Page 86 of Fall Over You

A tiny little flame ignites in my stomach, burning up to lick around my heart and warm me through. I giggle and lock my arms behind his neck to make it easier on him.

He fumbles with the screen door, then the inner door. I help by kicking it open with my boot, and he laughs. Then he turns sideways so he can fit us both through the door. He sets me back on my feet and leans to make sure the door is shut and locked.

I’m exhausted, but nerves tingle through me.

I want a kiss, but I’m tired of being the person who asks for one. I want him to want to kiss me. Sure, we kissed tons tonight, but that was all for show. There’s no one but us now.

This time last night, he had my private parts in his mouth. But then something spooked him, and though he’s been perfectly sweet today, it feels like romance is canceled for the foreseeable future.

Tyler glances my way before bending to untie his boots. I step out of mine and pull his beanie off my head. “Here’s your hat. Thanks for that.”

He takes it back from me and I gasp when our fingers brush. I’m still not over the contradictions between us. We’ve seen each other perform hardcore sex acts, but now the simplest touches feel monumental.

“Of course,” he says. “We should get to bed.”

My heartbeat thumps so hard I feel it in my jugular. What does he mean by “we?” I nod and we head for the stairs. He’s a few steps behind, turning off the remaining lights on the first floor. What am I going to do when we get up there? Take his hand and drag him to my room? Go to mine and see if he follows? Storm the gate of his room?

Ellie’s breakdown yesterday clearly had an effect on him, but there’s no denying the truth.

I want him.

I want this wedding to be real. I want this night to be as special as it’s supposed to be. I want Tyler in more than name and title. I want this man who sees my faults and balances them, who held onto me so sweetly on the dance floor.

But I have to give him time and space, and hope that whatever is supposed to happen will play out.

I linger when I walk to my room, waiting to see if he’ll make a move. Everything inside me curdles when he goes for his own door, but my hopeful heart rises when he pauses.

Only to crash right back down again.

“Night, Reba.”

I’m not getting my wish. Not today.

“Night, Ty.”

But we’re in it for the long haul now. So I’ll keep hanging on.

THIRTY-THREE

TYLER

“Ooh, yes, let’s cut one of those.”

I’m out in Becca’s garden with her and Ellie. Becca has on a pretty fall dress and boots and is having Ellie help her pick out flowers to take to my parents’ house. I’m half-zoned out while I watch them move among the blooms.

I’d enjoy this garden tour a whole lot more if my reflux wasn’t acting up and if we weren’t about to deal with my mom’s scrutiny.

“Hey, Ty.”

I focus on Becca, who seems to have noticed my dampened mood. “Hmm?”

“What’s your mom’s favorite color?”

“Oh.” I have to think for a minute. “I don’t know. I guess bright stuff?”

She holds up a massive, bright orange flower with densely packed petals. “These are those marigolds I was telling you about.”

“Wow. Pretty.”