Jake swallowed.
“This isn’t about me,” Kayden said, taking a small step forward. “This is aboutyouwantingher.” He’d seen it in Jake’s eyes when the other man had caught them in an embrace at work the other day.
A muscle ticked in Jake’s jaw. “I haven’t made my interest in her a secret. It doesn’t affect what I said though.”
Like hell it didn’t.
Kayden stepped forward again, but then Tilly was there between them, touching his arm. “Kayden, it’s okay. I can handle this.”
Her touch was the only thing that kept him where he was.
She looked at Jake. “I appreciate you looking out for me, but I’m doing okay. You don’t need to worry.”
Then she turned back to Kayden, grabbed his hand, and tugged him out of the hall. She walked straight through the crowd and didn’t stop until they stood outside the bar.
“Are you okay?”
He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Yeah, just pissed off.” Pissed didn’t even do justice to how he felt.
Tilly inched closer, her hands moving up his chest. “I don’t know if this is the wrong thing to say, or maybe the right thing at the wrong time, but even though you don’t know what we’re doing,Ido. I like you. Like,reallylike you. And I want a relationship with you, Kayden. One where we commit to each other. Let the world know that you’re mine and I’m yours.”
Her words pierced his chest, making it hard for him to breathe or speak. “Tilly—”
She touched a finger to his lips. “You don’t need to respond to that right now. But I need you to know that I’m in. I am all in. And I’ll give you the time you need in the hopes that you get to where I am.” She leaned up on her toes and touched a light kiss to his mouth. “Good night, Kayden.”
Then she was gone, unlocking her car and slipping inside before driving away. While all he could do was stare and wonder what the hell was wrong with him that he hadn’t been able to give her the answer she’d needed tonight.
CHAPTER 19
It was crazy that she was happy, right? Last night, her father had made contact with her again, and she’d had to notify Eastern of the contact.
Not only that, but Kayden had told her that he didn’t know what they were doing. Didn’t know if he saw them as long-term or even in a relationship. Yet she wasn’t upset about it, because instead of pulling away from him,she’dtoldhimhow she felt. She’d put it out there, and now, the ball was in his court.
Of course, the way he’d responded to Jake had given her some confidence…like she was his.
Sure, there was a tinge of nerves that he wouldn’t feel the same way, but for some reason, she’d woken with this unwavering faith that Kayden would choose her over whatever block he had going on. Maybe because their physical connection was so strong. Maybe because when she was with him, everything felt right. Whatever it was, it had everything to do with this intrinsic gut feeling she had.
Okay, maybe it came less from her gut and more from her heart.
With a shake of her head, she turned off the shower and grabbed her towel.
How would he act at work today?
In her bedroom, she dropped the towel and changed into work slacks and a crisp white shirt.
Her phone vibrated from the dresser, and her heart thudded at the possibility it could be Kayden. Last night had been the first night they’d slept apart in nearly two weeks. Was he checking in?
She glanced at the screen. Not Kayden.
Harper: How’d the chat with Kayden go? You left so quickly last night I didn’t get a chance to ask you.
Tilly: Not so great. He doesn’t know what we’re doing.
Harper: Oh, Tilly, I’m sorry.
Tilly: I’m choosing to feel optimistic about it today. I told him how I feel and now the ball’s in his court.
Harper: I love that. Let me know if you want to get lunch or something and chat about it.
