“Whimsey?” I call, my voice cracking.C’mon, please be her.
Another memory of Indy slips into the forefront of my mind as I take off into a jog.
The sun’s setting, reflecting off the lake as it casts its warm orange glow against the darkening sky. Indy’s back’s to me, her arms crossed as she looks out at the water.
My heart skips with every step closer I take toward her. She went out for a walk about thirty minutes ago, and when Dylan fell asleep on the couch, I couldn’t help but to sneak out in hopes of having a moment alone with her.
“I know you’re behind me,” she muses, even though my steps are quiet along the dirt leading down to the lake.
“How?” I ask, coming up beside her.
“I could feel you.”
My breath catches in my throat. Who knew four little words could hold so much validation? Proof that I’m not the only one feeling this insane pull between us.
God, I want her. I’ve wanted her since I first laid eyes on her a couple of years ago. The small moments of weakness we’ve shared have only made me want her more.
But her brother’s my best friend, and I’m not willing to risk that friendship. Dylan’s the only one in my life—aside from maybe Indy—who treats me like a person, not a prodigy.
And Cody, but as my brother he doesn’t count.
There’s a line between us I try my damndest to respect, but right now, with the last rays of sun sparkling over the water and Indy glowing beside me, all I want to do is plow past it.
I swallow the lump in my throat.“Indy, I?—”
She turns to face me, both her hands reaching up to cup my face. She doesn’t let me finish my sentence before her lips are against mine. Her tongue darts out seeking access, and I grant it to her immediately.
My hand cups her lower back, and I take a step forward, bowing her back as my other hand slides into her hair.
It takes less than a second before I’m hard, and judging by Indy’s moan, she can feel it too. I can’t help but wonder how wet she is under that short black skirt, and I consider sliding my hand beneath it to find out.
But as quickly as she kissed me, Indy pulls back. Chest heaving, her eyes are wild as she stares at me with swollen lips. Pride blooms in my chest at the desire rolling off her in waves.
I move to kiss her again, but she quickly shakes her head.“We can’t?—”
The way she’s gazing at me changes, desire seeping into sadness as she shakes her head again, a deep breath racking through her when she looks down at the ground.
She doesn’t have to say his name.
I already know. It’s the same song and dance.
Neither of us want to betray Dylan.
The memory swirls away just as I round the large log, and Whimsey comes into view. She’s tucked herself into a ball, and she lifts her head to look at me. Her tail gives the saddest of wags as she whimpers, and a sinking feeling pummels my stomach.
Something isn’t right.
I don’t hesitate swooping her into my arms, picking her up even though she’s not a fan of being carried. The hold I have on her is awkward, but I’m able to shift her around as I walk, finding a position that’s comfortable for both of us.
The flashlight goes slack in my grasp, but I do my best to follow my path back toward the house.
“What happened to you, girl?” I wonder out loud, hoping she hasn’t broken something. I’d assume if she had, she’d be crying in pain or trying to get out of my grasp, but instead she looks up at me as if to sayI’m so glad you found me.
I’d pet her if I could, so instead I dip my head and kiss her on top of hers. “Don’t worry, we’ll get you home and look you over, Whims.”
Relief floods me now that I’ve found the old dog alive and breathing. I wasn’t mentally prepared to deliver bad news tonight, and now I don’t have to.
It takes me fifteen minutes to get back to the house, and as soon as we break through the tree line, I spot the glow of the porch light, leading us home. Quickening my pace, I sigh when I finally reach the gravel driveway.
