Authors: Jaime Whitley
“I’m going to go refill my drink. If we are going to discuss this all night, I’m going to need more booze.” Grabbing her glass, I head to the kitchen.
While making new drinks, I let what Megan said sink in. I was freaking out and had no clue what to do when I saw Silas; it didn’t even occur to me that he came back to talk to me alone. My body was feeling things it hasn’t felt since I was last with him, and I didn’t know how to handle it. Getting lost in my thoughts, Megan comes wandering into the kitchen with my laptop.
“What are you doing?” Although I’m not really sure I want to know the answer to that.
“Well, I know some of your readers tag you in pictures when they meet you. So, I pulled up your Facebook page and looked to see if anyone named Kristin tagged you.”
“Megan, let it go, please,” I beg.
“Well, I could, but then you will be left wondering if you could have found him and blah, blah, blah. As your best friend, it’s my duty to do the dirty work you don’t want to do. And it’s a good thing I did because, sure enough, Kristin tagged you in a picture.” Megan has a big smile plastered across her face like the Cheshire Cat. Choking on my drink as it goes down my throat, I reach for the laptop and there is the picture Silas took. “And that’s not all.” Reaching her arm over me, she pulls up another window. There, staring me in the face is Silas. “Go ahead and click on it, you know you want to.”
Curiosity gets the better of me, so I open the window. His page is private and the only thing I can see are pictures that others tagged him in. Opening it, I see a lot of pictures of him in a police uniform and articles about his arrests from the papers. Well, I guess he’s not in the Army anymore, but damn he still looks good in a uniform. After a little more stalking on Megan’s end, we learn he lives about twenty minutes away from me. Seeing enough, I close the laptop and slide it to the side.
“Okay, I think that’s enough for the night,” knowing I won’t be continuing the search anytime soon.
“What are you going to do?”
My eyebrows draw in at my confusion, “What do you mean?”
“You know where he lives, and you do share a son. Don’t you think you should at least tell him about Ezra?” she questions.
“I haven’t even thought about that, to be honest. I think it’s better if he doesn’t know. I don’t want him to feel obligated to be in our lives because he has a son with me. Besides, I can’t be around him. I know it sounds stupid, but I have all these intense feelings around him and if I have to see him with Kristin and my son …” I trail off looking down, not finishing what I want to say, because just thinking about it makes me sick to my stomach.
“That’s kind of selfish, don’t you think?” You never have to worry about Megan not speaking her mind.
I snap my head back up and glare at her. “Selfish? It has been me and Ezra for the past two years. I love him and always put him first. For being a single mom, I think I’ve done a pretty damn good job. He is two, Megan; he hasn’t asked about his father. So I’m just supposed to introduce him to Silas and pray he sticks around? What if he decides he doesn’t want to be a dad and walks? Then I’m left picking up the pieces of a heartbroken child. How is that fair? How am I being selfish?”
“Whoa, calm down!” Megan’s holding her hands up, wavering off my attack. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. Just think about it, alright?”
“There’s nothing to think about Meg, we both agreed, one night, no strings attached. This is a pretty damn big string. We didn’t exchange last names or numbers. This is how it’s supposed to be. So please, can we just drop it?” I’m still annoyed with her, but I choose to let it go.
Megan nods her head and we have a couple more drinks. I know this isn’t a good idea considering I have another signing tomorrow, but I need to unwind after today. I’ll probably wake up with a hangover. Oh well, I will put on a happy face, pop an aspirin, sign books and smile for the cameras. It will all be worth it. Tomorrow I will wake up and things will be back to normal, leaving today just a bad dream I woke up from.
Chapter 6
Silas
Taking one last glance in the mirror, I’m satisfied with the outfit I’m wearing. God, I’m worse than a girl. Doing a once over before I leave? What has gotten into me? Lilly, that’s what.
Man-up Silas
. I want to look casual, like I didn’t put much thought into today, but who am I kidding? After reading her book last night, it is pretty clear that she took our one night together and put it out there for the whole world to read. It’s not like anyone knows it’s me, but I’m still shocked. When I saw that sign in the book store, I knew that was my shot. I’m never one to back down from a challenge. I can do difficult; I’m actually quite a pro in that area.
Pulling up to the book store, I’m feeling pretty confident. Kristin isn’t here and I can acknowledge the fact that I’ve met Lilly before. I felt like a complete prick pretending like I didn’t know her. I’m sure it made her feel like a cheap piece of ass, but she couldn’t be anything further from it. I need to apologize and make things right. Besides, who knows when I might run into her again.
I called the book store to see what time the signing ended. I wanted to make sure I was her last reader so she couldn’t run away from me again. I grab one of her books and get in line, letting everyone who ends up behind me go ahead. Trying to stay hidden behind all the readers ahead of me, I manage to sneak a few glances at her. She looks stunning, but there’s something amiss. She’s smiling as she’s greeting people, but it’s not as big as I remember. Then I see her assistant hand her something and a bottle of water. Holy shit, she’s hung over. I remember how we both felt and looked when we woke up the next morning on the way to our flights. I can’t believe I didn’t see it right away. Her assistant, on the other hand, looks like she got hit by a train. Of course, I find this amusing, and if it was anyone else, I would jump on the opportunity to fuck with them. But seeing as it’s Lilly, I’ll do my best to refrain. I’m next in line, and as soon as I step up to the table, she drops her pen and bends down to pick it up before she can even see me. She starts to apologize as she sits back up and freezes when her eyes connect with mine. Knowing I have the power to make her body go completely still at the sight of me, it turns me on. The hitched breath she took didn’t go unnoticed either. She can run all she wants, but I like a good chase.
“I’d like my book signed please.” Sliding the hardcover I purchased in front of her, I stare into those luscious eyes, refusing to break contact. She remains still for a moment longer, pulling the attention of her assistant. I could be mistaken, but an audible gasp comes from the girl’s mouth before she speaks. It’s clear her assistant knows who I am, but how she knows what I look like definitely peaks my curiosity. Maybe they were doing some cyber stalking of their own?
“Lilly, are you going to sign his book?” She nudges Lilly’s shoulder. Her eyes dart back and forth between Lilly and me.
“Right, sorry, who should I make it out to, Kristin?” she asks, trying to push my buttons. Two can play at this game. Remembering the main character’s name in her book, I decide to go with that. “Miles.” A grin stretches across my face, and I watch as her face goes pale as a ghost as the realization sets in. Yeah, that’s right, not only did I read your book, but I’m fully aware it’s based on our night together.
Just call me your muse, baby
.
Seeing that she still has not moved, her assistant snaps her fingers to break Lilly out of her trance. “Lilly, what is wrong with you? Sign this poor man’s book.” She glances over at me, pulling my attention to her. “I’m sorry, this has never happened before. You said Silas, right?”
“Miles, actually, but since you know my name, I’m assuming you know why I would suggest the latter of the two.” Returning my eyes back to Lilly, she closes them for a second, letting out a sigh. Good, I’m getting under her skin.
“Right.” She drags out the word for added emphasis. “Lilly, sign Silas’s book, I’m sure he doesn’t want to be here all day, and we have to go get Ezra.”
Lilly suddenly is brought back to reality at the sound of the name of the other man. Dare I say she looks panicked? Shooting the woman a look that could kill, she starts introductions, “Megan, this is Silas; Silas this is my best friend and assistant, Megan.” She’s motioning her hands between us looking very unamused.
Megan opens her mouth to say something before closing it, confirming my suspicions she knows all about me. I shake her hand and nod.
“Sorry, Silas. It’s been a long day; here, let me sign this so we can both get out of here.” Lilly’s hands are shaking as she pulls the book toward her, opening the book, making the spine crack before she scribbles something in it. My attention is flighty. I’m torn inside, wondering who Ezra is.
The sudden eagerness in Lilly’s voice makes me curious. After Megan mentioned his name, she was quick to get rid of me. If I had one guess, I would imagine it’s her boyfriend. But I’m not going to make it easy for her to run away this time. The mentioning of this guy’s name infuriates me and my fists clench together. The thought of another man touching her makes my blood boil. I know it’s wrong, and that I’m with Kristin, but I’m not going to let her slip away this easily again. Assuming she feels the same way I do, I need to keep her in my life. I unclench my fists and take a deep breath to control the sudden rage that consumes me with the thought of another man’s hands on those hips.
“Listen, if you have some spare time, I would like to grab lunch. I’ve obviously read your book and just have some questions.” Hopefully she won’t run away this time.
“Look, if you’re upset about the book, I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t think I would ever see you again, let alone have you read my book.” She’s packing up her stuff and still hasn’t answered my question.
“I’m not upset about the book. In fact, I can see why it is such a huge hit. Your writing blew me away; you’re very talented.” Maybe if I’m honest with her, it will calm her nerves a little.
“I appreciate that, I really do; but I have some things I need to take care of.” I see the flight or fight instincts kick in as she’s packing up in a hurry, ready to run out of here like a bat out of hell. “Megan, are you ready to go?” I have a feeling this has to do with the man Megan mentioned. If it does, then I’m glad she’s uncomfortable. She will learn real fast that the curves on her body are meant for my hands to explore, not this other prick’s.
“Right, you have to meet, Ezra was his name, right?” Fishing for answers, I see her hands tighten around the bag she has strapped over her. I know I hit a sensitive subject. Her eyes are scanning the room, avoiding all contact with my own. “Look, it doesn’t have to be today.” I decide to let her off the hook for now, hoping she will take me up on the offer.
“She can go,” Megan butts in, looking at Lilly, but nodding her head at me. “I’ll take care of those other things. You guys should go, have lunch and catch up.” She takes the bag off Lilly’s shoulder and starts to leave before Lilly can tell her no. I don’t know Megan, but I already like her.
Lilly sighs before facing me. “I guess we’re going to lunch. Did you have somewhere specific you wanted to go?”
“Considering you’re hung over, I’ll let you choose. Whatever your stomach can handle, that’s what we will eat.” This earns me a small smile from her as we head out of the bookstore.
“You can tell? I look that bad, huh?” She’s running her hands nervously through her long hair trying to fix her appearance.
“We were both pretty hung over the next morning. With that said, you look just as beautiful as the day I met you. If not, even more so. Shall we?” I hold the car door open for her and watch her body move as she walks toward it. Thanking me, she gets in and I swear I think I see her blushing. I say a silent ‘thank you’ to Megan and am ready for some much wanted answers.
Chapter 7
Lilly
I’m a ball of nerves as we drive to my favorite diner. My stomach is in knots and, I can’t stop myself from fidgeting with the bottom of my dress. My hands are clammy, and my knee will not stop bouncing. I’m surprised I haven’t hurled right here in his car. I shift nervously and bite my lip; it is wedged so hard between my teeth, I half expect blood to be drawn from it. Neither one of us is talking, but I feel a strong electric charge in the car with us. Goose bumps flood my body. Silas has this magnetic pull to him that I can’t seem to escape. I could still feel it when I thought about him every now and then over the last two years, but it definitely doesn’t help having him around. If anything, the feeling multiplies, making it that much harder. Staring out the window, my skin immediately tingles as Silas places his hand on my knee, causing me to jump.
“Sorry.” He removes his hand from my now still leg. “You look really nervous. Please stop bouncing your leg like that. It's just lunch. I'm not asking you for another one-night-stand." His laugh after that statement causes my head to swing to look at him. "Lilly, relax. I'm kidding. Unless you want to, then I'm down." He flashes me a wink and his sexy grin makes me melt just as we pull up to the diner. I’m somewhat relieved to be out of such a confined space with him.
“I’m starting to think I should have picked a place where they serve alcohol,” I blurt out. I turn to him and he has an amused look on his face.
“If memory serves me correct, alcohol is why we’re here in the first place.” He’s got a point. I wouldn’t mind reliving that night, I think to myself.
I’m feeling like this day is going from bad to worse by the minute. The car door opens and Silas is standing with his hand out to help me out of the car. Steeling my nerves, I reach out to him. He closes his fingers, trapping mine with his. The strong hold he has on my hand reminds me of when he lifted my hands above my head when we were having sex. My already unsettled stomach does a flip. Anyone looking at us would think we’re a couple walking into the diner. For a moment, even though I know I shouldn’t, I let myself enjoy the happy feeling of being with this amazing man.