Page 67 of Tiger Lilies and Tight Ends

“No, not at all. It’s one hundred percent a good thing.” She picks up her drink, finishes it off, and then sets it down. “When we were kids, you were so vivacious. You were outgoing, loud, happy, and you embraced every bit of life. But then you started dating Dean, and over the years, you changed. I thought maybe it was because we were getting older, or perhaps it was a maturity thing, but while you still brightened up every room you walked into, it was like your spirit had dulled. You became demure. You still smiled, but you laughed less, and it was like you actively tried to become invisible. I don’t know. It was hard to watch. But since you’ve been in Florida, your laughter has returned, and glimpses of the girl I used to know are starting to return too. Does that make sense?”

My eyes burn at her admission. My spirit was dulled, and while I did feel it, I didn’t recognize how much.

“Yes, it does.” I let out a deep sigh. “I didn’t realize how much of a dark place I was in until I left, went to the lake and then eventually to Tyler’s. It’s hard to see things clearly when you’re standing in the middle of a tornado. But once I was out of it, everything about my life with Dean, and the destruction it left behind became crystal clear.”

“You’ve always had confidence in yourself. It’s who you are, and I feel like you’re starting to let others see it now too, and I think that’s amazing.”

“I am trying. Tyler has been a big part of that. He’s kind and supportive in a way I’m not used to.”

I’m learning that surrounding myself with the right people makes all the difference. He makes me want to be the best version of myself for me, not for anyone else, and I’m so grateful to have found my way to him. I know Lance was the one to throw Tyler’s hat into the ring, but I have to believe that fate had a bigger hand in this. Timing is everything, right?

“Kind is not the word I would use to describe him, given how many sparks were flying last night. I was afraid I’d somehow stand between you two and get burned.”

My cheeks heat as I think about him pressing me up against his truck, his hands as they ran over me, and his mouth fused to mine.

“He kissed me after the game yesterday.”

She gasps as her head snaps in my direction. “Was this your first kiss?”

“Yes,” I can feel a blush spreading, and butterflies in my stomach dance at the memory.

“And you let me interrupt your night! Oh my God. You’ve dreamed of this for like your whole life. We’ve got to have a silent signal for situations like this.”

“It’s okay. He’s not going anywhere, and neither am I. If it’s meant to be, then our time is coming.”

“Coming. Cute word choice there.” She laughs.

“Stop it.” I grin back.

“Have you seen him naked?” She wags her brows, and they bounce up and down over the rim of her glasses.

“What? No!” I laugh. “Not that I’d tell you if I did.”

“Yes, you would. You tell me everything. Just think about it. He’s like the perfect male specimen. Muscles for days, large hands, and I would bet the bank he has that ‘v’ which points straight to his⁠—”

“Okay! I get the picture. Stop fantasizing over him. It’s weird,” I tell her, but I’m still smiling.

“It’s not weird. We’ve been fantasizing over him for almost a decade, and now you’re about to have all your dreams come true. The career and the guy. Tell me which Chinese place you ate at so I can get myself a good fortune too.”

“What do you mean? You have a great life. You have Gage, and you work with me.”

“This is true. Okay, okay. No fortunes, but maybe just the Chinese food. I’d kill for some egg drop soup right now.”

“We could probably have some delivered.”

“What do you think Lance will say?” she asks.

“Honestly, I don’t care. Whatever happens between Tyler and me is between us. It has nothing to do with him.”

“I like the way you think . . . to be continued.” She giggles.

Chapter 29

Tyler

It’s been three days since Lily left for the beach, and I kind of feel lost. How weird is that? I went from being a guy who is independent and living by myself for years, to suddenly feeling lonely and empty with her gone.

Yes, I have work, but the way my schedule falls, Tuesday is my free day, and yesterday I just sat around moping, staring at her things until I finally said enough and went fishing.