Page 90 of Wild About You
I’m concerned at first by the paragraph staring back at me, but when I start reading, I’m hit with nostalgia and happiness, and all the adrenaline I need to get me through the game.
She sent me a pep talk. Just like the old days. Except better, because it’s now and I’m not screwing it up this time.
28
SHE’S A BETTER DRIVER THAN YOU
PIPER
Over the next two weeks,Tyler and I spend every night that he’s not traveling together at home. We make dinner together, help Everly with homework, watch TV with Ash, one night we even go over and have a drink with Leo and Scarlett.
Living in the same house as the guy I’m dating is different than living together, but it still has a lot of perks that I could get used to.
Like how every night when it’s finally bedtime, we disappear into his bedroom and stay up too late kissing and making out until we pass out in each other’s arms.
Actually, I think if we didn’t live in the same house, we’d see a lot less of each other. Which is why I haven’t mentioned that Heather’s sister left yesterday.
Tyler’s free time is found in the minutes between spending evenings with Everly and his practice and game schedule. Every night is different, but that’s okay by me. When we were dating and living in different states, I didn’t get any of these little moments, and now I’m here for all of it.
The groan he makes every morning when his alarm goes off for his morning run. The way he always kisses my shoulder before getting out of bed. The way his face lights up every single time he walks through the front door and sees me. And how he never leaves my side without kissing me first. Even if he’s just going in the other room. Those little kisses pile up inside of me filling me with such happiness and hope for our future. It’s like, this is what things could be like with us. Not just now while I’m the live-in nanny, but in a future where we have a family of our own.
We haven’t exactly talked about any of that, but he’s been very clear that he’s in this for the long haul. And so am I. I’ve never wanted something to work more than I want him.
Tonight we’re hanging out downstairs with Ash while he plays some new video game. I’m not really paying attention. My head rests in Tyler’s lap and one of his muscular arms hangs around my waist. The other arm rests at his side, fingers absently stroking my hair as he watches Ash, occasionally commenting on the game.
“Oh, no, no, no,” Ash mutters, pounding the buttons on his controller harder. “Ah, fuck. I died again.”
Ash drops his head back to rest on the chair and then glances over at us. “I’m happy for you two, but it’s a real bummer to watch you make out all night and then go to bed alone.”
Tyler’s chest moves with a silent laugh. “Where’s Talia been?”
“We broke up,” Ash says. “I told you that.”
“Yeah, but Leo says you guys are on and off all the time.”
“Not this time.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
Ash shrugs just before the front door is flung open and Everly rushes into the room with a big smile. “Declan says I’m ready to take the test! Will you take me tomorrow?”
I sit up as Declan ambles in after her, much more composed but smiling like a proud brother. He takes a seat in an empty chair.
Ty looks to him for confirmation.
Dec nods and rests both hands on his massive thighs. He’s a big guy in general. Tall and muscular, but his legs are truly impressive in size. “She’s a better driver than you.”
“It was an accident,” Tyler insists with a whine to his voice. He glances at me with a pouty face. “I rear-ended his bike a couple of months ago. He’s never going to let me forget it.”
“And to think I’ve ridden in the car with you,” I say dramatically.
The guys all laugh, but Everly draws the attention back to her.
“Will you take me tomorrow or not?” She’s practically bouncing up and down with excitement.
Ty makes a low sound of regret in his throat. “Probably not tomorrow. We have the Wildcat Foundation fundraiser tomorrow night. What about sometime next week?”
“You’re gone most of the week. Pleeease?”
