The Best Trouble!

Chapter Three

Ashley’s POV

By the time lunch rolled around on my third day here, I had already mapped out the quieter side of the cafeteria—far from the chaotic clusters of gossiping students.

After grabbing my food, I scanned the room and found an empty table near the back. Perfect.

Sitting down, I unwrapped my sandwich, neatly lined up my fries and took a satisfied bite. With one hand, I scrolled through I*******m, sipping my water between bites.

"Hey, Ashley."

A familiar voice pulled me from my feed. I looked up to see Chase making his way toward me before casually dropping into the seat across from mine.

"Chase, right?" I confirmed, popping a fry into my mouth.

He nodded.

"Not wandering around like a headless chicken today, huh?" He teased, motioning toward me.

I let out a light laugh. "Not today, at least."

"Glad to hear it." His lips curled into a slight smile as we sat in easy silence for a moment.

I tilted my head, eyeing him curiously. "So, Chase, aside from saving me from the tragedy of eating alone, what brings you to my humble table?"

He chuckled, leaning back. "Saw you sitting here and figured I’d treat myself to your company before the day’s over." Without hesitation, he plucked a fry from my tray.

I gasped in mock offense. "The audacity."

We both laughed, but the moment was short-lived. A pointed throat—clearing made us turn and just like that, the mood shifted.

Standing there, arms crossed and eyebrows raised, was none other than him.

Chase relaxed in his seat, unfazed. "Oh, Tyson, didn’t see you there, man."

I glanced between them.

"Mason’s looking for you." Tyson said curtly, nodding toward a direction behind him.

"Got it." Chase stood, but not before turning to me. "See you around, Ashley."

"Later, Chase." I replied, offering a small smile as he tapped my shoulder before walking off.

I barely had a second to process the interaction before I realized Tyson was still lingering.

"So, Tyson, huh?" I arched my brow. "Do you just lurk around waiting to interrupt people, or is that a special service you offer?"

He leaned against the table, his gaze locked onto mine with an amused glint. "I’d say it’s a special service, but only for certain people. Wouldn’t want you thinking I’m not paying enough attention to you, blonde."

"Is that so?" I scoffed, leaning back. "Because from where I’m sitting, it seems like you enjoy making my life difficult—not keeping an eye on it."

He let out a low chuckle, crossing his arms. "Maybe a little of both."

I rolled my eyes, but a smirk tugged at my lips. "Well, thanks, but I think my life is exciting enough without you stirring up trouble."

Tyson tilted his head, a knowing grin playing on his lips. "Well, maybe I’m the kind of trouble you need, blonde." He stepped just a little closer. "Keeps things interesting, don’t you think?"

Our eyes met in a quiet challenge, but before I could fire back, he turned and walked away.

I exhaled sharply, shaking my head.

Trouble?

He had no idea who he was dealing with.

Hours had passed. And the moment class ended, I wasted no time gathering my things and slipping into the stream of students heading for the exit.

That was my last class of the day and I had no intention of lingering around longer than necessary.

Once outside, I made my way across the school grounds, heading toward the parking lot where my car was parked. But the second I reached it, my steps faltered.

Both of my front tires were completely flat.

I stared at them, disbelief morphing into irritation. I had been using the same parking spot since my first day and there was only one name that immediately came to mind.

Tyson.

My eyes darted around the parking lot, scanning for any sign of him, but he was nowhere to be found.

Typical. The one time I actually needed him to show up and be a pain, he was conveniently missing.

With an exasperated sigh, I sank onto the nearest bench, fishing my phone from my bag. My first instinct was to call my father, but after two rings, it went straight to voicemail.

I clenched my jaw, debating my next move. I could call my stepmother, but I quickly dismissed the idea. That conversation would be exhausting.

Taking a deep breath, I made up my mind. If I couldn’t drive home, I’d just have to catch a cab.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and started walking toward the campus gates, stepping onto the sidewalk with a determined pace.

The streets weren’t too crowded and I figured I’d have a better chance of getting a cab in the next town over.

Then, just as I was about to cross the street, the deep growl of an engine cut through the air beside me.

I stopped in my tracks as a sleek black Ducati pulled up next to me. Even before the rider removed their helmet, I recognized the black leather jacket.

Of course.

Tyson.

I folded my arms, already scowling as he finally pulled off the helmet, shaking out his hair with that infuriating, lazy confidence.

"Need a lift, blonde?" He asked, the smirk on his face making it clear he already knew the answer.

I arched an eyebrow. "You really have the worst timing, you know that?"

He shrugged with his broad-shoulders, leaning forward slightly. "Or the best, depending on how you look at it."

I narrowed my eyes. "Funny. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about my mysteriously flattened tires, would you?"

He blinked, tilting his head slightly.

"You have flat tires?" His tone was laced with just the right amount of feigned innocence to make me even more suspicious.

I crossed my arms tighter. "Right. Like you didn’t already know that."

His smirk deepened. "If I had, I'd have offered a ride sooner. But I guess this works out perfectly, doesn't it?"

I stared at him for a moment, weighing my options.

Standing on the street, hoping for a cab to magically appear, wasn’t exactly ideal. And my father still hadn’t returned my call.

I exhaled sharply. "Fine."

Tyson held out his helmet with an exaggerated flourish. "I love how thrilled you sound."

I snatched the helmet from him. "You should be grateful I’m even considering this."

"Trust me, blonde. I am." His voice carried that same teasing edge.

I secured the helmet, adjusting the strap before sliding onto the seat behind him. The second he revved the engine, I instinctively wrapped my arms around his torso.

"Comfortable?" He asked, amusement laced in his voice.

"Just drive." I muttered.

He chuckled as the bike surged forward, the wind rushing past us as we left the school behind.

The ride was surprisingly smooth, the hum of the engine and the street lights blurring around us as we neared my home.

Soon, the Sky mansion came into view. The security guard at the gate recognized me immediately and allowed us in.

Tyson pulled into the driveway and shut off the engine. I slid off the bike, pulling the helmet from my head before stretching my arms toward the sky while he held my bag.

"I really didn’t peg you for Richie Sky’s daughter." He gestured toward me, watching with an amused look. "Always heard his daughter was wild, rebellious. But, you just seem...sharp-tongued."

I handed him the helmet, smirking. "What can I say? I’m full of surprises."

Tyson leaned against the bike as he let out a low laugh. "That makes me wonder what else you're hiding."

I stepped closer, taking my bag from his grip. "You planning on sticking around to find out?"

He raised an eyebrow, the hint of a challenge in his eyes. "Is that an invitation?"

"Maybe." I turned to walk toward the house but paused, glancing back over my shoulder. "Or maybe I just like keeping you guessing."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You're trouble, you know that?"

"Only the best kind." I shrugged before disappearing inside.