“He’s a fool, Laiya.”
Rod was many things—hardworking, consistent, selfish, aloof—but ‘a fool’ wasn’t one of them. “You have to say that because we’re cool. And you hate Rod.”
Spence chuckled. “I don’t typically say things I don’t mean. You know that.”
“I remember when I told you I was getting married.”
He dropped his head, rubbed his jaw. “Yeah. I do, too.”
The look on Spence’s face … I could never forget it. The memory had been seared on my brain so tough, I’d dreamed of that moment for years, analyzing what it could’ve meant. Even though my heart already knew.
“You were right,” I admitted.
His eyes flashed to mine. “Don’t do that.” He shook his head. “You made the decision that you thought was right for you. You had a life with him. Years together. Divorce doesn’t erase that.”
“But what would’ve happened if I’d made a different choice?”
“Then you,” he whispered, his gaze dropping to my mouth, “wouldn’t have Des.”
I squeezed my eyes shut, silently chastising myself for even voicing my thoughts out loud. Especially since my greatest accomplishment was being Desiree’s mother. “She’s pretty amazing, huh?”
“Exceptional,” he agreed.
“I should probably go.” I tried to get up, but his hand on my arm prevented me from standing. “I have an early showing.When I came here tonight, the plan was to try to forget. It wasn’t supposed to be like this, me crying on your shoulder. And you letting me.”
He brushed his thumb over my bottom lip and leaned in. “Even all these years later, I can’t stop wanting to protect you. I can’t make myself walk away from you.”
I gripped his biceps, dug my fingernails into his flesh. “Spence, I?—”
Maybe it was the fact that we were so close I could smell the tequila on his breath? Or it could’ve been because I hadn’t been touched this way in months. Years. Not to mention I’d imagined this moment too many times to count. But my body was on fire, my heart was pounding in my ears, and I wanted him to close the distance. I wanted him to finally claim me.
“Don’t worry,” he circled my nose with his, “I’m not going to kiss you.”
Why? The question was on the tip of my tongue, but I wouldn’t voice it. I couldn’t cross the line.
“I want to, though,” he added, nipping my earlobe.
Oh God.
He stood then, taking his warmth with him. I blinked against the haze, tried to focus on anything but the desire coursing through my veins. Reaching out to me, he said, “But you’re right. You should probably go.”
I nodded. “Right,” I croaked, slipping my hand in his and letting him pull me to my feet. “I have to check in on Des.”
Spence’s tongue darted out to lick his lips. “Laiya,” he whispered.
“Yes?”
“We should talk soon,” he suggested.
“Definitely.”
“I have business I want to discuss with you.”
In light of my current financial situation, I should’ve been elated with the prospect of new business, but I feltdisappointed. Part of me hoped he’d want to discuss what just happened.Or what could happen.
“Sure.”
“Among other things,” he continued, much to my heart and body’s content. Because the flutters were back in full force. “I usually don’t put myself out there like this, but I feel like I should be honest. Make no mistake, I want to do more than kiss you. I want to strip you bare and take my time exploring every part of you.” He took a step back. “You’re still married, though. You’re grieving a long-term relationship. I have to respect that. I won’t insert myself into that process. However, I made a choice twenty-five years ago, too. I won’t make the same mistake twice. Just so you know … all bets are off once that divorce decree is final.” A smirk formed on his lips. “And I plan to cross off every item on that move-the-fuck-on list.”
