Chapter 13 #3
That invisible tether pulls taut between us–the ache of proximity daring us to make it more. I’m desperately trying not to fall into something that’s already happening.
His voice is raspy when he asks, “That last line? Was it too much?”
“No,” I say quietly. “It wasn’t enough.”
The space between us narrows by a breath.
Clearing my throat, I shift on the bed and tuck my hair behind my ear as though the movement might sweep the tension away.
“So, where did you get the inspiration for Elira?” I aim for light, but the question betrays more weight than I want it to.
I find myself jealous of the woman behind the character.
Soren leans in, as if he’s about to share a secret or touch me. Maybe kiss me. I don’t know which would be worse. Or better.
His throat bobs, then he whispers, “You.”
My mouth falls open. A shiver rolls across my skin. Those three little letters dance everywhere. My knees gravitate toward him on instinct. My hand flutters to my neck, a nervous tic or invitation, I don’t even know anymore.
A storm brews inside Soren’s raging silver eyes. Lifting his hand, fingers ghost along the curve of my jaw, marking the moment. If he moves forward one more inch, we’ll shatter the fragile line we’ve drawn.
His gaze drops to my mouth. Mine stays locked on his.
And then—
“Knock knock knock,” Fisher sings, striding in without warning.
Lurching away from Soren so fast, I fall off the bed and hit the floor with a thud. Soren immediately reaches for me, but I scramble back up.
Fisher halts and sniffs the air. “Why does this room smell faintly of sexual tension and burnt popcorn?” His eyes bounce between Soren and me. “Oh my God, were you two about to bang?”
“Nothing was happening,” I stammer.
Fisher crosses his arms. “Ava, blink twice if The Blade is seducing you.” He doesn’t mean Soren’s nickname.
“There was no seducing.”
“Uh-huh.” Fisher flops into the armchair and pops a piece of gum into his mouth. “Well, something was happening, and I just saved you from turning this into Chapter Thirteen of Things That Complicate Book Tours. You’re welcome.”
Soren coughs and casually grabs a throw pillow to cover his lap. “Thanks, man.”
Fisher squints at Soren’s crotch. “Oh no. Were you pitching tent? Don’t get mad at me because I’m the plot twist you needed.”
“Get out,” I mutter, cheeks still flaming.
Fisher grins wider. “Fine. I’ll leave you to your slow burn. But if you’re going to combust spontaneously, can you at least wait until I’ve had dinner?”
Sauntering out, he leaves the door wide open behind him.
Soren and I sit there in stunned silence.
I bury my face in my hands. “I’m sorry about him.”
Soren’s voice is laced with reluctant laughter. “No worries.”
A beat passes.
Then another.
Neither of us moves. Neither of us dares to look at the other.
My cheeks are still hot. The pillow is still covering his lap. The computer is still open on the bed, glowing with all the things we’re both thinking and don’t say, and all the things I want him to do to me.
I clear my throat. “Um, well, I’m gonna head to bed.”
Soren huffs out a quiet laugh. “Dream sweet, Bells.”
Even though the moment’s passed, even though Fisher blew in as the world’s most bonkers chaperone, the tension growing between Soren and me is a song waiting to restart.
We could pretend we didn’t gaze at each other the way we did. But that would be a lie.
I leave the room and hurry straight to mine, grabbing my phone off the nightstand, and shooting a text to my mother.
Hey, quick heads-up.
I’m bringing someone home for Thanksgiving.
Please don’t panic. Or do that thing where you text the entire family.
OH MY GOD. Is it the hot fantasy author with the smirk??? THE ONE I SAW KISS YOU ON THE INTERNET???
Um-yeah.
Ava Bell, how DARE you casually drop this at 10:46 PM like it’s a weather update. Also, we’re going to discuss why you haven’t told us that you’re dating him.
I’ve had so much going on.
I’m your mother. We’re your family. Nothing should ever get in the way of that.
I’m sorry.
OMG you’re bringing Soren Pembry into my home?! To eat MY stuffing?!
Please don’t make it weird. It’s new.
Are you sleeping together? Are you in love??
I need to buy matching pajamas.
Don’t do that!
I’m doing it.
Mom. I literally just said it’s new.
He didn’t have plans for the holiday and… I didn’t want him to be alone. So I asked.
That’s so kind of you, baby.
You’ve always had such a big heart, even when you pretend to be a snarky little hedgehog.
Did you call me a hedgehog?
An adorable, prickly one.
Oh, I need to deep clean the guest room.
Aunt Hilda stayed in there last when she visited for the 4th of July. There’s been a weird smell ever since.
Oh God.
What does he eat? Does he eat pie?
Too many visuals enter my mind with that question.
Is he allergic to anything?
I’m sure he can handle all of the above.
Fisher is coming too. FYI.
She gives a thumbs up on the Fisher info.
Oh honey, Soren has no idea what he’s walking into. The aunts are going to attack him. Your father will suddenly take up whittling just to “talk man to man.” And G-Ma’s going to fall in love with him and feed him until he can’t move.
Sounds about right.
I’m proud of you.
For opening up to someone again.
And also for snagging a fantasy villain with abs and a fanbase.
Wow. Thanks, Mom.
Nice to know none of my other achievements in life count unless they come with pecs and a ShelfSpace following.
Oh hush. I’m also proud of your books, your independence, your brains, and your perfectly arched eyebrow of judgment.
Let me have this. He’s so hot.
I’m not showing him this thread.
Too late. I already drafted a welcome banner.
“WELCOME TO OUR HOME, SOREN PEMbrY. PLEASE REMOVE YOUR SHIRT.”
I take it back. He’s not coming.
No refunds. See you both Thursday