Free Assure Her (Assured Distraction Book 1) by Thia Finn Page A

evening to yourselves.” There was more grumbling from the band as they dragged themselves out the door.
    They each went their separate ways when they reached the parking lot, and Chandler continued toward the sidewalk to catch the bus across the street. When KeeMac spotted her waiting on traffic to cross, he called to her, “Hey! What are you doing?”
    “The bus I need stops on the other side, down the road.”
    “Chan, we are going to practically the same spot. I’ll take you home.”
    “I don’t want to impose. You probably have places to go on your last night at home.” She was happy to be staring at him from behind her sunglasses so she could look all she wanted without him noticing.
    “I’m worn out. I’m going home to hang in front of the TV for the rest of the night, watch baseball, eat pizza and drink beer. You live less than two damn blocks from me, I can take you home. Why didn’t you tell me last night you needed a ride over here this morning?” The glare he gave her was almost intimidating. “Riding the bus can be fucking dangerous, you know.” He had already made his way over to where she stood.
    “I’m used to riding the bus or taking taxis. I’ll be fine. Thanks, though.” Chandler didn’t feel like she needed to explain herself to him but she did. She glanced at her watch and knew she needed to get to her stop if she wanted to avoid waiting thirty minutes for the next bus.
    “I’m taking you home.” He was following close enough now that he was glaring down at her when she turned around and looked up, since she was almost a full foot shorter than him.
    “Really? What gave you the idea that you could tell me how to get around Austin, or anywhere, for that matter? I’m sick of this princess BULLSHIT! I am an adult, I can make my own decisions, and I won’t take orders from anyone EVER again!” She stood her ground against him with bravado she didn’t really feel.
    He inhaled deeply, his eyes closed. When he opened them again, his smirk had returned to his face. “Miss Chatam, it would make me so happy if you would please allow me to escort you home. I do not want to worry about you being on the bus at night with anyone who might see your beauty and wish to cause you harm.” Then he bowed gallantly to her then looked back up, full-smirk, and winked at her.
    The request coming out of his mouth was so formal that she couldn’t help but smile back at him. And, he had said ‘please’ this time. She had to give in even though she didn’t really want to.
    “That would be very nice of you, Keeton McDonald, if you would escort me safely home.” She decided to play along and return an equally formal reply but she couldn’t keep the cheerful grin off her face. The guy sure did know how to diffuse a girl’s short temper; she had to give him that. And he did it with humor. Keeton MacDonald had charm. Oh God, he’s a ladies’ man. You are, aren’t you, Keeton? You are going to be trouble...
    He laughed out loud. “No one ever calls me Keeton any more, and I can’t ever remember someone saying I did something nice. Don’t tell anyone, or you’ll ruin my rep.” He gave her another playful wink then took her hand and led her back to his motorcycle.
    She looked at him like he had lost his mind. “You are expecting me to ride on that thing, in Austin traffic? You’ve lost your mind. I’ll take my chances with the bus crazies.” She turned back toward the bus stop just in time to watch it take off. Now she would have to wait for the next one.
    “Get the fuck back over here, Chandler. We can get there without getting on the interstate. You’ll be fine. Trust me.” All she could think was: famous last words, dude . He put the helmet on her head and tightened the straps under her chin.
    She looked around his bike. “What are you going to wear if I have your only helmet?”
    “I have another at home. I’ll start bringing it so we’ll both have one when we need it. But this time,