Page 15 of An Ex Affair

Clearly that wasn’t what she was expecting me to say. Her face went through an array of emotions before she settled back on angry. “I didn’t realize I owed you my life’s story.”

That actually hit me between the eyes, because once upon a time, Tully had been my whole life. Her life’s story wasmylife’s story. I couldn’t have imagined us being apart a few days, let alone nineteen years.

“What happened?” My voice was soft, throat choked on all the years and regrets and missed opportunities.

Tully inhaled deeply and looked at a spot over my shoulder. “A tale as old as time. They wanted someone younger. Cuter. Better looking. All about the sex appeal and not the renovation skills.”

“They’re fucking idiots, then.”

The words were out before I could evaluate my place to say them. It was a true statement. The network execs were idiots for getting rid of Tully, no matter what age she became. I’d never sat down to watch her show, but over the years, I couldn’t help but see some of it. Blueball’s restaurants and social gatherings always had the show on, proud of our hometown heroine. I’d reluctantly agreed she was damn good at her job. Firing her was a dumb move. Anyone, including her ex-husband, could see that.

Tully’s lips lost the pinched look they’d had since I tackled her to the mud. She didn’t exactly smile, but she didn’t look like she wanted to strangle me either. Her wet hair was starting to curl as it dried, a sight that made me happy. She hadn’t permanently destroyed those curls after all.

“Thanks.” She looked down at her mud-covered feet.

“You should sue for age discrimination. Sadly, you can’t sue for stupidity.”

Tully huffed, but this time it came with a distinct tug on the edges of her lips. She wanted to smile, I could feel it. I just had to keep her talking. I had this insane need to know that I could still make her smile.

“I tried to sue Boon for using a wolf in all his social media once he made it into the majors. That shit was my brand, and we all know it.” That was a lie, but I did verbally threaten him with a lawsuit.

Tully blessed me with a full-on smile. “You did like to doodle wolves on everything in high school.”

Smirking down at her felt so much like old times I didn’t even feel my hip screaming at me for tackling her and trying to take the brunt of the fall. “I had it on good authority the high school girls liked that.”

She’d told me on numerous occasions how much she was looking forward to taking my last name. Tully must have remembered that. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard. Her gaze went back to over my shoulder.

“Seriously, though. You should sue. Everyone knows you’re the best at that job. Rich motherfuckers need to learn a lesson.”

“You always got so fierce when it came to protecting me,” she whispered.

Tully pivoted the second the words were out, voice much louder now. “I need to get back and get this mud off. I’m freezing.”

I felt at least a foot taller, knowing I’d teased out a smile and gotten her to remember how much I used to protect her. There were a lot of good times before the arguments started. I pivoted with her, putting my hand on her lower back. Every muscle along her spine tensed the second I touched her, but she let me walk her past the carriage house and to the back doorof Sofia’s house. A motion sensor light that I’d installed awhile back flipped on when we got close to the house. Awkward silence descended while Tully looked like she was deciding if she was going to say good night or simply go into the house without another word.

I stood there, feeling like an idiot in my muddy boxer shorts. Not exactly the way I pictured talking to Tully again after so many years. Even so, I wasn’t sorry I’d run into her. The silence stretched out and I had to bail her out, even if it was from an awkward conversation with myself. I’d always help Tully. It was engrained in my goddamn DNA at this point.

“I, uh, I’m sorry you have to work with me on the fundraiser. I’m sure you weren’t expecting that.”

Tully shrugged, but it looked half-assed. Or maybe she was just cold and wanted to hurry inside. “You didn’t seem happy about it either at the fire station.”

I wanted to snap back a thousand different things, falling back on old arguments and hurt feelings, but I remembered Dad’s final words to me on the subject of Tully. He was right. We were both too old to do the same song and dance, so I went with the truth. “I always want to be around you, even when you’re spitting mad, Tully.”

I may have imagined it, but her eyes seemed to shine in the floodlight. She didn’t answer or agree with my statement, but she didn’t walk away either.

“See you tomorrow at the fire station? We can get things organized.”

Tully nodded, then hesitated. Every part of me ached for her to let go of that doorknob and turn into my chest for a hug. I wanted to put my arms around her and offer comfort, stability, a safe space for her to be vulnerable. I’d been all those things at one time, and part of me wanted to be them again.

But she turned, opened the door, and slipped inside.

I stood there for another few minutes, telling myself I was just making sure she was safely inside when in actuality I was hoping she’d come back out. When the door didn’t open and a shiver wracked my body, I turned and headed for the carriage house.

Just me and Hayes for the night.

Like always.

CHAPTER SEVEN

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