Page 48 of Embers in the Dark

My brother and I are spitting images of each other, however, I have my mother’s green eyes, whereas he has my father’s blue ones. I don’t remember my dad, but I’ve seen a few photos my mom has in boxes. He wasn’t around long enough for me to form memories with him, not that I care to know the guy. We did fine without him.

“You bringing a date?” he pushes for some information from me.

“I guess leave a plus one open, and see if I surprise you.”

“Oh, that’s promising,” he answers with a little excitement in his tone. “Care to elaborate on this mystery lady?”

“Simmer down over there. I’m not saying anything to you because I know all too well you’ll go off and tattle to mom. Last time I went on a date, you and Brit went off and told mom, and it was one date. No way am I saying anything this time.”

I would rather not say too much before even going on a date. This is too new with Baylee, although after that kiss we shared, I’m hoping she’ll come along with me. She already knows my brother and her parents are going to be at the wedding.

“Okay, I won’t torture you, but I expect to hear more before the big day if you bring someone,” he says firmly.

“Yeah, yeah,” I tell him. “Give my love to Brittany.”

“Will do. Let me know how mom’s next appointment goes.”

“Of course. Don’t work too hard,” I tell him.

“I’ll try not to,” he says, even though I know he’ll likely work over twelve hours today alone.

I hang up and my thoughts gravitate to my brother’s words about my mother missing out on big events in the future. I really am the type of person that focuses on the now. I try to stay positive, but it’s hard not to linger on Eric’s concerns over everything my mom will miss out on if this cancer takes over her body. I feel an ache in my chest as the pain of her illness consumes me.

I shove my fears aside, and pull my computer back onto my lap to get the rest of the date prepped for me and Baylee. Once I feel confident she’ll love what I have in mind, I check the time and realize she’ll be back soon from her study session. I want to make sure I’m ready before she gets home.

She’s not into all the glitz and glamour, but making tonight special is something I want to do for our first date. Obviously, I need to step it up compared to what I did for Abby. I gained a best friend in Abby, but tonight is different.

I want forever with Baylee—my forever friend, my forever date, my forevereverything.

CHAPTER 16

Baylee

Today’s studysession was long, and the caffeine wasn’t cutting it. We went over so many notes and the content was packed with so much information. I’m exhausted after going over extensive notes. But the minute I get back to the apartment, I feel a flurry of butterflies and renewed energy at the thought that my date with Tucker awaits.

I turn the key in the knob and my smile is hard to contain. I bite my lower lip at the thought that I get to spend time with him. And it’s not just as a friend; this is different, this is new. That kiss yesterday morning was out of this world. I felt it down to my toes and if I close my eyes, I can still feel the swipe of his tongue along my lips. Shit, I’m so turned on for this guy and we haven’t done anything more than make out like teens.

The minute I walk into the house, it’s so quiet that I start to wonder if he’s even home. Damn it, did he forget? Disappointment hits me square in the chest, until I hear some rustling down the hall.

“Hey, Firefly,” Tucker says as he comes out from the hallway.

My smile is instant as I see his wet hair and neatlytrimmed beard. Fuck, he looks delicious. What would that beard feel like against my inner thighs? Focus, Baylee.

“Hey,” I croak.

“You alright, sweetheart?” The smirk he gives me confirms he knows the effect he has on me.

“Yep. We still going out, or are you too tired?” Yes, that sounds completely indifferent. I’m calm and collected, like I haven’t been thinking of this all day. Nope. This isn’t a big deal.

“Of course,” he says as he walks by me and slaps my ass. I think he’s going to leave it at that, but then he grabs me and I yelp in surprise. I can’t help laughing when he pulls me into his arms. Instinctively, I wrap my legs around his waist.

“Baylee, don’t act like I don’t affect you,” he tells me.

“You don’t,” I tell him, sounding completely unconvincing, even to me.

He’s a millimeter away from my face. “Oh really?”

“Not even a little bit.”

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