Page 61 of Home for Justice
After drying her hair with a round brush, she let it tumble into loose waves that framed her face. Pulling on a simple long-sleeved T-shirt and her favorite jeans, she slipped her feet into ballet flats. Comfortable. But as she stared at herself now, nerves coiled tight inside her chest.
She hadn’t lied to Tyler earlier that day. She did want him. And hearing him admit the same had sent a thrill through her that hadn’t left since. But now, with the moment so close, doubt began to creep in, winding through her mind like a slow-moving fog.
What if the fireworks I think are there don’t go off? What if they do for me but not for him?
The thought made her stomach knot.What if we have a quick fling... and it ends awkwardly?
It wouldn’t be the first time she mistook something temporary for something lasting, but it would be the first time the man lived just a meadow away from her front door.
She dropped her gaze to her shoes and let out a long breath, heavy with the weight of uncertainty. Tyler wasn’t just a new flame. He had already woven himself into her life and into her father’s life. Jack liked him, enjoyed having him over for dinner, and trusted him.Am I about to risk a friendship, a neighbor, and a comfort I didn’t even realize I needed... for something that might not last?
Her phone buzzed, cutting through her spiraling thoughts. She pivoted quickly, walking into her bedroom where her phone lit up with a name that sent her heart flipping—Tyler. Without hesitation, she answered. “Hey.”
“Are you still coming over?”
His voice was low, and she could hear the tension threading through it. Surprised, she gave a small laugh. “Absolutely, yes. Why?”
“I just thought you’d be here by now,” he admitted, the vulnerability in his voice smoothing some of her raw nerves.
She teased lightly, “Are you waiting nervously for me?”
A soft chuckle on the other end, then the honesty that melted her. “Yeah. Honestly? Yeah, I am. But you’re worth the wait.”
Her breath caught, her heart squeezing at the simple, beautiful truth of his words. Gone was the fog of doubt. In its place, warmth bloomed. “I’m on my way,” she promised, her voice soft but sure. After disconnecting, she grabbed her jacket and purse, slipping her phone inside. She had already told her dad she was going over to Tyler’s.
Jack had lifted a brow, his grin knowing. “You ready for your date?”
Blushing fiercely, she had shaken her head. “Dad, please. We’re just spending some time together.”
He’d stepped closer, his strong hands landing gently on her shoulders. “Sweetheart, you’re a grown woman who’s been on plenty of dates. I get that it feels different because Tyler’s next door. But I like him. He’s been a good friend to both of us. And I trust your judgment. So go have fun.”
Emotion swelled in her chest at her dad’s easy acceptance, his belief in her. Still, instinct tugged at her. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”
“Sweetheart, I’m heading up to bed now. I’ll see you in the morning.” Jack bent and pressed a kiss to her cheek, a gesture so simple yet grounding. Justice watched him move carefully up the stairs, the familiar ache of love and gratitude blooming in her chest. Her mother had been her best friend, and when she died, Justice felt the loss with every fiber in her being. So had her dad. And the two of them forged an even closer bond through their shared grief and journey to find a new balance in their lives.
Sucking in a deep breath, she let it out slowly, steadying herself. She double-checked the house alarm, then slipped outside, shivering slightly as the cool night air kissed her skin. She still marveled at how quickly Tyler and the others had secured her home and shop. A tangible reminder that she wasn’t facing things alone anymore.
Even though Tyler’s house was just a short walk away, she chose to drive. Just in case Dad called, she reasoned.I don’t want to be stumbling through the dark if he needs me.Pulling into Tyler’s driveway, she turned off the engine and hesitated for just a heartbeat, nerves fluttering wildly. Before she could talk herself into spiraling again, the front door opened.
And there he was. Tyler stood in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame, bathed in the soft glow of the porch light. Tall. Solid. Steady. Every thought she’d had about himfrom the way he had quietly become part of her days, her evenings, and her heart rushed up and tangled inside her.
He started down the steps, and she jumped, realizing she had been staring. Probably gawking. God, he probably thinks I’m a nutter. Flustered, she shoved her door open and stepped out, her heart hammering as she walked toward him.
“I was afraid you weren’t going to come in,” he teased lightly, laughter dancing in his voice.
They met at the bottom of the steps, and without hesitation, his arms swept around her, pulling her in close. The contact felt natural, like it had always been meant to happen. She melted against him, her cheek finding his chest, his chin settling on the top of her head like a missing puzzle piece snapping into place.
“I’m nervous,” she whispered into the fabric of his shirt, her muffled voice raw with honesty.
“I am, too,” he admitted, his voice low and rumbling against her ear.
The confession surprised her, and she pulled back just enough to look up at him. She had expected him to brush off her nerves with a teasing smile or a cocky reassurance. Instead, he met her vulnerability with his own. The admission soothed something deep inside her, easing the tangled knots that had wound tight.
“Hearing you say that,” she said softly, “makes me less nervous.”
He grinned and shifted, keeping his arm draped around her shoulders as he guided her up the porch steps. Side by side, they crossed into the house. Inside, he slid her jacket from her shoulders with a tenderness that had her pulse quickening for a whole different reason. He tossed it over the back of the couch without a second thought.
Without a word, she kicked off her shoes, curling her toes against the warm wood floor, feeling grounded.
