Page 10 of No Going Back

Even as she said it, she knew they couldn’t. She couldn’t. Her feelings for Tyler were intensifying. However much she tried to convince herself it was just a casual bit of fun.

“I don’t think we can, babe. You’re becoming a big distraction for me.” He raised one of her hands to his lips and kissed it gently, sending a thrill all the way to her core.

“Where does that leave us?” She tried her best to keep her voice steady.

“I think we both know where it leaves us.”

Shit, he was ending it and he was right. They were so damn good together, but a sexting relationship couldn’t go on forever. And they’d both agreed to the rules and he wasn’t asking her to consider anything more.

“I’ve really enjoyed tonight. Perhaps we can still do this?” she said hopefully. The thought of not spending time with him, talking, or texting made her gut clench.

“Friends?” The resigned way he said the word struck her.

“Yeah, friends.” Why the hell did it feel like her heart was shattering?

“Can friends still go to dinner, call, chat, text?” He smiled weakly. Yeah, he was not thrilled with the idea of just friends, either.

“Yes, friends can do all that.”

But no more sexting. Neither of them said it, but they both knew it. Ask me for more, Tyler. Ask me! Make me change my mind.

Tyler squeezed her hand and his beautiful blue eyes never wavered from hers.

“Promise me things won’t be awkward between us. I couldn’t bear it.”

Damn, why had this gotten so...complex?

Because you’re starting to have feelings for him.

She pushed the thought from her mind. Not going to happen.

She shook her head, a lump forming in her throat. God, this was ridiculous, they were never a couple.

“I promise,” she whispered.

Tyler signaled for the check and insisted on paying the bill before walking her to her car.

“I guess I’ll talk to you soon,” he said, opening the car door for her.

“Yes. Thank you for dinner. I had a really nice time.”

“Me, too.” He leaned toward her and kissed her cheek gently.

Impulsively, she placed a hand on his cheek. Their previous kiss flooded back to her. The way he had devoured her mouth. Owning it. Commanding it. Those same lips were mere inches from hers. He tensed, but he didn’t move. Her brain screamed this wasn’t a good idea, but she needed one last kiss. She craved it. Making the move, she brushed her lips over his. He stilled.

She closed her eyes and did it again. This time, he growled before he cupped her face and took over. Slipping her arms around his neck, she sighed as his tongue plunged into her mouth, exploring, taking, tasting. Demanding.

She kissed him back with equal force. He lowered his arms and pulled her against him. The heat of his body shot desire straight to her core. Just as she thought about dragging him into her car, he broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers. They were both breathing heavily and her heart raced. Finally, Tyler released her and stepped back. His blue eyes met hers.

“Drive safe, Mira.”

He walked to his jeep and climbed in without looking back. As he drove out of the parking lot, he turned to her with a small smile and waved. Then he disappeared out of sight.

Mira stared after him, with an overwhelming feeling of disappointment at what might have been.

Almost on autopilot, she got in her car and started the engine. It took her just ten minutes to get home, but she barely remembered driving there. Just as she closed her front door, her phone pinged.

Tyler: Miss you already. Xxx

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