Not My Hero

I start the engine and glare at where Michael has managed to sit up. He shakes his head, and when our eyes meet, there’s no sign of the arrogance he always wears like a damn cloak.

Next time I’ll break his damn jaw.

The tires kick up dirt as I pull away, and then Brie murmurs, “I’m glad you’re on my side.”

Our eyes meet for a moment, and as I turn my attention back to the road, I whisper, “Always.”After stopping at the store, we head home. I set the bag with the milk and eggs on the kitchen table and look at the flour and other ingredients spread out on the counter.

“What are you making?” I ask Mom.

“A cake,” she grins happily. “I figured we should celebrate Brie moving in.”

“Great idea,” I agree, especially because Mom hasn’t baked since we moved here. “I hope it’s chocolate.”

“Of course,” Mom gives me a playful smile. “I wouldn’t dare make anything else.”

I go to press a kiss to Mom’s cheek and whisper, “I missed this. Thank you.” Pulling back, I say, “We’re going to unpack Brie’s clothes.”

“Brie,” Mom calls as we begin to walk away, “will you make a list of everything you need?” Mom signals something with her eyes. “You know, personal stuff.”

Ugh.

I roll my eyes but then can’t stop the chuckle when I see Brie’s face redden with a blush as she nods frantically.

Walking into Brie’s room, I say, “Let’s get you settled in.”

Brie grabs the smaller bag and begins to shove her underwear into the back of the closet. She’s cute, and I have to suppress my laughter because I don’t want to embarrass her.

I open the other bag and throw the clothes out on the bed. Picking up a shirt, I hang it in the closet before turning back to the bundle.

After a couple of minutes, I catch Brie staring at me, a smile softening her features.

“What?” I ask, the corners of my mouth lifting.

“I just realized I have a friend,” she admits.

I grin at her before grabbing another shirt. It’s been a lousy morning, but at least something good came from it – she’s here, and she trusts me. Oh, and I got to kick Michael’s ass. Hopefully, the bastard will back off now.

I glance at Brie again, and my eyes drop to her unflattering uniform. After seeing that photo of her naked, it’s hard not to recall what she looked like.

I wasn’t lying earlier when I told her she’s hot.

That’s actually an understatement. I might’ve only seen her naked from behind, but it was enough for me to know she has a body meant for wet dreams.

Don’t be a pervert, asshole.

I shake my head and grab another item of clothing. Still, it’s becoming impossible to ignore the attraction I feel toward her. Especially now that we’re friends and she doesn’t get anxious around me.

With all the shit that happened in my own life, I haven’t dated the past year and a half. I didn’t have the energy for it.

But now…

My eyes drift to Brie again, and I take in her delicate features and hypnotizing blue eyes. My gaze drops to her mouth.

This girl is nothing short of perfect.

How has no one seen that yet?

All the idiots at school must be blind as fuck.

Brie glances at the remaining clothes, and then she catches me staring at her. “Is something wrong?”

I tilt my head and gather the guts to ask, “Have you dated before?”

“Huh?” Her eyes widen, and then she looks confused as if she can’t comprehend why I’d ask her a question like that. “Like, had a boyfriend?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

She shakes her head then crouches to grab another pair of shorts. “I’m an outcast. Guys don’t date girls like me.”

I pull a what-the-fuck face. “That’s bullshit.”

Brie shrugs my words away and mumbles, “Besides, I’m too awkward.”

“No, you’re not,” I argue. “Yeah, you don’t talk much, and you’re withdrawn, but that’s not a bad thing.”

The corner of her mouth lifts a little. “I always thought you were quiet as well.”

I grin at her. “Are you trying to tell me in a nice way that I talk too much?”

Brie lets out a nervous chuckle. “No, not at all.” A blush begins to creep up her neck as she admits, “When I first saw you, I thought you’d be a bully.” She makes an awkward gesture with her hand. “It was the nose ring and earrings.” Looking thoroughly uncomfortable, she continues, “And when you walk, it looks like you’re prowling for a victim.”

My grin keeps growing, and my heartbeat excitedly speeds up. I can’t resist teasing her, “Hmm, so you think I’m badass.”

“Ahh…” A breath sputters from her, and the blush spreads to her cheeks. “It’s not that I think you’re bad.” I can see it’s hard for her to express her thoughts, so I patiently keep quiet. Brie sucks in a deep breath, then mumbles, “You’re kind and don’t take crap from anyone, and…” her movements become jittery as if she’s nervous. Then she rambles, “If I ever get to date a guy, I hope he’s like you.”