Page 95 of The Light We Lost

Indy—Now

“Idon’t see what the big deal is. You used to climb in and out of my window all the time.”

Nolan let out a chuckle behind me, his arm wrapped around my waist as we lay in bed. Soft gleams of morning light peeked through the window, slowly brightening my childhood bedroom. “Why would I do that when there’s a perfectly good door right there?” He skimmed his nose along the curve of my neck, leaving a kiss. “I only did that before because I was afraid your dad would skin me alive if he caught me sneaking out of your room. I don’t have to worry about that now.”

I smiled into my pillow, running my fingers through Genny’s fur where she was curled up against me. We hadn’t planned on spending the night here. We’d only come after my allergic reaction for me to grab a few more of my belongings. But before I knew it, the sun was up and I was bundled in Nolan’s arms.

I feigned a sigh. “Guess I won’t eat breakfast then.”

“I never said I wouldn’t make breakfast.” He left a teasing bite on my shoulder. “I’ll walk downstairs and make you breakfast right now. But I’m not climbing through that window.”

“Boring.”

“I don’t have to put on clothes if I stay inside. You can stare at my ass the entire time I make you waffles.”

“Hmm . . .” I hummed, pretending to think it over. “Or you could climb out my window naked, walk through the front door, and then make me waffles.”

He grabbed my side, and I laughed as he flipped onto me, desire in his eyes. But even without clothes, and his heart pounding as fast as mine, he softly said, “I don’t think we’ve ever made breakfast together before.”

He had to be wrong. Out of all the years we’d spent together, there had to be at least one time we’d made breakfast together. But the more I thought about it, I realized he was right. We wouldn’t have had the chance in high school, and when we were married, it seemed like we were always rushing, too busy to sit down and have a lazy morning together.

“It’s not too late,” I said, giggling when Nolan all but yanked me out of bed. He’d been playful all morning, and while I wanted to be around him no matter his mood, I was relieved to see that whatever hung over him yesterday had diminished.

I slipped into Nolan’s shirt, and despite my teasing protests, he pulled on a pair of shorts. But I should’ve been grateful, as we’d barely made it down the stairs when the front door opened and my parents walked inside.

I froze, stomach dropping as my parents’ eyes registered us with surprise. It was silent, and I scrambled for how I might sayHi, Mom and Dad. Sorry your welcome home present was finding me half naked with my high school boyfriend in your housewithout actually saying it.

Before I could even try, Dad said, “Well, I can’t say I’m really surprised.” He said it with a grin, and from the way he eyed Nolan and me holding hands, I thought he might not be bothered at all.

“Uh . . . good morning.” I let out a breathless laugh, deciding it was useless to pretend this was anything else but what it was. “I thought you weren’t coming home until next week?”

Mom snorted. “Clearly.”

Dad shot her a glance, seeming to hesitate with his words. “The marines gave Leo leave early. We figured we’d let him and Auburn enjoy their time together, so we came home sooner than expected.”

I nodded, grateful my sister’s husband was home early, even if I had to face my parents’ disappointment. I would’ve been annoyed with Auburn for not giving me a heads-up they were coming home if I hadn’t missed her call last night and this morning—I’d bet she’d called to warn me. Besides, Nolan and I were adults; there was nothing to be ashamed about. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t embarrassed. I hadn’t wanted them to find out like this.

“So, Nolan and I—”

“Indy, can I have a word?” Mom tilted her head toward the living room. “Now?”

I clenched Nolan’s hand, staying where I was. I wasn’t afraid of her—she loved me. But I wasn’t sure I was ready for what she might say. Especially when I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong.

“I’ll be outside getting our things unloaded,” Dad said, pointing behind him. “Indy, don’t leave without saying goodbye. You too, Nolan.”

He walked out the door, and I blew out a breath, preparing to follow Mom. I loosened my hold on Nolan’s hand, expecting him to head home, but his fingers latched onto mine, not letting go.

“So, are you going to try and tell me you two aren’t running around together again?” Mom asked as we walked into the living room, her gaze on our hands.

I could taste a retort on my tongue, but I shoved it down. “We didn’t mean to spend the night.” She was probably upset because she thought I’d used her house to sneak around with him. “I’ve been staying at his place. He brought me here last night after I had an allergic reaction, and we spent the night. I’m sorry about that. I should’ve run it by you—”

“You’re doing the peaches thing again?” Her tone was easy, but I felt her disappointment all the same. “This is exactly what I’m talking about. You get here, and you stop thinking. You do reckless things—”

Before I could tell her it was an accident, Nolan cut in, “You’re allowed to be frustrated, Mrs. Tyler. I’m sure this was a surprise, and I’m sorry you found outthis way. But that doesn’t make it okay for you to disrespect Indy. And as far as my opinion goes, she’s the least reckless person I know.”

“I think it might be best if you head home, Nolan.” She gave him a polite smile, but I assumed by the way her hands fidgeted she was struggling to remain composed. “I’d like a moment alone with my daughter.”

“With all due respect,” he said, “I think I should stay.”

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