Page 43 of Embers in Our Souls
“What decision is that?” I ask him, knowing full well I’m falling for this trap he’s set up.
“Between me being your ex-husband or your husband.” Then he crooks his finger for me to come closer and I abide to his request. Once I’m seated on the bed, only inches away from him, he continues, “If it’s the latter, just know, I won’t play this game anymore with you. You’re one hundred percent my wife. No more walking around my feelings.”
“Walking around your feelings?” I ask just above a whisper.
He catches his thumb over my chin and locks his eyes on mine. “That was my mistake last time. I was a coward. I’ll tell you everything. And yes, no more half-truths anymore. I’d give you everything this time around. Every fucking piece of my heart would be yours, Indy.”
CHAPTER 22
Fire Hunters
CHAPTER 23
Indiana
7 YEARS AGO
November 27, 2018
Dear secretly-loves-steamy-books Tyler,
How are you? How was your Thanksgiving? It’s been a while since our last letter and I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to respond. Work has been so busy now that I work full-time at my grandfather’s company.
Did I tell you I’m a copy editor at the company now? I got promoted from my editorial assistant position. I’m really liking the change. It’s been challenging for me and I’m enjoying the team I’m surrounded by. I’ve learned a lot in this new position. It has kept me busy, which has meant me coming home and crashing the moment my head hits the pillow.
I thought things would be weird once I went from interning here in the summers to working as a paidemployee because I’m the boss’s granddaughter, but everyone has been welcoming since I graduated.
I told my grandfather I’m not looking for any handouts. I’m here to truly be an asset to the company and learn how to be a valuable addition. We have weekly dinners together, which I love more than anything. I’ve learned to keep the business and family matters separated, something that has been a key component if we want to see this relationship survive moving forward.
He’s never understood why my mother kept my adoption a secret all those years, so he sees why I’d be angry with my parents. He doesn’t push me to have a relationship with them, and it’s something I really appreciate. After losing my grandmother years ago, I think he put everything he’s had into his company. Now that I’m here in Chicago, he can have something else to focus on and I’m glad I can be here as well. I can see I get my work ethic from him. And my love of books stems from him as well.
I’ve gotten to read a lot of new authors, hence this one I’ve included in the package I’m sending you. She’s an up-and-coming one that we’ve started working with and I thought you’d appreciate her work. This is a slow burn romance, but once the spice hits, it’s hot. Don’t worry, I’ve highlighted the good stuff. I’ve also included a goodpsychological thriller too. The candy of choice this time around are Hot Tamales and gummy bears. I hope you enjoy them.
Enough about me. I bet things are busy on your end. Anything new you can tell me about? How’s Georgie? With the amount you mention him in your letters, I feel like I know him at this rate.
I’m glad you brought up visiting in your last letter, because it’s been on my mind too. I have to admit, I didn’t know how to address it and when you said something in the letter, I felt relieved you mentioned it. It’s comforting to know we are on the same page about you visiting. I’d really love to see you whenever you find the time.
I feel like I’m rambling. Why do I feel like I have butterflies as I write this? I don’t know if you remember when I offered for you to stay here if you find yourself in Chicago. That offer still stands. I mean, I understand if that’s not something you’re interested in doing anymore, but if you’re waiting for an invitation from me, know that my door is open. I’d love to have you here. If you can still manage some time away, would you still like to see me?
If you plan to visit in the winter, just prepare yourself because it’s cold. I thought I knew what coldfelt like, but no matter how much I prepare for the winter months, I seem to forget and my layers ill-prepare me each time I go outside. I swear, the jackets feel paper thin. But hey, maybe we can keep each other warm while you visit.
Oh my gosh. I need to stop the direction of this letter—maybe the dirty books are getting to me.
Talking about this makes me so nervous and I have no idea why. I mean, we’ve been exchanging letters for years—this shouldn’t be so hard for me to bring up, yet the butterflies are doubling as I continue to write.
Do you ever think about the times we used to meet up at the Dam before my parents ruined everything? I still think about that first day often. I couldn’t believe it when I saw you there. The school’s rebel just sitting there gazing out at the Dam like it could solve all his problems. Resident bad boy liked to sit around and contemplate life out in the calm? Wasn’t what I expected, I’ll tell you that.
I’ll admit I’d had a little crush on you before I met you, but after that day I was a goner. I couldn’t believe you were talking to me of all people. It crushed me when I couldn’t talk to you anymore. As soon as I was mad at my parents after graduation you were the only person I wanted to talk to. I didn’t care what theythought of me anymore and I needed you; my closest friend. Because that’s always how I saw you. You saved me that day, and many days before then.
I better wrap this up before I make a bigger fool of myself.
Stay safe out there.
XO-
Needing to see you too,
Indy
