That may be true, but it doesn’t change the fact that I slept in the same room with Scott Bennett for the first time in a decade.
I barely slept, if I did at all. And even when I did drift off, Scott’s even breathing and soft snoring were right there to wake me back up again. But it wasn’t the volume that kept me up. It was the fact that he was even in the room in the first place.
The low creak of the couch when he shifted… His proximity is now so close, it freaks me out. Close enough to reach—and far enough to remind me why I built my walls in the first place.
I hear strong, deliberate footsteps behind me, coming closer. Then before I can blink, I see a muscular hand take the plate in front of me, replacing it with a strawberry yogurt with granola on top.
My favorite. Where did he get that?
I searched high and low for some, but the kitchen swore up and down they didn’t have any.
I don’t turn around.
“If you’re hoping to catch me off guard, you lost the element of surprise a while ago.”
As if finding my favorite breakfast is going to get us back together.
His voice is against my ear, making me jump a little in surprise.
“Eat this. You’re going to need your strength today.”
Annoyed, I turn to face him.
Big mistake.
Seeing him at night for the first time in ten years is one thing. Seeing him in daylight for the first time in ten years makes what I feel so much worse. A white tank hugs his body, which looks like it’s been carved by gods. His tanned skin glows in the sun’s rays. I see more detail to his face. It’s harder. Less boy. Those blue eyes lock onto mine, as though he could still stare into my soul. He seems more like a man who knows what he’s capable of.
“Not hungry.” My stomach growls as soon as the words leave my lips. I wince.
Why do I have to be my own traitor?
He hands me a spoon. His expression turns fixed, staring directly into my eyes. His voice goes down an octave. “Eat.”
His response isn’t a question. Not a mild suggestion. There’s a powerfulness to his presence, his demand of me. It sends shivers up my spine, yet hurt curls low in my belly.
I just reunited with this man twelve hours ago, and he’s already confusing me.
My breath catches. And his stare becomes more insistent the longer I don’t eat.
Reluctantly, I scoop the yogurt onto the spoon, placing a large helping into my mouth. The yogurt melts onto my tongue, exactly the way I’ve always liked it. I can’t help but moan as I take a second bite.
“Thank you,” he sounds relieved as he takes the seat to my right, watching me eat. “And no, that’s not what I was going for.”
I swallow my second bite. “Then what are you going for? You have me trapped here. What’s the next phase of your plan?”
“Lyla, despite what you may think, I don’t have any ulterior motives against you.”
“You ambushed me on cable television. That’s one to start. So it only makes sense that you have another trick up your sleeve.”
“I know me showing up was the last thing you expected, but I’m here to see you. There’s so much I want to say. There’s so much for you to know.”
“And you thought telling me whatever bullshit story you think I want to hear on cable television was a great idea?”
He sighs. “I’ll admit, the environment isn’t ideal. But it couldn’t wait.”
I scoff. “Right, because ten years wasn’t long enough of a wait for you.”
“I’m here for you.”
