Page 35 of Married to Number 22
Another curiosity. Another puzzle piece. Another layer.
I exhale, scrub a hand over my face, then reach for the door handle, popping it open and hoping against hope that the clunker in the driveway is her car.
But, considering how it’s been going since I walked off the ice and got the bad news that she took off, I’m not holding my breath.
She can’t hide forever, though.
Next stop is Smythe Industries to talk to her dad.
Which will be…unpleasant if he’s the same old codger who occasionally deigned to show up for one of her competitions, on his phone the whole time, a perpetual scowl in place.
Fun. Fun.
Thankfully, I have another plan to work through before I have to deal with that shitshow.
I slam the door, move around the front of my car, and start heading up the driveway.
God, the flowers are the same, bright and cheerful—colorful explosions that almost assault my eyes with their vivid blooms.
But again, they’re overgrown.
Not the well-controlled beds that Grams had spoken of—and showed pictures of—with such pride. Even the little sign next to the door, declaring all are welcome is faded, the paint chipping away.
The mat is different, newer, as though someone is making an effort—a simple welcome emblazoned on the rough brown material. I stop, my toes just on top of it, and exhale.
Then I jab at the doorbell.
The chime echoes inside, and I hear footsteps coming toward me.
I brace for disappointment, for having to track her down somewhere else.
There’s aclickof the lock disengaging, the handle turns, and…
The door pulls open.
“Aiden!” Luna gasps.
God, she’s beautiful.
And I know I should demand answers, demand explanations…
I don’t do either.
I just step over the threshold, nudge her back, and slam and lock the door behind me.
“What are you?—?”
I don’t let her finish the question.
Ican’t.
It’s like every instinct in me is screaming, telling me I won’t get anywhere trying to push her. Or maybe…it’s that every instinct in me is screaming at me to claim what is mine.
Whatever the reason, I just wrap an arm around her waist, tug her against me.
Then I bend and slant my mouth over hers.
She goes still for a long moment, for long enough for me to think this is absolutely the wrong fucking move.
