Pushing Limits (Fighting Love #1) - kali cross Page 0,9

here when you’re in Nashville?” I smile up at him as he towers over me.

“I miss my family, sure. And, there’s a lot of good music being made here. But, I like Nashville, too. Its pure country and I’ve made some good friends.” His face clouds over with a wistful look. “Do you miss Chicago?” He stares at me with an intense interest.

I can’t help but blush at his attention. I scoot my boot through the grass. How can I answer that? I’m sure he doesn’t want to hear about all my crap. I’m not used to guys this hot, hell any guys, paying me any attention. I feel his eyes on me, and I can’t think. I glance up, and our eyes lock. He smiles at me as his eyes twinkle. He’s so out of my league. Look at those eyes. His mouth curves into an impish grin. “Uh, I’m sorry – what?”

He leans in closer, making an exaggerated show of speaking louder so I can hear him. “Do…you…miss…Chicago?” He smells like fresh air, hay, and soap. I want to nuzzle in closer so I can inhale.

Blushing, I chuckle, “Sure, my whole family is there.” My eyes trail back up to the bats in a vain attempt to keep from rolling my eyes at the lie. I can’t get into the whole why of what brought me here.

“Why do I get the feeling there is more to that story.” His eyes narrow as his mouth curves into a skeptical smirk.

“Nah, I’m an open book.” The retort pops out before I can think. Open mouth insert fucking foot, Amber. God, that was so lame. I glance around and murmur, “Well, I guess we better get going.”

“Sure, let me take your aunt’s bags over to check-in, and I’ll drive y’all out to the college.” He smiles, apparently choosing to put me at ease and not press me for info. Grabbing my aunt’s bags, he rolls them over to the valet, handing them off to the hotel staff. “Did you ladies want to head up to the room or grab a bite in the restaurant before I head you over to the college?” Waiting expectantly, He clasps his hands in front of him.

“I’d like to head over to the college,” I say. Glancing at Aunt Patty, her face drops as I squash yet another opportunity for us to talk.

As Tommy holds open the door, I climb in, I look back to see his eyes not-so-discreetly checking out my ass. Settling in, I laugh and give him my best “busted” look.

“I am merely a great admirer of beautiful things,” he drawls with a sly wink. Closing the door, he climbs into the driver’s seat, flashing me a wicked grin. My stomach clenches as I feel my mouth involuntarily drop. My God, he’s so hot. I turn away, searching out the window so I can hide the heated blush crawling up my face.

The school is nestled down a winding road outside of town. Luxurious lawns and flowers cover every inch of campus. The college consists of an administrative tower, several classroom buildings, and dorms. An athletic field is on the edge of campus with a swimming pool. It is quite impressive for such a small college.

Tommy stops the car in front of the dorm and circles around to open the car door. My aunt climbs out. Placing her hand on his chest, she looks up demurely, “Thanks, Tommy.” Her hand pushes money in his palm. Fighting the urge to throw up in my mouth, I roll my eyes and place my hand on her elbow, attempting to pull her to the entrance of the dorm.

“Thanks, Ma’am. But I can’t accept this…against school policy.” His smile is friendly as he hands money back to her.

Aunt Patty’s disappointment covers her face. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Kennedy. Ms. Chadwick would have my hide. She’s serious about the rules at Texas College. She’s quite the stickler. But…thank you. I enjoyed the ride.” He nods politely to her and turning to me, he grins. “Ms. Turner, you let me know if you need any information on the local trails. If you aren’t having your motorcycle shipped here, I can certainly arrange for you to use one. Just let me know.”

“It’s Amber.” I glance up shyly. “Thanks...I will.”

Pulling off his shades to gesture to the hills, he says, “You can open up a bike and ride for hours, lots of open road. You can go for miles and hardly