Jaded Hearts
Chapter 66

Tyson

I watched her face as my words sank in. It wasn’t the dream that told me she was mine. It was my heart that did. What’s purer than the heart of a ten-year-old boy experiencing love for the first time?

“How come you never said anything? When we were in high school and could have been together, you acted like you didn’t see me anymore.”

“I had to. As I got closer to coming of age, I knew I had to do something so that I could provide for you. And I knew I’d have to leave to do that. It would be easier for you to lose a childhood friend than a partner. I didn’t want to break your heart.”

She angrily swiped a tear from her face. “Well, you did. You were so important to me, and one day, you were just gone. You didn’t even say goodbye. It took Morgan weeks to tell me what happened to you. She knew how hurt I was.”

“I wish an apology would make it better, but I know it won’t. I’m still sorry for the way I handled it and the way it made you feel.”

She nodded her head but didn’t say anything.

She had no idea how much I regretted that decision to leave her behind, even if my intentions were good. If I had known it was going to hurt her, I would’ve done everything differently.

“Please say something, Taylor.”

“You left the summer before my sophomore year. I spent that entire year missing you and wondering where you were—hoping that wherever you were, you were okay. Then I met Drew junior year. He filled the void left by you. You were my first k**s. I thought you were going to be my first everything.”

I wanted to hold her, or at least hug her. I needed to touch her so that she could feel how full of regret I was. But I couldn’t. She wasn’t f*****g mine.

“I’ll be right back, beautiful. I need a minute,” I said before standing and walking away from the table. Before I could leave, she grabbed my hand and stopped me.

She looked up at me from her seat, then stood and wrapped her arms around my chest. It had been years since I’d felt her this way. I didn’t realize how much I had missed it until now. I returned the hug and held her close to me.

“I’m so f*****g sorry, Taylor. I’ll never forgive myself for leaving you to be snatched up by him. I’ll never forgive myself for hurting you.”

She held on like her life depended on it, then said the words that seemed to save my life.

“I forgive you.”

* * *

Taylor

I hadn’t realized it before, but a small part of me blamed Tyson for what happened with Drew. If he hadn’t left, I wouldn’t have looked at that a*****e twice. But he did, and the rest is history. But it wasn’t his fault. He didn’t know some psycho wolf would make me his obsession; no one could have predicted that. Especially with how sweet Drew was at first. No, the only person at fault was him.

I had to let go of the resentment I held for Tyson and his choices. I had to forgive him before I could even begin to think about building a relationship. A weight was lifted when I said those words to him. I was placing blame where it rightfully belonged and opening myself to this man, who was such a big part of my childhood.

He didn’t know it, but he helped make me who I am. He needed to be forgiven.

He let me go and took a step back. “I can’t send you home smelling like me. That wouldn’t be cool,” he said with a smile.

I had to laugh. “Oh my god, back in Rome? As soon as you walked off, Matt made me go to the room to shower and change. And he sent my clothes down to the laundry!”

“Ouch! My feelings are destroyed.”

“I think you smell good. Like a crisp fall day in the woods: pine needles, fallen leaves, and earth. Very masculine.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that. So, did you want dessert? I’m not sure how long I get the pleasure of your company.”

I looked at the clock and realized that it was after 9:00. I’d already been here for two hours. Time had flown by.

“I can stay a little longer. I just want to be back before midnight.”

“Sounds good. Why don’t you go get settled on the couch? I’ll clean up in here and be right out.”

When I entered the living room, I kicked off my shoes and sunk down in the super plush sofa, folding my legs underneath me. I had a little bit of time. Maybe I should check on my family. Hopefully, Genesis or “Gigi,” as he was starting to call her, wasn’t giving Matt a hard time.

Hey, handsome, how are things going?

Things are awesome. My favorite girl and I are cuddled up in bed watching Frozen. It’s a pretty good movie.

I thought I was your favorite girl? And she probably doesn’t even understand what’s going on. Why isn’t she asleep?

You’re my favorite woman; you’re far from a girl, tesoro. And sure she understands. She’s brilliant, I can already tell. She’s … s**t, she’s asleep. So, I guess it’s just me watching Frozen.

You’re a mess.

I know. Are you having a good time?

I am. The food was delicious, and the conversation was eye-opening, to say the least. I forgave him for leaving. I felt like I needed to.

That’s good, baby. You can’t move on with someone unless you forgive. I’m proud of you.

Thanks. We’re going to have dessert and talk for a while longer. I’ll be back before midnight, though.

Sounds good. Either have him walk you back or let me know, and I’ll come get you. I know it’s a three-minute walk, but I don’t want you out that late by yourself.

Yes, sir. Anything else?

Sir…. I like that. You should call me sir more often, like when I’ve got your face pressed against the wall, and I’m entering you painfully slowly from behind. I’d love that.

Don’t get me excited like that! Especially when I’m not home for you to actually do anything about it.

Good point. Think about chairs; old, dusty, ugly chairs. I’ve got to go, the little one is waking up, but I’ll see you later.

Okay, love you.

Love you too. Chairs!

A few minutes later, Tyson walked in, carrying two bowls of ice cream.

“I remembered how much you loved buttered pecan when we were young.”

I couldn’t focus on the delicious treat in his hands. He’d changed out of his dinner clothes.

Why, god?!

Men had to know what those gray sweatpants did to women. They did it on purpose. He saw me looking at his clothes and sat the bowls down.

“I hope you don’t mind. Since we were lounging, I figured I’d switch to something more comfortable.”

“Chairs.”

“Huh?”

He looked confused, and I realized what I’d just said. Damn my ridiculous brain. “Cheers! I love ice cream, and I don’t mind the change in clothes.”

Real smooth, Taylor!

“Okay, well, dig in before it melts,” he said with a laugh.

* * *

Around 11:30, Tyson made the quick walk to take me back to the house. We’d talked nonstop the entire night, and besides the stuff about Hades, it was nice to hear about his life while he was away. He’d gone out and lived. He traveled and saw the world, and I was happy for him. I still needed a ton more stamps in my passport, so I was more than a little jealous.

He dropped me off at the back door, and I swear it was just like those first date jitters every girl gets when they make it home afterwards. But I was going to take this slow. I was still deciding what I wanted and didn’t need to confuse either of us unnecessarily.

“This was a really good date, Tyson. You did good, sir.”

“You sprung it on me last-minute, but I’ve always worked well under pressure. Do you want to do it again?”

“Yes, I’d love to. I don’t want to force anything, so we’ll see how things go. Sound good?”

“It sounds perfect.”

He leaned down and kissed my cheek before turning to head back home. Now it was time to wash of the pine and earth scent and sink into the smell of fresh air and rain. Damn these men smelled incredible.

Upstairs in the room, Matt was lying in bed in just his boxers, watching Snapped. I knew it wouldn’t take long before he was addicted, just like I was.

“Hey, beautiful, did you have a good time?”

My eyes were locked on his body. His right arm was propped behind his head, and his left hand was rested on his stomach. This man was a vision. I stripped down to my underwear and crawled on top of him. When his hands came up and rested on my h**s, I instantly felt at home.

“Yes, I had a very good time. But I missed you.”

“Very good, huh? What made it very good?”

“Chairs.”

He laughed out loud, then sat up to wrap his arms around me.

“I missed you too, tesoro, but you need a shower.”

“Really? You still can’t handle his smell?”

“It’s not just him. I don’t want any other man’s scent on your skin. Just mine.”

He began to grind my h**s against his; it was déjà vu from when I met Logan all those months ago. When a m**n escaped my lips, I felt him smile against my neck, then flip me over so that I was lying underneath him.

“I know how to fix this. When I’m done with you, you’ll smell like me for days. Not even the hottest shower will wash it off.”

He growled and pulled my panties off, then entered me in one fluid movement that made me scream out loud. He was marking his territory, staking his claim, and making sure I knew exactly who I belonged to.

There was never a question in my mind, but I had no problem with him reminding me. Over and over again.