Bastard Boss

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Bella

I have so much fun with Tyler. When he's not in "Tyler Hawk" mode, but just Tyler, he's funny and charming. But the wall is still there. Beyond things like favorite movies, books, and food, he uses sex to avoid anything deeper. But as we step on the plane super early Monday morning, I think it's for the best. I'm kind of a wreck, but I try to hide it from him.

I hide behind my work, telling him I have to catch up on the plane. When lunch arrives, and I'm forced to set my MacBook aside, I hyperfocus on my food.

"Bella," he says, compelling me to look at him.

"Yes?"

"Don't shut me out."

"We have to go back to normal."

"Is this normal?"

"For now," I say and motion to his food. "Eat. We both know you eat enough for an army." I refocus on my food and he eventually gives in and picks up his fork.

When we land and everyone begins to deplane, he refuses to let me exit, facing me and caging me by the window. Damn him for smelling so good the entire flight and for wearing a snug T-shirt that hugs his perfect upper torso and makes me want to do the same.

"I'm going to stay with you tonight," he announces, as if the decision is made. "We'll talk and figure this out."

My heart skips a beat but I manage a solid, "No. No, you are not. It's done. I'm not good at this kind of thing, as we've discussed, so just let me go lick my wounds and I'll see you at work tomorrow."

"Damn it, Bella. It doesn't have to be like this."

"On some level, you know better, and you'll get that when we're apart. Exit the plane, Tyler, before I get emotional and make a fool of myself in front of everyone and my boss."

His jaw tics and seconds crawl by before he says, "Have it your way." He turns away from me and waits for the aisle to clear.

We walk to the baggage claim in silence and he insists on getting my bag for me. "I have a car waiting for us."

"I'll catch a cab."

"Don't be silly, Bella. I'll give you a ride."

"No," I say. "I don't need a ride."

"I'm walking you to your cab then."

"I've got it." I turn and start walking.

He catches up to me, stubbornly keeping pace.

Once I'm in the cab line, he's in the cab line with me. When it's my turn to load into a car, he pulls me into his arms, cups my face, and says, "I have to do this."

"Someone could see us, Tyler. What if—"

His mouth slants over mine, and he kisses me like he will never kiss me again. Because he won't. When he releases me, he says, "I'll see you soon," and then strides away.

Watching him leave creates a biting ache in my belly. I have too many feelings for that man for my own good. Because the only place it got me was alone again.