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Me: Sorry about earlier. I didn’t actually want you to leave…
Kyle: You didn’t say that. It’s fine, though. We never talked about if I was hanging out or not.
Me: I was just caught off guard by Callie’s comment about you not sleeping here. I didn’t want to imply that you were. But I could have handled it better.
Kyle: I didn’t even think of that. Was she upset after I left? Did she say anything else?
Me: Just wondering if we were going to get married.
Kyle: What did you say?
What the hell did he think I’d said?
Me: I told her yes and that we were moving with you to New York.
I refrained from adding an eye roll emoji.
Three dots appeared and then disappeared.
Me: You know I was joking, right?
Kyle: Yeah. Lol.
Chapter Twenty-Four
KYLE
I hadn’t slept wellin days. Memories of my time with Tina and the kids on Sunday played on a loop and messed with my emotions. It had been one of the best days ever, but also confusing as fuck.
I was still at a loss for why I’d gotten so upset when it seemed like she didn’t want me to stay. I hadn’t planned on staying the night, but I’d assumed she’d want to spend time alone with me the way I did with her. Just us. Then when I thought she didn’t want that…I shook my head at my stupidity. If I would have taken a minute to assess the situation, I would have realized that she was struggling with how to handle Callie’s comment without upsetting her.
What was even more confusing was the excitement that had bubbled up inside me for an instant when she mentioned telling Callie we were getting married and that they were moving with me to New York.
Regardless of it all—my feelings, hers, Callie’s scrutiny—I had to tell her about Levi, because if there was any chance she’d consider trying something long distance, she needed to know the truth. And the longer I waited, the harder it became. I was leaving for New York in less than two weeks, so it had to be soon.
The laughter that drifted in from the backyard brought me out of my thoughts.
It might be utter chaos, but I looked forward to game night with Tina and her kids. Luckily, I’d dodged Pie Face this time. We played one round of Clue with Callie while Teddy played on the floor with matchbox cars.
I suggested we try Hedbanz Junior with Teddy. It was simple enough, and I thought would keep his attention for longer. He lasted two rounds before losing interest and running off.
Now the kids were playing out back while Tina and I enjoyed a glass of wine.
With my arm draped around her shoulders, I brushed up and down her arm lazily. For as much as I enjoyed game nights, I hated that I couldn’t touch her in the ways I wanted to. Did I sneak a brush of our hands or let my fingers skate her bare thigh? I sure did. But those touches were fleeting.
This was not. Holding her like this, having her pressed against my side like this, was what I’d been itching to do all night. Leaning over, I ghosted my lips down her neck and nipped at the skin above her collarbone. Her shiver and slight whimper had my dick waking up and wanting to be included.
He’d have to suffer. For now, at least.Maybe once the kids were asleep and we were safely behind a locked door, he’d get his chance.
I shook my head. Guilt once again rolled through me, and I pulled away slightly.
Shit. I really did need to tell her. It had been eating at me, the knowledge that Levi hadn’t gotten to say goodbye. That was supposed to be my job.
Tell her I love her.
That memory, even two years later, was still clear as day. I’d witnessed many people say similar things when they knew they were dying. It was what they all did. But now, somehow, I understood it more. And she deserved to know.
“Mom! Kyle!” The sound of Callie’s voice had us both standing suddenly.
