Page 66 of Off-Limits Bad Boy
We’ve spent the last several weeks together, laughing, teasing, and loving, and I’m ready for more of her - all of her.
“Everything with you is special,” she says, and I can almost see the blush that must be dusting her cheeks.
“Hurry up and pack. See you soon.” With those final words, I hang up, my whole body buzzing with anticipation. Emma's trust, her innocence, it's something sacred, something I vow to protect with every fiber of my being.
Today, I'll show her just how much she's changed me. The bad boy, the brother's best friend, the man to relieve her of her v-card, none of that matters anymore. All that's left is the guy who's completely, irrevocably in love with her.
“Let's do this,” I whisper to no one, grabbing my keys and heading out the door.
I grip the steering wheel, stealing glances at Emma as we drive down the coastal road. Her hair flies wild with the windows down, her laughter mingling with the salty rush of the sea air.
“Where are you taking me?” she asks loudly over the wind, her sky-blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“Guess you'll just have to wait and see.” I’m not about to spoil the surprise.
“Come on, Kade,” she says, playfully nudging my arm as I realize I like the sound of her begging. “A tiny hint?”
“It’s not the botanical gardens,” I say in an unhelpful tone, and she rolls her eyes.
“Come on, a better hint than that.”
“Absolutely not,” I say, though every cell in my body itches to tell her. To spill the secret and watch her face light up even brighter than it already is.
“Fine.” She huffs, but her smile never fades. She turns her gaze out to the rolling waves, her profile etched against the sprawling ocean like some kind of ethereal painting.
“Remember our trip to the botanical gardens?” I ask, careful not to give anything away.
“Of course,” she says, a wistful note in her voice. “I had an amazing time.”
“Well, the truth is that I settled for the botanical gardens - they weren’t my first pick.” I nod, keeping my eyes on the winding road. "Had to settle for the botanical gardens instead."
“Settle?” She laughs, a sound that warms me from the inside out. “That day was amazing, Kade. If that’s settling, I’m afraid of what you have planned.”
“Good,” I say, teasing her and loving the annoyed sigh she gives me. She’d been so sure I was going to tell her where we are going. No way.
“And today... is going to top that trip.”
Her hand finds mine, fingers intertwining effortlessly. The connection sends a jolt through me, a current that's become familiar yet still manages to surprise me every time.
“Whatever you've planned, I'm sure I’ll love it,” she whispers, her fingertips tickling my palm for a second before she holds onto my hand again.
But perfect doesn't cut it; it has to be extraordinary. I focus on the road to the lighthouse.
“Kade...” she says, but I hear that tone of her voice and shake my head gently.
“Let's just enjoy the ride,” I say, and she squeezes my hand in agreement.
We drive in comfortable silence, our shared laughter now replaced by something deeper, a silent understanding that today, everything changes. She might not know how or what or the gravity of the change yet, but she will.
And as the lighthouse creeps into view, I feel it in my bones - this is where our story will take its next big leap.
The lighthouse emerges before us, its white tower blinding in the sunlight. Emma's grip tightens in mine as I make the turn and park the car. We step out of the car, and her gaze sweeps upward, tracing the spiraling architecture.
“Wow.” She exhales, her sky-blue eyes gleaming with childlike wonder and excitement.
“Come on.” I take her hand and pull her toward the lighthouse. Every step of the way, I feel her pulse grow faster and excitement leaves her trembling, until finally, she pulls away and crosses the threshold. The echo of our footsteps fills the cavernous space inside as she looks up.
“Are we... are we going up there?” She sounds stunned, excited, and afraid all at once.