32. Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Two

Nolan — Now

“ S he did what ?” Brooks’s eyes were wide, like he couldn’t believe what had come out of our little brother’s mouth. Reaching across the front counter of the game shop, he pulled my phone closer to him. “Say that one more time.”

Levi groaned on the other side of the line, likely regretting he’d called. “Indy texted me last night. Asked me if I had any friends I could set her up with when she goes back to New York.”

I laughed, and Brooks shot me an incredulous look, not understanding what was so funny. Especially since I’d just told them my plans for Indy. How I hoped to make the most of our time left together before I let her walk away at the end of the month. “Well?” he asked, more concerned than I was. “Did you give her anyone’s number?”

“Do you think I’m an idiot?” Levi bit out, and I smiled at the annoyance in his voice. “I already watched my life flash before my eyes when I danced with Indy—Nolan looked like he wanted to strangle me. I’m not getting involved in whatever weird foreplay this is.”

“Do you know what foreplay is?” I taunted, unable to help myself from getting a rise out of him. “Or do you still think babies are made when you touch pinkies? ”

Brooks laughed, probably thinking of when Levi had come home after a girl touched his hand on the bus. He’d been a blubbering mess, panicking that he’d have to sell his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures to support the baby.

“You guys are pricks,” Levi muttered. “I hope Indy gives you hell.”

Damn if I didn’t hope for that too.

Rather than admitting I was a desperate son of a bitch, I thanked him for having my back and ended the call. I slid my phone back into my pocket and returned my attention to the boxes at my feet. I had been in the middle of inventory when Levi called.

Despite it being late, Brooks didn’t seem to be in a hurry to leave. “You want to talk about it?”

I smiled. “There’s nothing to talk about.” There wasn’t. I wasn’t mad, or even jealous. I knew what she was doing. And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t excite me.

Brooks opened his mouth, but before he could tell me I was insane, my phone rang. I pulled it out, surprised to see it was Heath. We hadn’t spoken since he’d read Dad’s letter and agreed to hold off on selling the bar until I had the money Dad left. Hoping it had something to do with that, I answered. But after a few pleasantries, he said, “Thought you might like to know Indy’s been at my bar for the past hour.”

I set a shipment of bullets at my feet. “She’s there?”

“She is. And she’s having a mighty fine time if you ask me.”

I hadn’t seen her since this morning on the tense drive home from our camping trip. Indy had perched on the edge of her seat, looking on the verge of jumping out the window. After the call from Levi, I wasn’t surprised she was at the bar. If anything, her determination to discourage me told me just how close I was to unraveling her.

Her not running away told me just how much she wished I would.

“Well.” I smirked. “Thanks for letting me know she’s having a good time. But what Indy does is her business—”

“Thought you might like to know Sam’s been following her like a dusty dog all night. ”

I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to hurry over there and tell Sam to get lost. I’d never trusted him around her. “Like I said, that’s Indy’s business. You and I both know she can handle him.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” he muttered.

I knew what he meant. Indy had never hesitated to put someone in their place in the past. Now? Except with me, I hadn’t seen a spark of that fiery spirit. I could tell that was what Heath wanted to avoid, but I didn’t care if she set this whole town on fire. At least she’d stopped hiding.

“Look—she’s having a good time, but something’s off, alright? Besides me, she’s got no one in this bar looking out for her.”

I cursed under my breath. He was right, and I hated it. After telling Heath I’d be right over, I set the shipments aside for tomorrow, caught Brooks up, and followed him out the front door. “You taking her back to her parents’ place?” he asked.

“Nope.” I locked the door behind me. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Can you at least let me know when you get home?” he shouted, and I waved him off, silently agreeing. Though I had no idea when that would be.

Indy would decide that.

Gravel crunching beneath my boots, I crossed the road separating the bar and the shop. The parking lot was packed with cars, and I could hear the sound of boots stomping in tune with the fast-paced country music echoing through the door. But the usual dread I felt before I went inside wasn’t there, had been replaced by an undeniable sense of excitement.

I opened the door and slipped inside, scanning the room. The music was thundering, and I swore the floor was busier too. I thought I heard someone call my name, but I was too focused on the redhead across the bar to pay attention to anything else.

Indy was dancing. Her hands were up, her eyes closed as she moved her hips in time with “Flatliner” by Cole Swindell. Her white tank and denim shorts clung to her frame, and... shit.

I groaned—I needed a drink. For once, it had nothing to do with stress and everything to do with those sexy red boots she had on. I hadn’t seen them in years, didn’t even know she still had them, but I was two seconds away from begging her to walk all over me.

Just when I was on the cusp of dropping to my knees, I heard my name called out again. I turned to find Charlie waving me down. Behind him, Lisa and Sam were busy in a game of pool. Dread filled my stomach, and I took a step toward them, then stopped myself. I liked Lisa and Charlie, but I wasn’t here for them. I was here for Indy.

She was the only reason I’d faced this bar over the years. Yeah, I’d done my fair share of drinking and shooting the shit with old friends in this bar, but at the end of the night it always came back to Indy. It had been nothing more than a pathetic attempt to cling to the memories we’d shared here. When she’d let me guide her body across these wooden floors, trusting I’d be with her step for step. It was why I wanted to buy it from Heath. I’d meant it when I told her I didn’t plan on keeping it as a bar and had no idea what I wanted to do with it—I was only concerned with keeping a piece of Indy. She was the best thing to ever happen to me. I was done pretending that wasn’t the truth.

I waved but crossed to the opposite side of the bar and grabbed the last stool on the far end. It was in the corner, away from everyone. Through the crowd, I could spot Indy, but unless she was looking, she wouldn’t notice me. I leaned back and made myself comfortable, prepared to wait until last call.

Time passed and the music changed, but Indy didn’t stop. Occasionally, she’d take a break and order a drink—or shoot Sam down—but even then, her hips swayed. And no matter the dance or the song, she danced alone. Anyone else might’ve found it sad to see her alone on a busy dance floor, but her skin was flushed and her smile was wide. She didn’t have a single care in the world right now.

She was stunning.

Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” began to play, and despite her heaving chest, Indy cheered alongside the other women on the floor. She smiled brightly, holding all my attention. I sure as hell was going to enjoy the show.

She raised her arm, twirling an imaginary lasso over her head, and tapped her feet before stepping into the beat of the music. Left and right she moved, her hands on her hips. Her gaze was focused, and I couldn’t help but smile at the passion she put into every move, no matter how small it was. She strolled forward and spun, and somewhere in the motion, her gaze caught mine. My stomach dropped, and she froze mid-step. I braced myself for her to leave, but as quickly as I’d caught her off guard, she regained her composure.

Her hands danced over her rosy skin, exactly like before. Except this time, her eyes were on me. It didn’t matter how long it had been, or how much distance was between us, with every step she took, it felt like I was dancing with her. Holding her lush hips in my hands, breathing in the sweet smell of her skin. By the coy smile she wore, the unwavering way she watched me, Indy was imagining it was me touching her too.

But the song ended, and her gaze left mine, ending the trance. Clearing my throat, I crossed my arms, pretending I wasn’t barely holding it together as she approached me. “Did Heath call you?”

I gave her a slow smile. “Hi, Indy.”

She reached up and twisted her hair into a clip, a few loose curls sticking to her slick skin. “I’ll tell you what I told Heath: I’m not here to cause trouble. So if you’re here to take me home, you may as well leave—”

“I’m not here to take you home.”

“I’m not going—” She closed her mouth. “You’re not?”

“Nope.” I glanced at her boots, thinking of all the times I’d felt them around my waist, heels digging into my skin—

Indy lightly kicked her boot against mine, as though she had a front-row view to my thoughts. Chuckling, I dragged my gaze to hers, not surprised to see her smirk. She knew what she did to me. “Heath did call me,” I told her honestly. “But I’m not here to take you home.”

“Then why are you here?”

I raised a brow. Wasn’t it obvious? “I’m here for you. And I will be taking you home. But I’m not doing that until you tell me you’re ready to leave. So keep going on about your night, don’t worry about me. I’ve got nothing better to do than watch you.”

She rolled her eyes. “I can take care of myself. ”

I knew she could. But I wanted her to know she didn’t always have to.

I put a hand on her hip, grateful there wasn’t the slightest resistance as I eased her toward me. I settled her between my legs, her hips touching the inside of my thighs. With me sitting, we were almost eye level, letting me see the desire there.

Using my free hand, I brushed the loose curls off her neck. “I know your veins pump fire and whiskey, but you’re still my peaches. And I’m always going to want to take care of you.” Her lashes fluttered, the sweet heat of her skin teasing mine. “And considering you’ve had more than a few drinks, I’ll be driving you back to your folks’ place tonight.”

I’d rather take her to mine, but I wasn’t a fool.

Indy must’ve believed otherwise. “I’ll walk home. Maybe even ask someone to drive my dad’s truck.” She took half a step back, and I dropped my hold on her waist, folding my arms over my chest. Her gaze lingered on my wrist, on the braided grass bracelet there. It was the one she’d made when we were camping; I’d snatched it when she wasn’t looking. Rather than demanding it back, she said, “On second thought, maybe I’ll let someone take me back to their place.”

I gave her an easy smile, pretending the thought didn’t split me in two. And that I wasn’t considering throwing her over my shoulder and never letting go. “Might be a little difficult since you’ve been alone all night.”

She lifted a shoulder. “Doesn’t mean I was planning on leaving alone.”

I clenched my jaw, something stirring inside me. Jealousy. Everything in me wanted to remind Indy she was my wife. But she wasn’t, not in the way that mattered. If I tried to make some territorial claim, I’d only push her away.

“Alright.” I tipped my chin, leaning back in my chair. “Well, I’m staying. And not because you need me, but because I want to. Go have a good time, Indy.”

She narrowed her eyes, watching me as though she was trying to figure me out. I had nothing to hide. I’d laid everything out for her last night. I wanted her, even if only for a few weeks.

I was patient. For her, I’d wait.

But I felt that patience thin when Indy returned to the dance floor, this time with a partner. I let out a deep sigh, shaking my head as her gaze met mine. If she thought dancing with another man would deter me, she was wrong .

Regardless, she tried. Tried and tried to drive me away, changing partners with each song. She thought she was putting on a show. And it might’ve worked, had I not seen how her energy seemed to slow, like it was taking everything in her to keep going.

Indy had never danced that way with me.

As I watched her move, watched as the men held her casually, there was no denying there was envy in my heart. But beside that jealously, there was one continuous thought: I hoped they’d be careful.

They’re holding my entire world.

Just when I thought I might come undone, Indy hobbled off the dance floor. Her steps were sluggish, probably from the amount she’d drunk and not having danced in years.

She was taking a drink when Sam slipped in beside her. He’d been hovering all night, but this was the first time I’d seen her frame tighten. Oblivious, he leaned in. From the way he tilted his head toward the dance floor, he wanted her to join him.

I sat on the edge of my seat, not knowing if I could stomach watching her dance with him. High school might’ve been years ago, but the way Sam had always spoken about her like she was a prize didn’t sit well with me.

Indy shook her head and I relaxed, thinking that was the end of it. But then he put a hand on her waist, steering her toward the center of the room. I stood, crossing the room just in time for Indy to shrug out of his hold. “I told you, I’m not in the mood anymore.”

I hung back a few steps, waiting. “C’mon, Indy,” Sam tried. “You’ve got at least one dance left in you.”

“No. I’m done.”

“You promised me a dance before the end of the night.”

She shrugged, her gaze hazy as she looked to where I’d been sitting. Was she looking for me? “I changed my mind, sorry.”

She stepped around him, but he grabbed her wrist. “Don’t be a tease.”

She looked at a glass on the table beside her, and I stepped forward, sensing her next move. I slid in behind Sam, moving the half-full glass out of her reach. She glowered at me, and I winked. I didn’t care if she threw a beer at him—he’d had it coming for years. But come tomorrow, Indy would care.

“You afraid you’re going to pass out or something, Sam?” I asked, and he flinched, likely not realizing I was behind him. “Why else would you have a death grip on Indy?”

He glanced over his shoulder, and I cocked a brow, pointedly looking at his hold on her. Reluctantly, he shifted to face me, dropping her wrist in the process. “Hey, man. I didn’t know you were here.”

I smirked, sure that was the case. “You leaving?”

He glanced back at Indy. I was shocked she hadn’t taken off as soon as he’d dropped her hand. “I think so. Indy and I were in the middle of deciding what we were doing before you showed up.”

She scowled and I fought my smile, not wanting to give her away. “Well, I was just about to head out. Why don’t I give you both a ride home?”

“No, thanks.” The look he gave me told me he wasn’t all that thankful. “I haven’t had much to drink, so we’re good. Besides, I wouldn’t want whatever woman’s warming your bed tonight to get lonely.”

I rolled my hand into a fist, not missing the way Indy’s shoulders dropped. I didn’t care if Sam had had one beer or not—I wasn’t letting him drive her anywhere. Hell, if she really wanted to go to his house, I’d drop them both off before promptly driving myself off a cliff. “Just let me drive you home. You really shouldn’t be drinking and driving—”

“You’d know all about that, wouldn’t you?” Sam laughed, glancing at Indy like he expected her to laugh too. But her gaze was flat, entirely on me. “Good for you for learning from your mistakes. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two.”

“You mean like how not to grab a woman after she’s blatantly told you no?”

His frame stiffened, his grin falling. “Maybe if you held on tighter, the women in your life wouldn’t be so quick to leave you.”

I smiled—if he wanted to get under my skin, he’d have to try harder than that.

“Bet your old man’s proud to see you turn out just like him. ”

“That’s probably the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

Tired of this conversation, I stepped around him. Indy was reaching for my hand just as Sam said, “You know what I realized the other day? Indy sort of reminds me of your mom.”

I tilted my head, the music dulling to a low ringing. “What was that?”

“Come on, you can’t tell me you’ve never considered it.”

I turned to face Sam, not surprised to see he was grinning. It was my fault for letting him say some stupid shit over the years. But like he’d acknowledged a moment ago, I was learning from my mistakes.

“You know, it’s not all that surprising. I’d bet anything you sought Indy out because she reminded you of your mom—”

I grabbed the collar of his shirt, chairs screeching as I shoved him backward and held him against the bar counter. There was yelling, someone threatening to call the sheriff, but I blocked it all out.

I gripped Sam’s shirt tighter, and the only reason I didn’t let my fist fly was because he had the sense to not fight back. He was a good-sized guy, capable of putting up a fight. But he would be fighting for himself, whereas I’d be fighting for someone worth more than gold.

His back bowed over the counter as I leaned over him, my voice low. “Disrespect my wife again and I’ll break your goddamn jaw.”

He stared at me with wide eyes, like he wasn’t sure if I was serious or not. But I was damn serious. I was letting him see the truth. How far I’d go to protect Indy, protect her peace.

Refusing to let him walk away without understanding, I tightened my grip, just as a soft voice said, “Take me home, Nolan.”

I looked up and found Indy beside me. After what he’d said, I expected to see shame and disappointment in her eyes, but there was undeniable fierceness instead. It was like a light at the end of the tunnel. It was all I needed to let go. I pushed off the bar counter, not giving Sam a second thought as she turned, leading the way out of the bar. She staggered a step, and I put my hand on the small of her back. She leaned into me, and though I knew it was because of the alcohol, I cherished the touch .

For once, Indy was leaning on me. And for the first time, I wasn’t afraid I’d drop her.

Heath followed us out, and I apologized, letting him know I’d pay for any damage done. I expected him to rip me a new one, but instead he patted me on the back, telling me to take care of Indy.

Not needing to be told twice, I lifted her into my truck, and after convincing her it wasn’t worth egging Sam’s house, I drove toward her parents’ place. Pulling into her drive, I looked to the passenger side where Indy was sleeping. Her head was against the window, her mouth open, and sure enough, there was drool running down her chin.

I smiled to myself, thinking of all the times she had leaned out that window. It didn’t matter if we were cruising through town or down a back road; she’d hang out the window as though she was reaching for the sky, and I’d hook a finger through her belt loop to keep her steady.

I could’ve stayed there all night, but Indy would have a tizzy if she woke up to me staring at her. Reluctantly, I set my hand on her shoulder, gently stirring her awake. “C’mon, Indy. Let’s get you inside.”

She stirred, mumbling something under her breath, and after a few more shakes, she opened her eyes. Her brows were furrowed, her blinks slow. “Why are we here?”

“You said to take you home.” She must be more drunk than I’d originally thought. “Did you expect me to drive you to an abandoned shed in the middle of the woods?”

She shook her head, and I could taste my next teasing remark on my tongue, but then she said, “Not here.” I paused, at a loss as she leaned against the window and closed her eyes. “It makes me sad being here. It’s empty and quiet . . . It makes it hard to pretend I’m not alone.”

“I’m sure it’s different being here with your parents gone—”

“No.” She lifted her legs onto the seat, curling them close to her chest. “It’s always been that way.”

I let out a shaky breath, feeling like I’d been sucker punched. I loved my home. I was grateful to have a roof over my head, especially one Dad had given me and my brothers. But with them gone, and with only me to fill the house, it reminded me of what was missing. What I would never have. “Yeah,” I agreed quietly. “I know what you mean. My house feels something like that too.”

“Can I stay with you?” Her voice was almost shy. “Not with you, but at your house. I can take the couch, or the floor. Even the basement—”

“How about you decide when we get there?” I chuckled, already shifting my truck into reverse. “I’ve got a feeling you’re going to spend most of your night in the bathroom, and I’d rather you do it at my place. Knowing you, you’d choke on your vomit, and as much as I like the idea of your ghost haunting me, I like the idea of holding your hair all night long more.”

She smiled to herself, nuzzling deeper into the seat. I pulled out of her drive and was halfway down the road, deep in my thoughts, when she sat up. “Wait!”

I slammed on the brakes and put out my arm, catching Indy as she slid forward in her seat. Her heart pounded beneath my palm, though it had nothing on how quickly mine raced. I shifted in my seat to face her. “We already decided this: you’re coming home with me, Indy.”

“Genny’s at my parents’ house.”

I raised a brow. “She’s a cat. She’ll be fine until the morning.”

She bit her lip, and I readied myself for her to protest, but she only whispered, “I’m not worried about her. I—I can’t sleep without her.”

She glanced out the window, her breaths shallow. Her hands fidgeted in her lap, and something told me it wasn’t because she was sleeping at my place. Aware I was testing my luck, I reached for her hand, threading her fingers through mine. “That’s no problem at all. Let’s go get her. But just so you know, I won’t stand for Genny sleeping anywhere but in my bed. Our girl deserves nothing but the best.”

“But I just told you I can’t sleep without her.”

“Oh, that’s right.” I hummed under my breath before I snapped my fingers. “I think our only solution is you’ll have to sleep in my bed too. And before you tell me no, don’t worry. I was planning on sleeping on the couch tonight.”

She bit her bottom lip. “I hate to put you out.”

“It’s not putting me out if I want this. ”

She gave me a small smile and looked at our joined hands on her lap. “You’re a good man.”

I forced a laugh, shaking my head before I pulled a U-turn and started back to her parents’ to grab Genny. A good man? I wasn’t sure about that. I was just trying to learn from my mistakes.

Later that night, as I lay awake in the living room as my wife and cat were sprawled out on my bed, I couldn’t help but realize how differently our lives would’ve turned out if I’d listened to my instincts, given up baseball, and gone home sooner.