“Did you hit your head again?” It may have been insensitive to throw that at him, but he had done a full 180-degree turn and I wanted to know why andifthis new attitude was here to stay. Because if he was going to turn back into an asshole at midnight, I didn’t need to waste my time.
“More like, I got a swift kick in the ass.” He leaned forward and revved the Jeep to life. “Sorry, are you cold?”
“No. I’m good, but if you kick those seat warmers on, I wouldn’t complain.”
He gave me a small smile and did it, then shifted the car into drive.
“So, back to that swift kick?” I asked as he steered the car onto the empty road.
It was almost ten thirty a.m., and despite the rain falling and the clouds in the sky, it was brightening up a bit.
“Let’s just say I had a come-to-Jesus moment with Coach Bellingham this morning.”
“And Hana and Mr. Covington,” I said.
“And you.” I could tell by the bulge in his cheek his smile widened.
We sat in silence for several minutes as he headed toward my house.
“I’m going to go out for track,” he said. There was hesitation in his voice, but he sounded sincere.
My eyebrows went up as he turned left. “You are?”
“Going to give it a shot. Maybe try for a walk-on somewhere if my times are fast enough.”
“Wow, it sounds like Coach, Hana, and Mr. Covington are a good team.” I fiddled with the Velcro on my splint. “Finally talked some sense into you.”
“Yeah…I’ve been a real jerk.” He pressed his lips together and took a deep breath through his nose.
“Understatement of the year.” I rolled my eyes.
“Hey, now.”
“Just keeping it real,” I responded, looking out the window.
“You haven’t exactly been friendly, either.”
I held up my splinted hand. “Um.Hello…”
He huffed.
“But you’re right, Preach.” I took another sip of coffee. “I could work on my friendly factor a little.”
“Good, because we are stuck together for the rest of our community service.”
“And here you had to bring that up.” I raised my wrist, teasing him. “You just don’t know when to shut up.”
I teased him, but part of it was real. He might be saying the right things, and I might be thawing a little toward him, but my guard would remain up. I didn’t trust Preach. Didn’t want to get close to him.
I didn’t want to get close to anyone.
My heart ticked an extra beat, and heat crept up my chest. I drew in a slow breath, but the tightness in my lungs cinched more. I set my coffee in the cupholder, then rubbed my chest.
“You okay?”
“Good. I’m good.” I cleared my throat. “It’s just…this Nice Preach took me by surprise.”
He rolled his eyes at me, then steered the Jeep into my driveway and put the gear in park. Even though I was mostly relieved that the ride was over, part of me, somewhere deep down, wanted it to last a little bit longer.