Smiling, I bit my lip, thinking about the first time he would kiss me. He kept his promise, even to this day. He was the perfect gentleman, but I’d be damned if I didn’t sometimes wish he was less of one. It simply made me want him more—if that were possible.
“Tyler?” a voice called from behind me. “Tyler O’Shea?” I turned toward the voice and squinted at this boy I thought I should recognise from somewhere. I smiled, but it was a confused smile.
“You don’t recognise me, do you?” I shook my head. “Tim Baker from primary school. I was only there a couple of years, then moved. We’ve moved back, and I got a job on Sydney Street.”
I gasped a little, remembering that day when I first met Dean and he punched Tim for being rude to me. He looked a lot bigger and older now with short dirty blonde hair and an attempt at growing a goatee. He was trying, but it didn’t suit him. He was still too young for that trend.
“Ah, that Tim,” I said with a little chuckle.
He nodded, looking a little embarrassed. “Yeah, that Tim. Sorry about that day. I was young and stupid.”
I waved my hands to let him know it was okay. In fact, it was more than okay. It was then that I realised Dean was the boy for me. “Don’t worry about it.”
Tim edged closer and smiled at me. “You know, I have a confession to make.”
Raising my eyebrow, I smiled. “Oh yeah?”
Tim laughed a little, but came in even closer. “The real reason I chased you around the playground and pulled your hair was because I really liked you. I think I was kind of jealous.”
I started laughing. “No shit, Tim?” I couldn’t believe the boy who was so mean to me actually liked me.
“Yes, shit,” he laughed. “And nothing has changed. You’re still as gorgeous as ever.”
I blushed a little and looked away. It was difficult for me to receive a compliment. I had a lot more guys noticing me lately, and Dean had been going out of his freaking mind because of it. I secretly loved that.
“Are you seeing anyone, Tyler? I’d love it if we could maybe go for coffee or catch a movie sometime.”
I smiled, but my heart raced. I didn’t want to go out with him but, at the same time, I hated turning people down. “I’m, er...I am kind of with someone.” I knew I was doing badly here and he could tell.
“You’re kind of with someone? As in, you’re not really with someone? You can still go out and see other guys, right? I’d love to take you out.” Tim stroked my arm, but it made me a little uncomfortable. “How about now?” he asked, trying to grab my arm.
“I can’t now. I’m sorry,” I said, trying to pull away from him, but things turned ugly pretty quickly.
Before I knew it, Tim grabbed me and tried to kiss me. I pushed at him, but he was strong. “I’ve always dreamed about this moment, Tyler,” he said before pressing his lips to mine. His lips were everywhere. As his arousal grew stronger, he tried to suck on my neck before meeting my lips again.
I struggled and I fought, but it was no use. He was strong and I was quickly running out of air.
From out of nowhere, Tim was suddenly yanked from me and flying through the air. When I saw it was Dean, my lungs finally filled with air.
“That’s twice now I’ve had to teach you a lesson, you stupid fuck.” Dean marched over to where he lay, but Tim was trying hard to hold out his hands in surrender.
“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I didn’t realise you two were together.”
It was too late though because Dean was on fire. Grabbing Tim’s shirt collar, Dean punched in hard in the face. I heard a crack and it made the nausea surface and my head feel suddenly woozy.
“Are you okay, Tyler?” Dean asked, his fury now replaced with concern.
I nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. Really, I am.”
When he was satisfied I wasn’t going to faint, Dean turned his attention back to Tim. “Now, if I ever see you around here again, I won’t be so lenient. You got that? Tyler is my girl and nobody fucking touches her.”
Holding his bloody nose, Tim nodded furiously.
“Now, get the fuck out of here before I change my mind.”
Tim didn’t waste any time. He was off, and as soon as he was out of sight, Dean turned to me and placed an arm around my shoulder. “That fucker didn’t hurt you, did he? I don’t mind going after him again if you want me to.” He smiled cheekily and I nudged him.
“Dean, I think you’ve done enough, but thank you for coming to rescue me.”
Turning, he grabbed hold of my chin and gently rubbed his thumb under my bottom lip. “I would go to the ends of the earth to protect you, Tyler. No one gets to hurt my girl. No one.”