Page 85 of Almost Ravaged

Only a handful of employees at the arena have completed vehicle training through the university and can check out the department’s fifteen-passenger van, and Cam was more than happy to let him drive.

A smooth ride, it was not.

But honestly, it’s likely the size of the vehicle was the problem. Or maybe how acutely aware I was of Tytus the whole time.

I gave up on maintaining any semblance of personal space about ten minutes into the journey. Ty had even less room than I did once Grant sat on his other side.

That’s why he draped his arm along the back of the bench seat. It’s the most logical explanation.

The group files out, though apparently Grant is a gentleman and allows the people in the row behind us to exit before taking his turn.

A tug of my hair and the responding tingling of my scalp startle me. With a quiet gasp, I dart a look at Ty.

“This was pitched as a ‘small group outing,’” he teases, tugging on my hair again for emphasis.

I swat at his hand. “You could have gone out with Atty and the rest of the hockey team instead,” I remind him. “Still can, if this isn’t your scene. Want me to call you a Lyft?”

I’m teasing, and he knows it. There’s significance in his choice to come out with me instead of Atty tonight. It’s weird, the three of us out on a Thursday night, but not all together. But it’s good for Atty to spend time with his teammates.

Cam made it clear to Bryant that Tytus was nonnegotiable, which paved the way for another hockey player, a freshman, to join the outing. Not that Ty has made much of an effort to acknowledge him.

According to the kid, Wyatt Haas, he grew up down the road from where we are now.

Once Grant finally exits, Tytus slides over and climbs out. When he offers me his hand, I gladly accept the help, and when I’m firmly on my feet, I loosen my hold.

Rather than release me, he stares down at me, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips, and shakes his head.

Then, without a word, he tightens his hold on my hand, tugging a little to urge me forward so we can keep up with the group.

I keep my gaze focused on my feet, counting the steps Tytus and I take in sync. All the while, my fingers tingle and electricity arcs up my arm.

It’s a familiar headspace, being on the precipice of something with Ty. Thoughts of both Mercer and Noah flutter through my consciousness as I hold hands with my first crush. A foggy confusion settles over my mind, my thoughts flitting from one guy to the next.

Agitation flickers through me as well. I need to get laid. I’ve got sexual frustration swirling inside me in spades.

“Wow,” Ty murmurs.

I look up, and at the sight before me, my breath catches. The field surrounded by trees in various colors. Reds and oranges. Yellows and browns. On every side, from every angle, we’re surrounded.

“Welcome to the Ledges, baby!” Arjun, who’s several meters ahead of us already, throws his arms out and spins in place.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmur, taking it all in.

Ty squeezes my hand once, garnering my attention, and when I look up, he’s solely focused on me. “It really is.”

With my lips pressed together, I squeeze his hand twice. He squeezes back.

I want to hope. I want to read into this. Though the excitement growing in my chest is quickly doused by my own self-doubt. We’ve been here before. We’ve been here so many times.

“Ty,” I warn. “What are we doing?”

He brings one finger to my lips, silencing me.

Eyes wide, I scan the group, worried about who might be watching and how it might look. But they’re all walking away, heading toward the trailhead they promised was just through the clearing.

“We’re here together,” he says simply.

His dark eyes are sincere, and his earnest plea sends my heart fluttering. It sends my hope soaring.