”
James used one hand to brush his hair out of his eyes and Kazlyn took advantage of her arm being freed to elbow him in the nose. At the same time, she stomped on the inside of his foot as hard as she could. Blood erupted from his nose and he screamed, shoving her at Ty, who caught her. James cursed and took off running toward the parking lot. Ty hugged her close for a second, and then let her go. “I’ll be right back, Kazzy.”
He sprinted after the guy.
“No!” Kazlyn screamed. She raced after them both, slipping on the ice and cursing their long legs. As she reached the upper parking lot, a car door slammed and the rev of the engine sent trickles of fear down her spine. “Ty!”
A silver sports car raced toward Ty. Ty jumped onto a cement block and hauled himself up a metal fence to avoid being hit. The car spun away and squealed out of the parking lot. Ty climbed down, dialed 911, and reported what had happened. He reached her a few seconds later and pulled her into his warm embrace. “Oh, Kazzy, are you okay?”
“Thanks to you.”
“You did great. I think you broke his nose.” He tilted her chin up and grinned at her.
Kazlyn felt time stop. His dark eyes seared into her with pride, warmth, and a desire she felt reflected in her own soul. He dipped his head and lightly brushed his lips over hers. Fire started in her abdomen and spread. He raised his head and stared at her with a longing she couldn’t deny. Kazlyn grabbed his head and brought his mouth to hers again. This time the kiss wasn’t light or short. Ty lifted her off her feet and kissed her in a way no one had ever done, the safety and passion intermingling perfectly.
After several wonderful minutes, he lowered her and just held her close. “I’m so glad he didn’t hurt you.”
“Who was that guy?”
He shook his head, closing his eyes for a second. “Running back for the football team. Pompous jerk who should’ve been convicted of rape already. I know a few girls who should’ve pressed charges. One tried and they didn’t stick.”
“Oh, my.” Everything went dark for a second. Thank heavens for Ty’s strength holding her up.
Sirens ripped into the parking lot. They were separated and taken to the campus police headquarters. The police also found James and arrested him. Kazlyn went through several rounds of questioning before the police took her home. They told her she was free to go to Montana for the holiday tomorrow, but she’d probably need to testify in January.
Kazlyn didn’t get a chance to talk with Ty again. She found herself almost wishing it wasn’t Christmas break. She remembered the kiss and wanted to try that again when she hadn’t just been threatened. She was grateful to him and just wanted to be with him. She’d never felt so desired and cherished, but she’d just have to wait to see him again. Patience was not fun.
Chapter Eight
Kazlyn drove her Mazda as fast as she could home to Montana. She talked to Ty for almost an hour of th
e drive. He and his friend were leaving the next day for his friend’s house. Ty’s concern had been evident as they talked through the attack and her final exams. With a lot of prayer, she’d been able to settle down and sleep last night. Hopefully she’d done okay on her tests.
She sighed as she thought about Ty. Common sense said she’d only just met him, but her heart knew she was going to miss him the next two weeks.
She drove slowly through the Main Street of Snow Valley, grinning at the overabundance of Christmas decorations. Some were a bit tacky like the blow-up Santa near the town square, but she loved it. Rolling down the window, she laughed at Jingle Bells blasting through the sound system that had been installed for these few weeks of the year.
A train whistle startled her and she remembered it was Polar Express Day. Her dad used to take a break from the ranch and make the train ride a fun experience for her and her brothers. Even when they were teenagers and completely embarrassed to be riding, he still made them go and somehow made it enjoyable. A tear trickled down her cheek. She always missed him, but it was worse when she came home and everything reminded her of him.
A couple of miles beyond town she turned off the road and made her way up the tree-lined, rutted road.Their ranch sat on the east of the valley next to the mountain. The sun was just going down and the snow sparkled through the trees. She loved every bit of their land, but especially the box canyon that the cattle grazed in during the summer. She’d explored that canyon with its stream and wildflowers every opportunity she had as a child. Her dad would often find her there and indulge whatever fairy tale she imagined she was living that day. She swiped another tear off her cheek. What would her dad have thought of Ty? She smiled. They would’ve gotten along really well. They were both teases and made her feel like a princess.
She pulled up to the huge log cabin her dad and brothers had built, jumped from the car, and raced to the wide front porch without even grabbing her bag. The door swung open and her family spilled out. Luke’s long legs reached her first, followed closely by her mom and Porter. Luke swung her off the ground, squeezing her and laughing before they were all enveloped in a group hug. Luke and Porter took turns teasing her, calling her, “Skinny squirt,” and other such complimentary names as her mom worried about her being too thin.
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