Page 24 of Flawless Lyric

Wrapping his arm around me, he pulls me so close I feel his breath against my parted lips. This is my chance to push him away but I’m not strong enough when he’s this close. Damn this man gets me all up in the feels.

“Tell me, Beauty. Am I good for just a quick fuck but not a relationship?”

I stand so quickly, his hand slips. Then I rush to the door and yank it open just as his hand slams it closed again. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and face the man who just contradicted himself.

“If you respected me, you would have never referred to me as a quick fuck. You’re right, Micah. I should have texted you instead of coming here thinking you’d understand. Goodbye.”

This time when I open the door, he doesn’t stop me. I’m shaking so badly that I can’t dig the keys out of my purse. As soon as I sit behind the wheel, he slides into the passenger seat. If daggers could kill, he’d be dead.

“Get out! I don’t need a backhanded apology. Do not make this any more awkward than it already is.” Damn him, I’m close to tears again and I just want to leave.

“I apologize, and that’s straight from my heart. It’s not backhanded. I’m being selfish and only thinking of myself when clearly you have Novalee and Jeff to consider. And how us being together affects them both. I’ve known you for less than a week, but when you know you know. I understand that you’re not there yet. It’s frustrating, but I’ll give you more time.”

That’s just the tip of the iceberg since age is also a factor. Maybe not for him but for me. Oh my god. Is he right? I’m more than willing to have sex with him but not a relationship. Does that make me a hypocrite? I inwardly groan because it does. One hundred percent.

I’m staring straight ahead when I decide to speak my mind. “Years after Novalee was born, I had two miscarriages. Jeff wanted us to try again, but emotionally I wasn’t strong enough. So I had a tubal ligation. Our marriage was never the same after that. I’m only telling you this because if you want children, I’m not the woman for you.” I glance over to see his reaction and it’s not pity. Thank God.

Grabbing my hand, he says, “I can’t even begin to imagine what you went through. I’m so sorry for your loss, Lyric.” Gah, I can’t hold back the tears because my ex couldn’t even comfort me. He was too busy blaming me. “Thank you for trusting me with that part of your life. I know that must have been very difficult to share. I’ve often thought about having children, and the truth is, in my profession, I decided against it. My hats off to all the rockstar dads and moms out there. Kudos to them. I have enough nieces and nephews to spread the love. I’m good, Beauty.” He swipes his thumbs across my cheeks, capturing all of my tears.

“I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with someone I never thought I’d see again. Yet here we are sitting in my car having a heart to heart.”

“It’s my turn to share something with you,” he adds. “The night we met, I felt this indescribable force fusing us together. An attraction that went way beyond the gorgeous woman you are. A bond so strong that if we’d met ten years from now it would still be present. That’s the only reason I let you walk out that door. It was inevitable that we’d meet again. I just didn’t know it would be so soon.”

This isn’t normal, but I feel it too. When I left him that night, I felt an ache in my chest that I couldn’t explain. I assumed it was because I just had sex with a stranger and felt guilty. Was it because of this bond he claims we have? No way. That’s absurd. That instant connection doesn’t exist. It takes years to nurture, not mere hours.

“How’s that possible, Micah? To feel this kind of connection with someone you just met?” I just can’t wrap my head around it.

“It’s more about the law of attraction and the synchronicity of what’s happening around you that causes souls like us to meet. I’ll send you a link to an article I found fascinating. They break it all down so it makes a lot of sense. You can read it when you have the time.”

My head’s spinning when he pulls out his phone and sends the link. I’ll make sure to read it when I get home but I’m not sure if I’ll be as convinced as he is.

“Thanks, I should get going. Today’s been very nerve-wracking and I’m worn out. I’m looking forward to my weekend off.” A subtle hint that I need some time alone to process everything. Isn’t that the reason I came here today?

“I’ll let you go, Beauty. Enjoy your weekend. If you ever need me, I’m always here for you.” Leaning over, he brushes his lips against mine. There’s that damn ache in my chest again. I’m frozen in place as I watch him step onto the porch. Right before he opens the door, he turns and waves goodbye.

Then he’s gone. Yet I’m still here. Move, Lyric. Move.

After starting the car, I pull out of his driveway and head straight home. I’m not sure if Novalee will be there or if she’s at Gracie’s. I doubt she’ll be at Jeff’s since we agreed that she’s not to drive to Cali by herself. If she does, we freeze all of her assets and she’s on her own. We both know she can’t afford it, and with her packed schedule, there are not enough hours in the day for her to find a job.

Even though our meeting was uncomfortable, I was truly surprised Jeff and I were able to have a civil conversation. Moving forward, I’m hopeful that it continues, and we can be on the same page where Novalee is concerned. We’re adults and should be able to set our differences aside to co-parent.

Throwing my keys on the kitchen counter, I walk down the hallway and freeze by Novalee’s door. There’s not one piece of clothing hanging inside her closet. In fact, the only thing left in her room at all is the furniture.

10

MICAH

It’s beena few weeks since Lyric stopped by my house. As difficult as it’s been, I’m giving her the time and space she requested. I wonder if she read the article that I sent her that day. If she did, I’m sure it’s giving her something to think about… or perhaps she thinks it’s a bunch of bullshit. Doesn’t matter. I meant what I said. If it’s our time she’ll find her way back to me. If not, we’ll meet again sometime in the future. Either way, we will be together.

Of course I’ve managed to sneak a few updates about her from Mom. No, I didn’t pry the information out of her; she willingly told me since she’s concerned about Lyric. Apparently, Novalee moved out of her house and in with her friend Gracie. It had to do with her not being able to drive to Stanford from what I gathered. Lyric and Jeff put their foot down and that started the riff. I genuinely feel bad for Beauty because Novalee is a spoiled brat. Per mom. Anyway, she’s at school now. As far as I’m concerned, out of sight out of mind. What Lyric doesn’t know can’t hurt her.

Now I’m on my way to the family’s for the big pig roast. Okay, you caught me. I did ask if Lyric was going to be there, but Mom said she couldn’t make it this time around. No big surprise since I knew she wouldn’t. If I’m there, she won’t be. I’m actually good with that since just one look at that beautiful woman is too tempting. She’d be back in my bed and she’s not ready yet.

In case you’re wondering, this is the only summer event my family caters. No way my parents are digging a hole and sticking a hairy animal in there for the grandkids to see. Sorry if that’s what you thought. Everything comes catered so there won’t be any pig on a platter unless it’s trimmed and ready to eat. The only items on the menu my family makes are the desserts. Which is fine by me since cannoli will be on the table. My absolute favorite.

Since the caterers need the main driveway, we all park across the street in an empty lot. By the looks of it, when I pull in my siblings are already here. What can I say? Free food and drinks are right up their alley. I’m not complaining, but then again I’m not here twenty-four seven like the girls. Oh, in case you were wondering, yes, I’m cleanshaven because that’s what pleases my mom. She’ll always be my favorite girl.

Dad sees me striding in and flags me down. “Hey, son, right on time. Can you grab the folding chairs and bring them out back for me?”

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