Page 21 of Ruined: Tobias

Chapter Seven

It was a windy day, which meant Mindy had to hold down her skirt with both hands as she made her way to Eric’s front door. This was quite bold of her, but after a week of being ignored, it was time to find out what the problem between them was.

Just like a man to avoid a situation instead of just talking it out. Although she was emotionally invested and already cared for him, that didn’t mean she wasn’t realistic. Sometimes situations changed.

Circumstances and feelings changed all the time and there wasn’t anything that could be done about it. However, being they lived in a small town and would be seeing each other regularly, it was best not to have it be an awkward thing.

Eric lived two streets over from main on a quiet side street. His house was an unassuming one-story ranch house with a garage and a very well-maintained front lawn.

She knocked three times and then put her arm straight down in an attempt to keep her A-line skirt from blowing up and exposing her rear to the world.

Wearing a tank top and sweats, Eric opened the door. His eyes narrowed at first against the brightness of the sun and then widened upon seeing her.

“Hey. Come in.” He moved back and ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting company.”

She noticed there were socks on the floor next to the couch and an open magazine, but other than that, the room was neat.

“I was about to pour myself a glass of soda. Do you want some?” He motioned to the kitchen.

So far, he didn’t act awkward. A bit surprised she’d stop by, but other than that, he seemed relaxed. Interesting. “Sure, I’ll take a Coke if you have one.”

“What brings you to my door, pretty lady?” he asked, placing a filled glass of soda on the counter next to where she stood.

She cleared her throat. “Why have you been avoiding me?”

Eric was tall and muscular, a striking physique that seemed to run in the Hamilton family. Every one of them, even Ernest, who was more the athletic build, had amazing bodies. She’d met Luke and Tobias’ sister once and, although svelte, she, too, was blessed with an amazing body.

While he seemed to ponder her question, Mindy allowed her gaze to linger on his chest. Eric was a quiet guy, shy and reserved. But he seemed at ease with her since they’d been on several dates, one where their make-out session had become quite ardent.

“I need a clear head to make a decision.” His gaze met hers for an instant. “It’s hard to think straight when I’m around you. All I want to do is kiss you.”

Her heart skipped. So his feelings hadn’t changed. However, he didn’t seem at all happy at the moment. “What are you trying to decide?”

If he told her he might be gay, she would drive herself into a tree. His brother, Ernest, was gay and in a relationship with a really nice guy. Did that mean Eric was also homosexual? She couldn’t compete against a man or provide what he needed in a partner, so it would be no contest there.

“I was offered an opportunity for a position in Billings. It would be a promotion. I’d have to move.”

Then again, she couldn’t compete against an entire city or a better position either.

“Oh. Well that’s good news. It means they hold you in high regard.” She tried her best to sound peppy, but her tone remained flat. “Have you made a decision yet?”

Eric shook his head. “No. There’s a lot to consider. Someone would have to replace me here. My family is here and you. You’re here.”

“Me?” Heat filled her cheeks. “I don’t want to stand in the way of your career. We can always visit.” The last word came out as a whisper. Their relationship was much too new to survive long distance and they both knew it.

“Visit?” His lips twitched. “Is that what you propose?”

Eric closed the distance between them and with fingers under her chin, lifted her face. “I don’t want to visit.” He lowered and covered her mouth with his. Mindy could’ve cried at the feel of him against her as she clutched his shoulders.

She fell against him as he encircled her waist.

The feel of him brought so many sensations, Mindy could have sworn the room tilted. Parting her lips for his tongue, she couldn’t help but let a content sound escape.

He was like no other, broad, well-built and a great kisser.

“I want you, Mindy,” he whispered in her ear. “Can I make love to you?”

Mindy responded by pressing harder against him. “Yes.”