Unforgettable (Cloverleigh Farms #5)(25)

“Okay.” She put a little distance between us and felt around beneath the table for her shoes. “Thanks for dinner.”

“You’re welcome.”

The vibe between us shifted toward politeness, and I was both relieved and disappointed.

When the bill was settled, we walked into the inn’s lobby, where April called goodnight to the woman at the front desk. I held the huge glass door open for her, and once outside, she tipped her head back and took a few deep breaths of cool night air. “Whoa, I’m dizzy. I’m definitely not used to bourbon.”

“It’s potent stuff.”

“I think I’m going to sleep at my parents’ house tonight. I definitely can’t drive.”

“Let me take you home. I don’t mind driving you—and no detours. I promise.”

She smiled at me. “I trust you. But I’d have to figure out how I’m going to get back here in the morning. I have to work.”

“I’ll come pick you up and bring you here. Whatever time you want,” I said, thinking she should not trust me at all.

“Stop it. You’re busy tomorrow.”

“I’m not too busy to help you.”

She sighed. “I would like to sleep in my own bed. Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“I’m positive.” I took her arm and started leading her toward my rental. “And driving you around doesn’t begin to make up for all the nice things you’ve done for me.”

When I said it, I’d been thinking of all the homework help, but as soon as the words were out of my mouth, it occurred to me how small that stuff was compared to her willingness to handle the adoption on her own and leave me out of it. Without a doubt, that had to be the single kindest thing anyone had ever done for me my entire life. It had allowed me to chase my dreams without guilt, without responsibility, without the inconvenience or distraction of a media shitstorm. I’d never even had to tell my father. I’d gotten off completely scot-free. And April . . . she’d weathered that massive storm on her own. For me.

Jesus, how had it taken me eighteen years to think of it that way? And how could I show her how much I appreciated it?

You can start by keeping your hands, your mouth, and your dick to yourself.

Immediately, I let go of her arm. “I’m over there. The black SUV.”

As I drove down the long, winding driveway leading from Cloverleigh Farms back onto the main road, April gave me directions to her condo. When I turned into the lot of her complex, she pointed to a row of townhouses over to the left. “I’m over there. The one on the far end. You can use the spot right in front—that’s mine.”

I pulled up in front of her place, where she slept alone but didn’t want to, and wished more than anything I could go in with her. Treat her right this time. Show her I wasn’t selfish. I’d undress her all the way this time, slowly. I’d use my tongue and my hands. I’d tell her how beautiful she was. I’d spend all night long making her come.

Oh, and I’d fucking wear a condom. Maybe two.

Don’t you dare, asshole. You stay on your side of this vehicle and you let her get out of the car. You’re not even allowed to walk her to the door, got it? You will remain in your seat with your seatbelt fastened.

“Thanks for the ride,” April said as I put the SUV in park. “And for the food and drinks. This was really fun.”

“It was.” Get inside, April. Now.

“And it’s so good to see you.”

“You too.” But you need to get out of my sight this minute.

“We should have done this sooner. It wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought it was going to be.”

I laughed nervously, gripping the steering wheel tightly with both hands. “Yeah.”

“Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” She opened the door, and I put a hand on her leg.

“April, wait.”





Eight





April





I hesitated, staring at his hand on my thigh.

“Shut the door,” he said.

Confused, I pulled the door shut. “What is it?”

“I don’t know.” He looked at his hand on my leg too. “I just know that I don’t want you to go.”

My heart began to beat faster. “Tyler.”

He took his hand away. “I’m sorry. I know I have no right to touch you.”

“It’s not that.”

“For the last hour, I’ve been telling myself to be a gentleman. That this is an opportunity to do right by you. A chance to be a good guy.”

“You are a good guy.”

His eyes seared mine in the dark. “You wouldn’t say that if you knew what I was thinking right now.”

My stomach whooshed. “Why don’t you tell me and let me decide for myself?”

“Christ, April,” he said through clenched teeth. “Don’t say those things to me.”

“Why not?”

“Because I promised you there would be no detours. Because you’ve been drinking. Because I told my sister I’d be nice tonight.”

I laughed. “You have been nice.”

“Yeah, well, it hasn’t been easy.”