Page 87 of War Within
“She's going to be so upset.”
Nestling my hands in my pockets, I shrugged. “Not my problem. I have to get some rest then plan my son's funeral. Go check on her then get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow.”
After she did not reply to my knock, I cracked the door open. “Lily, are you—”
“He's been cheating on me and ran off with a woman.” She was doubled over in the middle of the room, clutching her phone, sobbing as tears streamed down her flushed cheeks.
“I'm sorry.” Though I knew what had really happened, I hated seeing her sad. My apology was sincere. I knew that text was the best thing for her. Something in me wanted to protect her. I felt so drawn to her. The attraction was growing.
“I mean,” she sniffled, throwing her phone on the mattress, “really none of this even makes sense to me.”
“What do you mean?” I motioned toward the bed.
She perched on the edge. “We discussed marriage and kids. He didn't want kids, but he wanted to get married one day.”
“And you want kids?” That was the first time I had ever asked anyone if they wanted kids. Things like that never mattered to me.
“I did, but now I don't know what I want anymore.” She buried her head in her palms, attempting to hide her sadness. “I’m sorry you’re having to listen to me be a cry baby.”
Head lowered, I exhaled, sitting on the bed next to her. “Listen, only a shitty guy cheats on a woman. Don't deny a good man the opportunity to have someone like you, because he messed it up.”
She lifted her head, her gaze met mine.
“You deserve so much better.” I slid my thumb under each of her eyes gently, wiping away her tears. “I feel we got to know a lot about each other on the Hawaii trip, and I can tell you're an amazing, strong woman.” Attraction aside, I meant every word. I just wanted her to be okay whether anything was in it for me or not.
The corners of her lips lifted a little. Her breath hitched as she tried to control her emotions.
“Don't let him make you weak.” Laying my palm on her knee, I smiled. “I consider you a friend now, and I don't call many people friends.” Though I was not a fan of Jane’s I was a fan of Lily. I fought back my suspicion about Jane. “But you're important to Jane and she's important to Gio.”
“And he's important to you yada yada yada.” She ran her fingers through her hair, twirling a strand around her finger. “I get it.”
“My point is, you're quickly becoming important to me too in your own way, regardless of them.” I took her hand from her hair, resting mine on top of hers. “I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you.”
Letting go, I caressed her thigh softly before I stood. I strode toward the door, leaving her to make the most of the rest of her night, by resting. Before I could reach the doorknob, she stopped me.
“Wait!”
I turned to her, arching a brow. “What?”
Her lips fought back a smile. She caught me by surprise when she leapt off the bed, marching across the room. Wrapping her arms around my waist, she collapsed into my muscular arms. My six foot, three and a half inch frame towered over her as I hugged her in return. She felt so delicate in my embrace, but she was no longer crying. She was only sniffling.
She leaned back, locking her fingers behind my body. Peering down at her, I leaned forward slowly. She gulped as I passed her lips, placing my lips next to her ear.
“You're really beautiful inside and out.” I straightened my posture.
“Tyler only ever called me hot or sexy.” She rolled her eyes.
“Well,” I cocked my head smirking, “you’re that as well, but you’re breathtaking.”
She stiffened in my embrace, swallowing hard. “Can I tell you a secret?”
I nodded. “Sure.”
She took a step back, lifting her hand to her forehead, squeezing her temples. “He wasn't actually such a great boyfriend, but I thought I had to settle down so I ignored the warning signs.”
“Oh?” Lifting a hand to my chin, I stroked my jaw.
“There were a couple of times he hit me in an argument. I had to cover black eyes for work.”
