Page 38 of No Going Back

“Why didn’t you?”

Tyler’s thumb stroked her cheek, making her warm.

“I was scared. That’s why I acted as I did. I put my walls up. I’ve gotten pretty good at that over the years.”

“Scared of what?”

“Of what you’d think of me. This is the side of me I keep hidden. The one nobody sees. It’s not really the look of a special operator.”

Mira frowned and shook her head. How could this tough warrior be scared of her? His thumb was still stroking her cheek. God she must be crazy, but she needed to comfort him. Taking hold of the hand on her cheek she tugged him back away from the door.

“Mira?”

“I don’t like the idea of you going home in this state. Stay and have a coffee.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s just coffee, Tyler, and yes, I’m sure.”

Mira went into the kitchen and got busy making the coffee. Tyler leaned against the breakfast bar, watching her.

“I don’t deserve this, Mira. I don’t deserve you.”

“I know.” She winked at him to lighten the mood a little.

He chuckled.

“Why don’t you go find something to watch on TV. I’ll bring the drinks in.”

He headed back to the couch and flicked on the TV. OK, it probably wasn’t the best idea inviting him to stay for coffee. But he was suffering and her feelings for him hadn’t just disappeared during the day. Dammit, he looked good on her couch. She could get used to seeing him there.

A few minutes later, Mira joined him, handing him his coffee.

“This movie is just starting. Not sure what it’s about.”

“I guess we’ll find out.”

She settled back against the cushion, their shoulders touching. They started watching the movie, but her mind wandered, the hunk of a man beside her a constant distraction. Everyone had their history, had been hurt, disappointed. But whatever had happened to him must have been far worse. Her position at work meant she could probably do some digging and maybe find out. Photos, social media, school records. It would be easy enough. She dismissed that thought straight away. That would be an invasion of his privacy. If he wanted her to know, he would tell her himself, if and when he was ready.

At some point during the movie, she must have dozed off. When she woke, the credits were rolling and she could feel Tyler’s hand gently playing with her hair, her head on his shoulder. She raised her head and turned to face him, their faces just inches apart.

“Sorry, how was the movie?”

Tyler smiled. “Trust me, you didn’t miss much.”

“Great company I am.”

“You’re always great company, awake or asleep.” He kissed her forehead. “I should go.”

“Yeah, I guess it’s late.”

Neither of them moved. His hand continued playing with her hair. She sighed and closed her eyes. It felt so right being here with him.

His lips brushed hers and she hitched her breath.

“Thank you for tonight. For listening, for understanding.”

Opening her eyes, she looked at him, shocked by what she saw. Regret? So different from the passion she’d seen just a couple of nights ago. Kissing him gently, she rested her forehead against his. His finger moved under her chin, lifting her face up. She bit her lip, holding her breath. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, then kissed it again, trailing light kisses down to her mouth. She groaned, turning her face so their lips met. He covered her mouth and his tongue immediately sought hers. His hand in her hair tightened and his other hand caressed her neck as he made love to her mouth. Mira met every stroke, kissing him back as her hands gripped the front of his t-shirt.

---