Page 72 of There's No Us Without You
His soft, slow breathing told me he was still out cold, so I snuck a peek at him, his face so relaxed without that constant scowl. I didn’t dare touch him, no matter how much I wanted to run a finger over his lips. I’d have stayed longer to watch him, but I was busting to pee, while also bleeding to death, so I peeled myself from his warmth and crept out of the room.
By the time I crept back in, he was gone.
When there’s no response from Emerson, I place my phone back on the bench and throw all the dirty bowls, spatulas, and spoons into the sink. We have a dishwasher, but I need to do something with my hands right now, and washing up the manual way is the perfect distraction.
Just as I’m placing the last item on the drying rack, a knock at the door has me wiping my soapy hands on my light-blue apron and skipping out of the kitchen like a child.
What if Emerson was lying when he said he was two hours away? It might behimsurprisingme.
I brush the hair from my sweaty forehead and swing the door open, my heart racing.
My eyes widen as I take in the man standing before me.
It’s not Emerson.
Jesus. Who the hell is this one?
A smirk crosses his gorgeous face, then he drags his oddly familiar dark-blue gaze down my chocolate-covered front. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” he says, crossing his arms and leaning on the outside of the doorframe.
Words, Eden.
Bloody hell, why am I so nervous? I’ve been living with two ridiculously beautiful men for the last couple of weeks, yet here I am fumbling over this one. You’d think good-looking men wouldn’t affect me so strongly anymore, but who am I kidding? My entire body fights for survival every time I’m in the same breathing space as Will or Emerson. And don’t even get me started on what it’s like to sleep next to them.
I clear my throat and hold out my hand. “I’m Eden.”
For a moment, he stands there staring at my outstretched hand. But then he takes it in his, and I let out a little sigh. “Tyler,” he says, before clearing his throat. “Will’s brother.” He looks over my shoulder as he says the last words.
“Oh, I didn’t even know Will had a brother.” I’d smack myself in the forehead right now for the word vomit, but I’m not willing to risk embarrassing myself any more than I already have.
Will has never once mentioned he has a brother. Although he has mentioned the nameTyler. How was I supposed to know he was referring to his brother? I just assumed he was an only child. Will never talks about anything even remotely personal.
“The one and only,” he says, shoving a hand through his messy, dark-blond hair.
He’s a little taller than Will, and on the leaner side—more like Emerson—but just as handsome in his own right.
“I’m sorry. It’s just... Will has never mentioned you.”
Oh my god. Stop. Talking.
Tyler rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, there’s not much to brag about, unfortunately.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean—” I press my lips together to stop my mouth from continuing to insult him.
Tyler shrugs, before nodding to our still-linked hands. “Are you going to invite me in, or are we just going to hold hands for the next hour?”
Crap.
I yank my hand from his with a little too much force, just as a strong gust of wind smacks me in the chest and sends me stumbling backwards.
Tyler grabs hold of my apron, pulling me back towards him as he laughs. “Sorry.” He wipes his hands on my apron. “But if that wasn’t the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, I don’t know what is.”
When my face heats to a thousand degrees, Tyler clamps his mouth shut and pretends to zip up his lips. Then he shoves his hands into the pockets of his cargo shorts and rocks back on the heels of his black trainers.
“All good,” I say, my hands now twisted in front of me.
Could I embarrass myself any further? Stupid question—I know I could.
Tyler lifts his chin, motioning to the kitchen. “Something smells delicious.”
