Page 56 of Wild Card 13

I zipped my folder into my bag and glanced toward the windows. "When did it get so late?" I asked.

Ty followed my gaze. "Probably while you were bullying me academically."

"I was helping you."

"Debatable." He stood, slinging his backpack over one shoulder. Then Ty cleared his throat. "You need a ride home?"

My head snapped up. "Why?"

His grin appeared immediately. "Because that's a completely normal reaction to a boyfriend offering his girlfriend a ride."

Heat crept into my cheeks. "That's not what I meant."

"Sure."

I pointed a warning finger at him.

Ty looked delighted by my embarrassment. "As fun as this is," he continued, "your car is not here."

I blinked. Dad had dropped me off that morning because mine was in the shop getting new brakes. I'd completely forgotten. Which probably said something concerning about my ability to function around him.

"Oh."

"Yeah. Oh."

I narrowed my eyes. He grinned wider.

"I hate when you're right," I sighed.

"You hate a lot of my best qualities."

The smirk tugging at my mouth refused to leave. "Fine."

"Fine?"

"Yes, Ty. I'll accept the horrifying burden of sitting in your truck for fifteen minutes." I tossed over a knowing grin before jabbing an elbow into his ribs lightly.

He pressed a hand dramatically against his chest. "Romance is alive and well."

"Don't ruin this."

"Too late."

I was still smiling when we stepped out into the hallway together.

The school felt different when it was mostly empty. The fluorescent lights reflected against polished floors while our footsteps echoed through the corridor. Somewhere near the front office, a vacuum cleaner hummed.

Ty reached for my hand with easy certainty that had slowly settled between us. My fingers slipped into his. His hand was warm. Mine fit perfectly inside it.

Ty's truck sat in its usual crooked spot near the edge of the parking lot. Betsy. The world's loudest vehicle.

The passenger door squealed in protest when he opened it for me.

"One day that thing is going to fall off."

Ty looked offended. "Don't say that where she can hear you."

I climbed into the truck laughing. The familiar scent wrapped around me immediately. Peppermint gum. Old hockey gear. Cold air.