Page 68 of Embers in Our Souls
“Hunter is a fireman! He saved me.” Noah smiles wide, then takes a bite of his pizza.
“Butt on the chair, little man,” I whisper to Noah.
“Is that right?” Zach says.
“Yep. Noah here was the bravest of them all.” Tyler winks in Noah’s direction.
“Oh, I don’t doubt it. This kid is super talented. He’s one of our best in tee-ball. Right, Chase?” Zach turns to his son and they both nod.
With that comment, Tyler looks at me and I can see the irritation in his expression. He waits a few beats before looking over to acknowledge Zach.
“I believe it. Noah is the very best.” Then I see those stormy-blue eyes look over at me. “Indy, you have a second that I could chat with you?” Tyler asks me.
I look at Noah, then at Zach. “Would you give me a minute?”
Zach regards Tyler, then nods. He’s clearly trying to read between the lines. I can feel Zach’s gaze on me the entire time I walk out of the restaurant with Tyler.
The second we’re outside, Tyler inches closer to me, but he doesn’t touch me. We step to the left of the front doors, so Zach and the kids can’t see us from this vantage point.
“The minute you’re rid of me, you’re already in someone else’s arms?” He turns me around, walking me backward toward the wall until my back meets the brick building.
“It’s not like that, Tyler. He’s just his coach,” I tell him. Not that it’s any of his business.
“So, his ‘fuck me’ eyes mean nothing?” Tyler says. While he’s so close, I hate how my body lights up by his mere proximity.
“That’s not how he’s looking at me.” I can’t think straight when his body is near me.
“Bullshit, Indy. He’s looking at you like he wants to devour you,” he states matter-of-factly.
“How would you know?” I whisper.
“Because it’s how I look at you.” He slides his tongue along his bottom lip. “It’s been days—why haven’t you served me with papers yet?”
“I haven’t had time to speak to my attorney,” I tell him, my eyes looking everywhere but directly into his eyes. I can’t let myself get cast in his spell.
“The fuck you haven’t,” he throws back. He grabs my chin. He’s not being aggressive. He knows I love this side of him; thisassertive side where he takes charge. He brings my eyes back to meet his. “I’ll ask you again—why haven’t I seen those fucking divorce papers, Indy?”
I stare at him, unable to give him an answer, my voice lost in whatever trance we’re in.
“You want me to give you my theory?” He cages me in, his muscular forearms right next to my face on either side. When did veins become attractive?
I hold in my moan, wishing he’d put me out of my misery and bring his lips to mine, because I can’t stand the distance anymore.
“I think you’re fighting this. I think you know we belong together. But you’re scared. You’re scared of what will happen if you choose wrong. But you know what? Nothing about us is wrong.
“Everything about us is right. It’s explosive. But you keep fighting against it. Not sure how long you’re going to push upstream, but once you’re ready to go all in, let me know.”
Then he leans in and, I swear, his lips are going to slam into mine. I know I don’t have the power to resist anymore. I tip my chin, leaning into him, but he doesn’t fucking kiss me. I wait and nothing happens, until he finally moves his lips just over my skin and allows his breath to skate along my neck. My traitorous body erupts in goosebumps.
I open my eyes when he pulls away, and from the smirk on his face, he knows he won.
He stares at me for an extra beat then stalks into the restaurant. A minute later he walks out with a few boxes of pizza. He glances my way, checking me out one last time. Before climbing into his truck, he winks at me and my pussy convulses because it’s a fucking traitor.If only he knew the real reason why I can’t truly let go of this marriage.
I watch him drive off until the lights fade away. I’m hopeful that I don’t look flushed after that little episode.
I saunter in, and I see the remainder of the food is boxed up.
“You okay?” Zach asks, his eyes full of concern.
