She reluctantly pulled away from him, and asked, “So, what’s on your mind tonight?” She could tell there was something there but she didn’t have a clue as to what it’d be.
He gave her an evil smile and said, “You’ll just have to see,” knowing how much she hated surprises.
“Tyler, I hate surprises and you know that. It’s like torture not knowing where we’re going.” She smacked him lightly on the chest as he dropped her to the ground.
“Yeah, but like I said, I love them. Now, let’s get going,” he said as he wrapped his arm around her waist, leading her to his old truck.
She slid in, giving him a dirty look as she did. Laughing and shaking his head, he shut the door on her and went to his side to get in.
“I’m sure you’re hungry, right, since you’ve been working all day?” he asked as he started the truck up and began turning around.
With her arms crossed, she said, “Yes, I’m starving.”
“Quit being a baby, Paige. You don’t need to know every detail about everything,” he said, as he grabbed her hand, putting it to his mouth and giving it a kiss.
“I’m not being a baby. I just like to know what the plan is. You know, my OCD thing. I like to be in control. I can’t help it.” She watched the woods zoom past, wondering what was up his sleeve tonight. He was acting a little different. He seemed almost nervous or something. She didn’t know what was going on with him but it was putting her on edge. She hoped there wasn’t bad news he had to tell her. That was always the first thing that would come to her mind in instances like this. If someone started acting differently around her, there was probably something bad following behind.
They pulled into the packed parking lot of Brenda’s Diner and Tyler reached out and grabbed her hand as they walked across the parking lot to the outside seating area. They had been here a few times now, and it was quickly becoming her favorite place to eat. There was something about the home style feel that made her comfortable. Plus, the food was even better than a lot of the high end places in the city; and most restaurants in the city couldn’t compete with the beautiful view surrounding the place, either.
They took a seat and looked over the menu, and when they ordered Tyler asked for a bottle of wine. Wine was one of Paige’s favorite alcoholic beverages; and she couldn’t help but feel herself relax when Tyler poured her a full glass.
During dinner, they had small talk about their day, their jobs, and their kids. Paige was excited that Tyler had picked up a couple of more clients in the past week to break their horses for them. She knew it was something he loved doing and something he wanted to make a career of, one day.
After their plates were cleared, their wine almost empty, they decided it was time to leave before they had too much alcohol in them to drive the short distance back to Tyler’s. Two glasses was enough for Paige, knowing that by the time she’d be at her mom’s to get Kyra, she’d be completely sober. She still had several hours left with Tyler.
As they drove down the narrow country road, bouncing in the seat of Ol’ Betsy, night had slid in completely, putting them in complete darkness. She could feel tension building in the truck, it was undeniable and whatever the cause, it was driving her crazy. He had been acting strange all night, almost a little distant and it worried her. She wished he’d just spill whatever it was he was going to say to her, instead of dragging it out all evening.
She twisted in her seat, feeling the seatbelt tighten around her waist, and said, “Tyler, whatever is on your mind, just spill it, please. I can’t stand this.”
She thought she saw a smirk cross his face in the darkness of the truck and frowned. She didn’t know what he thought could be so funny right now. He was being quiet and broody acting, and it was beginning to get on her last nerve.
They turned down another side road that was nothing but gravel and she looked around curiously. “Where are we going, Tyler?” she questioned as she stared out the front windshield.
“You’ll see,” was all he said as he kept driving straight ahead.
Paige could see all the dust from the gravel blowing up all around them and knew they were a long way from any houses. It looked almost deserted out here. She felt apprehension form inside her, wondering what his plans really were. Maybe he really was a crazy stalker and he was now going to murder her. She almost laughed out loud at that thought, but she knew those things actually happened. She’d watched enough real murder shows to know that you never really knew someone completely, even after you had been married to them for years. She’d only known Tyler for a few months. She was suddenly concerned. He had been acting strange all evening. How well did she really know him?
She felt the truck come to a stop and looked over at him. A devious smile was plastered on his face as he looked at her and said, “Hmm, we must have run out of gas.”
“What? Tyler, are you serious?” she asked, as she leaned over and examined the gas gauge. It showed it was on half a tank and her eyes slowly came up to meet his. “What are we doing out here? Tyler, you’re starting to freak me out a little.”
His hand rested across her shoulders as he said, “Relax, Paige. I’m not some crazy guy bringing you out here on a deserted road to kill you or anything. Don’t you know me better than that?”
She looked down at her hands which rested on her lap and said, “I didn’t say that at all.” Feeling embarrassed at letting her imagination get the best of her. Of course she didn’t think he would actually hurt her.
He started laughing, bringing her attention back to his face. “Paige you didn’t have to say it, it’s written all over your face. You look scared to death. Damn, I was just trying to be a little romantic here and do the old ‘I ran out of gas’ routine, but lemme tell you, you’re kinda ruining it for me.” He ran a hand through his hair as he looked down at her.
“Umm, I’m sorry, Tyler. I just freaked out for a moment. You were acting so strange all evening and then you bring me out here without telling me anything and all these murder shows start playing in my head so I just let my imagination get the best of me,” she said, feeling terrible that she had made him feel bad when he was just trying to surprise her with something nice. But she couldn’t help it, even when she was trying not to be on guard, she still was, to an extent.
“It’s okay. But come here, I want to show you something.”
He opened the door and motioned for her to follow. Curious, she got out and walked around to the back of the old truck where he waited. He leaned against the side of the truck, the moon bringing a little light into the dark night. He unlatched the tailgate, reached inside, and laid a blanket down. He climbed in and held his hand out to her. “Come on, I thought we could lay out here and talk.”
Paige reached out, took his hand, and hoisted herself up into the truck with Tyler’s help. She laid down beside him and stared up at the stars wondering what he wanted to talk about. It had to be something good if he was trying to be romantic, but she had no idea what it would be. The view of the stars was even better out here in the middle of nowhere. The sky was so clear and the stars even brighter.
She felt his hand reach out and grab hers. She looked over at him but saw that he was still staring off into the star flitted sky. He seemed even more nervous than earlier. She had no idea what on earth could make a man like Tyler nervous. He seemed almost invincible at times, like nothing could bring him down.
His fingers began rubbing her hand gently and she turned her gaze back to the stars, letting him have his moment to gather his thoughts because it was obvious he was thinking hard about something. Finally his rough voice broke through the still night. “Paige, I’ve been thinking a lot about us lately and there are some things I need to say, to get off my chest. They’re weighing me down and I feel that I need to just tell you.”
He paused for a moment and Paige felt her chest tighten. This didn’t sound good. This sounded like bad things he needed to vent about.
“I feel like we are headi
ng in a great direction and some days it scares the hell out of me, but I feel that I’m where I belong. You’re who I belong with and that also scares me.” His grip on her hand tightened as he continued, “I just want you to know that my feelings for you are growing every day. I love spending time with you and Kyra. I love making love to you. I love when we are able to spend the night together and I can wake up with you in my arms. I just love everything about you. It all feels right.” He turned his head and looked at her, the corner of his mouth turning up slightly as his boyish dimples appeared, making him look young and vulnerable. The sight of him being so open took her breath away.
Paige was shocked by what she was hearing. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought he’d take her out tonight with the sole purpose of telling her how much she meant to him. It made her body tingle with excitement. She had been hoping Tyler felt the same way about her as she did him, and she thought he did to some extent, but tonight he left no room for doubt. She was speechless, and didn’t know what to say.
“Paige, is everything okay?” he asked, as his brows creased together in concern and his grip on her hand loosened.
She smiled as she climbed on top of him, his arms wrapping around her waist as she leaned down to where her lips just barely brushed his. With a faint whisper, she said three words she never thought she’d say in her life.
“Everything is perfect.”
Chapter 27
The ride back to Tyler’s house was quiet but not the same unnerving quiet as the ride out there. Paige was perfectly content nestled against Tyler, her head resting on his shoulder and her hand intertwined in his as he drove. They had spent an hour in the back of the truck bed, mostly holding each other close as they had small talk and enjoyed the view of the clear night. After Tyler’s confession of his growing feelings for her, Paige didn’t feel like getting into deeper conversation the rest of the time, so she kept their talk easy and light.
She frowned as she looked down at her watch, amazed that it was already nine, time seemed to fly by tonight. She needed to get going so she could pick up Kyra.
As they pulled into his drive, she said, “I’ll have to get going so I can get Kyra and get her home, since it’s already getting kind of late.”
He took her hand and brought it to his mouth, giving it a light kiss. “Well, why don’t you guys come over tomorrow night and we can rent some movies for the kids or something?” he asked.
Her face brightened at that thought, thinking it would be a relaxing evening. “Sure, that sounds really good.”
As they got out, he walked her over to where her car was waiting. She leaned against her door, dreading the idea of leaving him and going back to her house, but knew she couldn’t stay the night tonight. She wanted to curl up in his bed with him all night long and make love until late in the night, but those plans would have to wait until later in the week. She had worked a lot this week and needed to spend time with her daughter. She had plans of taking her out to the mall tomorrow and splurging on letting her pick out several toys, along with ice cream and possibly the park and then movie night at Tyler’s later that evening.
Tyler leaned in close, his tall frame standing before her, making her lean back against the car. “I’ll call you tomorrow and tell you when we’re home so you guys can stop by,” he said as he nuzzled her neck.
She shivered despite the heat of the night and said, “Okay, I’m spending the day with Kyra so call my cell.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him to her lips. His kiss was as soft as the words he had spoken to her earlier as they lay in the back of the truck bed, making it hard for Paige to get the energy to leave. “Tyler, I can’t leave when you’re kissing me like that,” she said in between each kiss.
“I know, that’s the whole point,” he mumbled against her mouth.
She let out a small whimper as he ran his hand through her hair, making her lean her head back against the car as he kissed a path down her neck. She wanted to give in to him, to grab his hand and pull him into the house, to let him have his way with her but she was a mother first. She put her hands against his chest and gently pushed him away. “I really have to go even though I don’t want to. Another night we can pick up where we left off,” she whispered.
Sighing he said, “Okay, I guess I’ll let you go.” He reached around her and opened her car door, ushering her inside. “Come on, you need to get in before I take my words back.”
She gave him one last kiss and got in, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, but we’ll have the kids, so I won’t be able to have my way with you until sometime next week.”
A seductive smile touched her lips as she said, “Well, it will be worth the wait.”
She watched his mouth twitch into that sexy crooked grin as he stood there speechless. His grip on the door tightened as desire shone in his eyes. He scratched his head and finally said, “I’ll hold you to that.” He leaned down and kissed her hard on the mouth and pulled back just slightly as he said, “Now, get out of here before I pull you into the backseat and get what I want right now.”
She flinched as he shut the door on her, not giving her or him any time to change their mind. She watched him walk towards his house, giving her one last wave as he headed inside. Letting out a frustrated breath, she backed her car out of his drive and headed towards her mom’s, the feeling of desire and need coursing through her body. She didn’t know how she was going to endure the wait until next week, if they kept teasing each other so much.
Pulling into her mom’s drive, she noticed a light still on in the living room and was glad they were still up. She didn’t like picking up Kyra so late but she knew she’d fall asleep on the way home and more than likely stay asleep once she brought her in.
She let herself in and as she walked down the hall she could hear them laughing. She peeked around the corner and saw them sitting on the couch watching cartoons, a smile spread across Kyra’s face.
“Hey, guys,”
“Mommy!” Kyra yelled, as she ran up to her, throwing her arms around her waist
“Hey, baby, did you have fun tonight?” she asked, as she picked her up and gave her a kiss.
“Uh huh. We are watching Sponge Bob.”
“I see that,” Paige said, putting her down.
“So, did you have fun tonight?” her mom asked, as she leaned back against the couch, her eyebrows raised in question.
Paige smiled, “Yes, Mom, I did.”
“And when am I going to meet this guy who has swept you off your feet?”
She knew her mom had been dying to meet Tyler. She asked about him every time she stopped by, but Paige wasn’t quite ready to make the step of meeting each other’s parents. “You’ll meet him soon enough, Mom. I’m trying to take things slowly for now. But I know you’ll love him, he’s a really great guy.”
Her mom smiled, making the wrinkles around her eyes and mouth more prominent and said, “Good, I’m glad you’ve found a guy who treats you well. You deserve it and so does Kyra.”
“Thanks, Mom,” she said, as she grabbed Kyra’s things. “I’d better get going, though, and get her to bed. We have a big day tomorrow of shopping, ice cream, the park and then later that evening we’re going to Tyler’s to watch a movie with the kids.”
“Well, just let me know when you need me to babysit again. I love spending time with her,” her mom said, as she slowly got up off the couch.
Paige walked over and gave her mom a hug. “Thanks for watching her. I’ll talk to you later. You don’t need to watch us out,” Paige said, as she grabbed Kyra’s hand.
She gave her mom one last smile as she headed down the hall and out the door, feeling the exhaustion finally taking over her body and her bed calling her name.
Once they finally got home, Paige carried a sleeping Kyra up the stairs and into her room, carefully tucking her in her bed and giving her a kiss goodnight. She gently brushed her hair out of her face as she stood there and w
atched her sleep for a few minutes, studying everything about her. She didn’t know what she’d do without Kyra in her life. Everything she did was for her, to give her a good life and make sure she had everything she needed. Paige leaned down and kissed her one last time before quietly closing the door and heading into the living room.
She was exhausted but wasn’t quite ready to go to bed, just yet. Her mind kept thinking about all Tyler had said to her earlier. It was beyond sweet to hear him take the initiative to open up to her about his feelings; she could tell he was nervous doing it. But to hear him say the things he did meant so much to her. She’d been in relationships before but she never recalled moments like tonight. There had never been a time when she, or the guy she was seeing, had poured their heart out to one another. She had told a few guys she loved them, and she thought she did at the time, but now, after hearing Tyler confess his feelings, just saying I love you doesn’t even compare. Everyone can say those three words, but to tell the person how those words make you feel, that is something that truly comes from deep inside their heart.
With a glass of water in hand, she gazed out her sliding glass window at her view. Even though it was beautiful, she found herself wishing she was with Tyler and looking out into the fields of nothing that she used to find so boring. She was finally seeing their beauty. The calmness and natural beauty of the country was pulling her in and the crowded city seemed to be pushing her out. She thought back to those three words she had said to him, ‘Everything is perfect.’ Smiling, she realized everything was perfect. Her life now felt complete. That missing spot in her life was now filled and Tyler had filled it perfectly.
She set her glass in the sink and headed to bed. She finally felt content with her life. Life had taken plenty away but it was finally giving back. It was giving her peace and fulfillment and so much more. A future.
Where Forever Lies Page 21