Chapter 29 #2
We make the short walk to Old Town Tavern, carefully climbing the metal stairs on the side of the building. The door has a keypad for entrance and Tyler types in the code, swinging open the door and nodding for me to enter first.
You’d think after living here my entire life I’d have been in this apartment, but for some reason, this is my first time.
I step further in to take it all in. One entire wall is exposed brick.
It’s set up like a studio apartment and I do a lap around.
When I turn to comment on how much I love exposed brick, my words die in my throat.
I assumed Tyler would have gone to the bathroom to change, but I’m dead wrong.
There stands Tyler, his back to me, and he’s shirtless.
Allowing my eyes to sweep over him, I’m mesmerized by the shifts and ripples each time he moves.
I couldn’t look away if I tried. Strong planes dipping down to narrow hips.
No wonder he was able to toss me onto the counter like a feather.
And now I’m thinking about his mouth between my legs again.
Never in all the days of my life have I come with such force.
The thought has heat simmering in my core and I clench my thighs together.
He’s punching buttons on the thermostat and I realize how cold the room is.
“I think something’s wrong with the heat. It’s forty-five degrees in here.”
Tyler turns, tugging a shirt over his head, and I let out an involuntary sigh. This view exposes each and every one of his abs and before I can talk myself out of it, I’m moving closer, lightly running my fingernails across his stomach. His abdomen tightens, and his eyes roam over my face.
Right then, his phone rings from where it lies on the entry table, but he doesn’t move to answer it, instead he stands there holding my gaze, his growing more heated by the second. The ringing stops, but it immediately pings with a voicemail.
Tyler breaks our stare to grab his phone, his face shifting when he raises the phone to listen. I have to wrap my arms around myself to keep out the cold.
“Dammit.” He sighs. “That was Henry. The heat is definitely out and the HVAC company has a list a mile long before they can get here. That is if the roads don’t get slick again.”
Tyler paces the length of the entryway a couple of times. “Penny and Austin aren’t home. I could probably stay there.”
“Stay with me,” I blurt before I can think twice.
Tyler’s pacing stalls. “What about the kids?”
I lift a shoulder. “They’ll be fine. They both love you. We’ll tell them the truth. The heat is messed up.”
Tyler’s mouth quirks. “I hate to break it to you, but that air mattress won’t cut it. Not sure my back can handle another night. I think it has a puncture.”
I clap a hand over my mouth, my cheeks heating. “I am so sorry. Maybe there’s a patch kit in the box. We’ll figure it out. But the offer still stands. Stay at my house.”
He considers my offer for a second before agreeing. While he packs a bag, I sit perched on the edge of his bed. My eyes land on a book sitting on his nightstand and I reach for it.
“You still have the book you were reading that night!” I exclaim. Just as my hand makes contact with the spine, Tyler swipes the book, tucking it in his bag.
At my shocked expression, he quickly says, “Sorry, Jo. It’s private.”
Accepting that explanation, I go back to watching him pack. The book did have plenty of notes in the margins, and there’s no telling how much more he’s added since.
“Before I stay with you guys,” Tyler begins, his voice serious, bringing my attention up to him.
“I want you to know, this morning happened because I felt like I would physically combust if I didn’t get my mouth on you.
I still feel that way. But I would never press for more until you’re ready, especially this week with your kids around.
I respect you too much.” His words settle over me, equal parts promise and restraint, and he goes on.
“I need to know where we stand, Jo. When you’ve decided, say the word. ”
Pausing, I chew over his words for a beat. Where do we stand? Things are moving quickly, but with each passing day, I’ve felt less and less afraid. Tyler’s putting in the work, proving to me he’s exactly what he says. Steady, reliable…safe.
“I see you, Tyler. All that you’ve done, it’s not lost on me. I promise I’m getting there. You were right this morning, we’re so much more than friends, though I don’t know what we are exactly.”
With a look of relief, he pulls me in for a hug, and I snuggle into him. He really does give the best hugs and this room is so damn cold.
“Let’s get back to my house where the heat works,” I say into his chest.
With his duffle bag in one hand, and mine in his other we start toward the door.
“Oh, and Tyler? When I’m ready for more mind-altering orgasms, you’ll be the first to know. My word will be balderdash.” The corner of his mouth twitches, but I can’t resist pushing further. “Until then, I guess I’ll have to give them to myself.”
Swinging the door open, I look back to see Tyler wearing a dazed expression.