Page 134 of No Going Back

“What’s the matter? Too risky for a special operator?”

Tyler cupped her face. “You are trouble. Good thing I love trouble.” He kissed her nose. “I have some news.”

Mira adjusted herself on his lap, deliberately, feeling his erection press against her. “Oh yeah, what news?”

“Jesus, babe, you’re killing me here.”

She grinned, but didn’t move. “What news?”

“I’m back.”

She looked at him puzzled, then the ‘Aha’ moment came. “Seriously? You’re back to active duty?”

“Yep. As of right now.”

She flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. “I am so happy for you Tyler.” She was. Even though it meant he would be back facing danger, that’s who he was, and she loved who he was. “And you feel ready?”

“Yeah. I’m more than ready.” He pulled back, meeting her eyes. “I want you to know I’m still going to continue to see Claire. Nothing’s changing that.”

Mira kissed him softly, “I know you will.”

She looked into his eyes, overwhelmed with how much she loved this man.

“I love you, Mira.” Mira froze. “You seem surprised?”

“I, well, I ...”

She’d wanted to hear those words for so long, but she hadn’t been expecting it yet. She understood it would take him some time.

He laughed. “I can’t believe I’ve made you speechless. You want me to say it again?”

She nodded.

“I love you, Mira. I’ve known it for a while but couldn’t say it. Didn’t trust myself to say it. I don’t know what the future holds, but I want to enjoy right here, right now. And I know that what I feel for you is love. The rest, well, it’s a work in progress.”

“Oh God, Tyler, I love you, too.” She wanted to burst with happiness. She kissed him hard. “I would show you just how much I love you if we weren’t sitting on Dex’s porch.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time we’ve done it at his house,” Tyler whispered suggestively.

“Uncle Tyler, are you out here?”

Mira jumped off Tyler’s lap and both stood up quickly. Steve’s eight-year-old daughter Megan came running around the side of the house. The girl ran straight to Tyler who scooped her up in his arms.

“Hey, squirt. Did you get even bigger since I last saw you? I’m not sure I can hold you.” Tyler made to drop her, and Megan laughed out loud.

Mira watched Tyler swing her around and tickle the little girl. He looked good with her. Maybe one day... She shook her head. Slow down girl, way too soon.

“Uncle Dex said I needed to come and make sure you were behaving yourself. Have you been bad?” Megan asked innocently.

Mira looked at Tyler blushing. Yeah, Dex knew exactly what they might be getting up to.

“Me, bad? I’m never bad. I’m the good uncle.”

“Is he Auntie Mira? Is he good?”

Oh, he was good. He could also be really, really bad. Her thoughts must have showed on her face since Tyler raised his eyebrows with a knowing look.

“Most of the time, Megan. How about you? Are you a good girl?”

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