Page 19 of Tyler

“Keep going,” he said with a grin. “You’re amazingly sweet on my ego.”

Her smile faded and indignation swiftly took its place. “Your fiancée was an idiot. I’m sorry she treated you that way.”

His heart lurched.

“How did you know about that?” He cocked his head. “Rylee?”

Had to be his sister who told her.

Piper nodded. “Yeah. And I hope you know you deserved better.”

He knew that, but coming from her, it made him believe it all the more.

“Thanks,” he said, resisting the urge to touch her again. “And I’m sorry about your husband.”

She stiffened, as surprise and sadness flickered through her gaze. “Thank you. Rylee again?”

“Yes, well, she told our brother, who told me,” he clarified. “Your husband was a lucky man. The way you stood by him…I admire the hell out of you for it.”

Tears filled her eyes, but she blinked them away. “I’m really sorry your fiancée was so cold-hearted. I mean, my God, you were in the hospital. I don’t understand how someone could do that.”

Wait…her tears were for him?

Stunned, Ty stared at her while his heart rocked hard in his chest. He’d thought the tears were for her dead husband, and he was cursing himself for bringing it up and causing her pain. But she was upset forhim. No one but family had ever been in his corner like that.

Ty didn’t know what to say. All he could do was to continue to stare at her while warmth spread through his body.

She must’ve mistaken his silence for pain because she lifted a hand to cup his face. “What she did to you wasn’t right.”

“I know,” he agreed. “But I’m actually grateful she did.”

Piper’s head jerked back, and she removed her touch. “You are? Why?”

He smiled and resisted the urge to touch her. “Because I never would’ve met you.”

She blinked a few times, and warmth entered her eyes. “There you go, being amazing and sweet again.”

“You bring it out in me,” he told her truthfully.

She leaned closer. “You’re doing it again.”

He smiled. “I can’t help it.”

“You have to stop.” She was so close now, her lips nearly brushed his, sending a rush of anticipation through his veins.

“Don’t think I can.”

“I know the feeling.” Her warm breath washed over his skin. “Ty?”

He swallowed, fighting hard to remain still. “Yeah?”

“If I pull on the pole, does it move us forward?” she asked, nearly breaking his restraint.

His throat was dry when he replied, “Yes.”

“Then consider this me pulling,” she whispered before she closed the distance, and her lips brushed his.

The instant they connected, Ty caught some serious current along with a wave of heat.

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