Page 26 of Flawless Lyric

“I’ve been a few times and it makes me nauseous. You’ll need to find someone else to go sailing with.”

* * *

LYRIC

I’m beinga bitch and I know it. All I want to do is grab him by the shirt and slant my mouth over his, to feel those pouty, sensual lips pressed against mine again. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t text him and then delete it before hitting send. I’ve often wondered if he does the same. Just because I told him I needed some time doesn’t mean I don’t want him. I do. More than he’ll ever know.

Tapping his index finger against his lips, he says, “If sailing made you sick, then the captain didn’t know what the hell they were doing. Go sailing with me next weekend and let me prove it to you.”

Oh, wait. Let me check my calendar to see if I’m doing anything. What a joke. If I wasn’t afraid of running into Micah again, I’d hang out at the bar so I can chat with my friend, Mike. The bartender at the Red Eagle Tavern. Who am I kidding? Any bartender lets you rant and rave since they’re hoping you leave them a huge tip.

“Sorry, I’m busy. Maybe some other time.” Please let me go. If you don’t, I might not be strong enough to say no next time. I’m too weak-willed when he’s around, and the reason I didn’t want to drop off the jewelry today. But Lanie insisted. I should have known she wouldn’t let me leave that easily. I suspect his siblings are in on it. I just pray Ruth never finds out.

“No worries, Beauty. If you can’t make it this year, you can come with me next summer.” I’ll say one thing, he’s very confident. Why wouldn’t he be? Look at him. He knows I’ll eventually cave. A reminder I need to stay far, far away from the Monroe’s.

“I really need to get going or I’ll be late. Take care, Micah.” He doesn’t follow me when I make my escape. I focus on telling Ruth goodbye before I go.

“You’re leaving already?” Ruth pulls me in for a great big hug and I gladly return it. She’s one of the nicest women I’ve ever met.

“I’m meeting a friend for a few drinks while she’s in town. I’ll see you at the office on Monday. Have a great weekend.”

After I stop to say goodbye to everyone, I head into the kitchen and walk with a purpose straight to the front door. Before my hand makes contact with the handle, I’m lifted off of my feet. Micah has thrown me over his shoulder, and his hand is on my ass to steady me. If I wasn’t so afraid of getting caught, I’d scream.

“Today is your lucky day since you’ll get to see my old bedroom, Beauty.” It’s difficult to see upside down, but I squeal when I notice someone walking down the stairs towards us.

“Hell yes!” Lanie. “I fucking knew it. I just put Kinsley down for a nap, but this calls for a celebration.” Bending down, Lanie looks right at me. I’m so damn embarrassed. “You got yourself a keeper, Lyric. Micah’s a great guy. Oh, and your secret’s safe with me.” If this were a horror movie, some entity would open up the staircase and yank me down into the pits of hell.

After closing his door, Micah sets me down and presses my back against it. I sway in his arms and it’s not because I’m swooning over him. It might have something to do with being upside down which caused all the blood to rush to my head.

Before I have a chance to speak, his hand wraps around my nape and pulls me in. When his mouth claims mine, my knees grow weak. Instead of pushing him away, I grip his wrists and hang on for the ride. While his tongue teases and strokes mine into oblivion. How could I have forgotten what his kisses felt like? How slow and sensual they can be one minute, then turn into something so carnal and seductive the next.

“Micah. Lanie knows we’re in here.” It’s obvious he doesn’t give it a second thought when I feel his cock straining to break free. My damn body betrays me as my nipples harden and my panties grow damp. I can’t do this here. I can’t breathe.

Pushing him away with as much force as I can muster, he stumbles back. With his lust-filled stare, he looks so dark and dangerous that’s it’s frightening. A predator stalking his prey.

“Beauty…” One word, one simple, prosaic word that means everything to me because he chose it.

I pull back just enough to get a word in. “It’s only been a few weeks, Micah. I’m not strong enough to stay away from you if you keep kissing me.” His eyes remain full of lust. “Hear me out. I’m trying to find out who I am after twenty years of being Jeff’s wife and Novalee’s mom. I don’t know who Lyric is anymore and if she even exists inside of me anymore.” Damn, I don’t want to cry.

He moves closer but doesn’t touch me. “You don’t need to find her, because she’s right in here.” I gasp when he places his hand over my heart. “She’s forgiving, compassionate, and kind. And she’s loyal and far more patient than I’ll ever be. She might be a little lost right now, but it’s because she was so selfless that she set her needs aside to take care of her family.” Okay, now I’m crying again. Micah must be tired of my waterworks.

When he wraps his arms around me, I hug him right back. Silently thanking him for being so kind and for his words of wisdom. Lyric’s still inside of me, she’s just been silent for so long that she needs to find her voice again. For now, I’m going to find solace in this man’s arms and worry about the rest tomorrow. Lanie’s right. He’s a good man. And someday he’s going to make someone a wonderful husband.

“I really need to leave, Micah. I’m meeting a friend for drinks and I’m already late.” Swiping his thumbs underneath my eyes to erase all of my tears, he kisses my forehead and lets me go.

“After seeing you here today, it was impossible for me not to kiss you. When it comes to you, I have no willpower. I won’t apologize for how I feel about you. Enjoy your day, Beauty.” With that he walks out the door and leaves me standing there.

Instead of leaving, I stand in the middle of the room and take in Micah’s childhood room. His king-sized bed takes up most of the space. It’s absolutely gorgeous with a matching dresser against the far wall. With photos of all shapes and sizes which are neatly placed atop. Curiosity gets the better of me, so I head over to take a peek.

I’m looking into a young boy’s eyes as he poses for his baseball picture. A toothy grin smiles back at me. I can’t help wondering if he wanted to be a musician back then or a Major League baseball player.

In the next picture, everyone’s wearing matching Christmas pajamas and sitting in front of a tree. My heart melts at the thought of all the Monroes, young and old, being good sports and dressing to match. It just solidifies the fact that they’re a fun-loving family.

I startle when I hear someone walking down the hallway. This is crazy, I should have left ten minutes ago. Tiptoeing, I open the door and glance left and right. Now’s my chance to escape before I get caught.

Racing down the stairs, I hold my breath until I’m safely outside. If someone were to see me hurrying across the street, they’d think I stole the family jewels. After starting the car, I glance at the time. Donna’s going to kill me for being so damn late. I really did have plans with her and now I feel terrible that I got sidetracked.

After grabbing my phone, I notice a few missed calls. Punching in my code for voicemail, I listen. “Now I’m worried since you were a no-show. My flight was earlier than I thought so I’ll be boarding my plane in an hour. Text me when you get this so I know you’re okay. Catch you next time, love.”

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