Page 86 of Playing with Fire

We ascend the steps to the porch before I pause. I want to avoid looking foolish in front of our friends because I can't explain why we're coming back together.

He steps up behind me and with one hand he circles around my hip while the other tilts my head back at an angle so that I can look over my shoulder at him. I observe his eyes yet fail to understand his emotions in this moment.

He's not showing me anything.

The moment his lips crushed mine I finally felt something. I placed my hand on his hip followed by a sweep of my other hand up his chest to finally encircle his neck while bringing him closer.

I want to twist my body to pull him toward me so that his face is right there for me to deliver a more intense kiss. But I don't get that.

He disconnects momentarily then kisses me with desperation for the final time before his hand releases my hip followed by his hand falling from my chin.

We remain silent as he steps into the room while our breaths fill the space between us. A tear escapes my eye when I blink. I clean away the tears and steady myself before re-entering the house.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

At eight I waved goodbye to the group then entered the vehicle. Before I went to sleep, I barely managed to rest because my mind kept replaying the events that happened.

I kept thinking about everything, the call and the hug, then the walk followed by the kiss and finally the tears. I repeatedly visualized the situation as if I was experiencing it multiple times over.

The experience becomes no longer bearable as time passes. The painful memory of him crying makes my emotions peak and my chest constrict. I make every effort to understand and desperately seek answers for everything that has happened.

Did something happen?

What's going on?

Who does he not want around?

That question stuck with me the hardest. He made it clear to Lily that his presence was unwanted. But who is he?

Based on eighteen years of witnessing his behavior as my neighbor I assume their relationship is unstable because I've never seen him act that way before.

We never discussed it and I don't foresee us doing so. He would not have to reveal all of the information if I asked him.

I shut the door before resting my head against the windowpane. I don't buckle up and I don't look at him. I am ableto see his legs but I deliberately avoid looking at him. I feel fear about doing it but I will re-experience my overnight actions.

I closed my eyes and turned my music player on to moderate volume to help me fall asleep. While I relaxed, three hours went by without my notice.

I could hear him moving beside me. For thirty minutes now he hasn't been able to maintain stillness. I finally glanced at him. Thankfully his eyes were closed but he seemed restless while searching for a comfortable position.

His body was enclosed within his blanket just as I was wrapped up. I moved my blanket closer but remained silent.

His continuous movement caused me to reach my limit when Elijah stopped for gas.

As El stepped out of the car I saw Kylie completely asleep. I pulled on his blanket while gesturing him to settle down on my lap.

Observing him battle with sleep was unbearable to me though we hadn't exchanged words or looks since last night I found myself unable to resist.

His gaze fixed on me while my heart pounded loudly in my chest. I questioned my decision to get his attention but felt relieved when he accepted my offer.

A sense of calm washed over me when his head settled against my lap. I let my fingers move through his hair right away when he began to settle. I felt the same way about what I was doing as I did last time. Especially after the night we both had.

I appreciated Elijah returning to the car without saying anything while he resumed driving.

"Do you want food?" "Would you like something to eat?" he whispered to me while his eyes scanned the mirror.

"Yeah," I answer.

Elijah tells Kylie about getting food after she comes out of sleep. Locating a restaurant exit takes time but we eventually find one.

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