Page 24 of No Going Back

That was a short answer, but then, they couldn’t really say too much over text. She’d talk to him when she saw him at the Farm.

Mira: Yes, I’m meant to be. Chat later?

Tyler: You bet.

OK, that was just a friend conversation, right? Did friends text like that first thing in the morning? After having the best sex of her life? Or was it something more? Jesus, Mira, stop overthinking it. It was a friendly innocent text.

You were hoping he was going to declare his feelings for you. That having sex had meant something to him, because it meant something to you. But he didn’t even mention it.

What if it had meant something to him? What if they were both feeling the same way, but neither of them were brave enough to say it?

Wishful thinking. You both agreed to the ground rules.

But people changed their minds. Right? Especially after mind-blowing sex. Was she supposed to act like nothing happened? Were they seriously going to pretend they were just friends when they sat around the debrief table, knowing exactly what had occurred there? There was no way she could walk into that room and face him and not think about what had happened between them. Things would be different; the team would notice. Sam would notice.

They needed to talk before they faced each other at the Farm in front of everyone. That would be too damn awkward. Before she could change her mind, she texted him.

Mira: Hey Ty, are you free this morning?

Tyler: Yes. Why? Do you need something?

Yes, she needed him. Now. Here. She shook her head, dismissing the thought.

Mira: Do you have time for a coffee?

Tyler: Sure, would love to. When and where?

Mira: How about the Coffee Club at nine? The small café was nice, not too intimate, and quiet enough they could talk.

Tyler: Look forward to it.

Mira couldn’t help but smile, looking forward to it, too. Even though she had no idea how this conversation would go, she was excited to see him.

She hit the shower, washing her hair, then taking her time to dry it, apply light makeup and choose just the right outfit. Tight jeans always worked. Teaming them with heels and a low-cut short-sleeve top, she checked herself in the mirror, pleased. It was warm out, so she left off a jacket or sweater.

When Mira parked outside the Coffee Club, she spotted Tyler’s jeep. Her heart lurched, but then quickly sank as her nerves took over. On the driver over, she had decided she would be honest about how she felt about him despite it scaring the shit out of her. What if he laughed at her, or didn’t feel the same? It would hurt like hell, but she’d always been the type of girl to rip off the Band-Aid. Better to know now and deal with it, rather than say nothing and forever wonder. Right? If he really didn’t want anything more than that one time, she would have no choice but to handle it. She didn’t want to lose him as a friend, but they had crossed the line. There was no going back. Better to face up to it. So why were her palms sweating and her heart racing?

Mira, put your big girl pants on and get in there and talk to him.

Taking a deep breath, Mira strolled into the café, hoping she looked way more confident than she felt. Tyler sat to the side, his back against the wall, typical operator. Had to always be able to see everyone around him, constantly scanning for threats. The muscular body she’d stroked and kissed was encased in a casual white shirt that complemented his tan. Christ, the man was too sexy for words. Smiling nervously, Mira walked over and sat down. Two drinks were in front of him.

“Hey.”

“Hey, babe. I got you a caramel latte. You like them, right?” His gorgeous mouth broke into a smile.

“Yes, thank you.”

They both sipped their drinks, avoiding the awkward silence.

“You look great.” Tyler looked at her appreciatively, making her instantly warm.

“Thanks. So that was a rough one, huh?”

“Not so much rough as frustrating. It didn’t need to end that way.”

“Those kids will get past it with help.” She’d read the reports. Tyler had been one of the team to shoot a bad guy right in front of the children.

“I hope so. Some things stay with kids forever.”

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