Page 56 of Between the Flames

CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO

Isat in front of Elle’s house for almost three hours, like a goddamn stalker. The elderly woman who lived in the house in front of hers peered through the window countless times, doing her best to keep herself hidden from view. I’m surprised she didn’t call the cops on me for loitering, or maybe she did, who knows.

I gave up and left once the streetlights came on and I realized she probably wasn’t coming back any time soon. Pacing my empty condo, I thought about my next move and plan to get her back. Showing up at her house to talk hadn’t worked, and my calls and texts still went unanswered. I was growing impatient, the insatiable need to see her—to touch her, growing more fiercely by the day.

This woman was going to be my undoing, and I needed to figure out a way to earn her forgiveness.

Now.

The ping from within my pocket stopped me in my tracks, and my heart did some fluttering shit as I reached for my phone. I growled, seeing Lily’s name instead of Elle’s.

LILY: Your son wants to talk to you. Is now a good time to call?

I rubbed the top of my head, clicking the call button to connect us.

“Hey, Dad!” Jordan said excitedly, answering on the first ring.

“Hey buddy, how are you? Mom said you wanted to talk to me.”

“I’m good, and I do! I wanted to tell you that I got an A on my science fair project! The circuit board you helped me make was one of the most popular displays!”

“That’s amazing buddy, I’m so happy for you. Did they give out any awards at the fair?”

“No, just the grades.”

“Well, that’s still awesome. How about we celebrate with milkshakes on Sunday?”

“Yeah! Can we get burgers too? And french fries, obviously.”

“Obviously,” I repeated, chuckling at my son. His appetite was hefty these days, and I knew from experience it was only going to get worse.

“Cool! Thanks Dad, here’s Mom!” A sudden shuffle of noise pulled across the speaker before Lily’s voice took over.

“He’s literally insane,” she told me, pride radiating through her words.

“I know. He’s my kid, remember?”

“Yep, like father, like son.” She laughed.

I didn’t. My thoughts of Elle had taken over once again.

“What’s wrong, Ryder?”

“Nothing.”

“Have you forgotten that we were married for ten years? I know when you’re in a shit mood, Ryder. What’s up?”

“Nothing that concerns you, Lil. I don’t want to talk to you about this.”

She sighed dramatically, and I could practically see her eyes roll at me. “Okay, well, I’m here if you need to talk.”

“Thanks. See you Sunday.”

“Ryder?”

I inwardly groaned, raking a hand down my face. Sometimes she could be relentless. “Yeah, Lil?”

“Don’t let her get away again.”

I couldn’t stop my mouth from falling open as she disconnected the call without waiting for me to respond.

She knew about me and Elle? How?

My pacing resumed as I slid my phone back into my pocket, hands coming up to clasp behind my head. Closing my eyes, I pushed myself to come up with a plan that would work.

Tomorrow was Friday—she’d be at work all day, and she couldn’t hide from me there. A smile tugged at my lips as the wheels in my head turned, coming up with the perfect plan to win my girl back.

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