Page 23 of Double

“Whatever, man.” Justus waved her off. “Could you use help, or nah?”

“I guess.” Her face remained frowned. “I mean, maybe as an assistant. I’m not lookin’ for a business partner or anything.”

“Well, keep me in mind.” Tinsley smiled graciously, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“My family likes you,” I said to Tinsley as the two of us walked into the house several hours later. After dinner, there was talking, a spades tournament, more eating, and more talking.

“I liked them, too. Especially your mom and Journey. They’re very warm and welcoming, and I like your dad and your brother, too. I could’ve done without meeting his girl, though. She didn’t like me at all.”

“Erica, my ex, is her cousin. She’s probably already reported back about you by now.”

“Does that make you feel a way?”

“Not at all.” I helped her out of her coat then shrugged out of mine. We both took off our shoes and placed them on the wooden rack that sat by the door. “Let me walk you to your room.”

She cut her eyes up at me. “Every time you do that, it feels like the ending of a date. It’s like you’re walking me to my front door or something.”

“That’s what it’s supposed to feel like.”

“Like a date?”

“Like a date.” At her bedroom door, I gave her a kiss on the forehead. “I’m taking you to breakfast in the morning and to do some running around. Can you be ready by 8:00 a.m.?”

“Okay,” she responded breathily like my kiss had actually affected her.

I kissed her again, this time on the cheek because I liked the way her skin felt under my lips. “Good night. Get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Okay.”

Her inexperience was cute to me. Refreshing. I wanted to take my time with her to court her and actually date her. But if she kept looking at me the way she was looking at me, that entire idea was going out the window.

9

My New Husband is Making Me Feel Things

Tinsley

I couldn’t sleep. There were too many thoughts running through my mind. I was conflicted. How could I be both content and distraught? Why did I feel both victimized and guilty?

I missed Iredia. I missed days filled with sunshine, the soft sound of the ocean lapping against the shore, and the smell of the briny water. I missed waking up in my cute, colorful apartment, stopping for coffee before heading into the office space that I shared with my best friend. I missed Faylise. I missed our laughter, our secrets, and our shared history. I missed her companionship. I missed my family, too. I missed my aunt, my uncle, and my cousins.

I liked being around Double, though. Spending time with him felt good. Being with his family felt good. They were warm, funny, inviting, accepting, and just overall kind people. They felt like family, which was where the guilt came in. I felt like I shouldn’t like my new life. I shouldn’t be sinking into it or accepting it without a fight. I should have more angst in my heart for my life in Iredia. I should resent Double. Why didn’t I?

By the time he knocked on my bedroom door that morning, I was dressed and ready to go. He took me to a cute breakfast spot that smelled like baked goods, cinnamon, and butter.

“It smells good in here,” I commented once our hostess deposited us at a table near a window that overlooked Lake Michigan. I appreciated that most of the places we went allowed me to see water. It helped me feel a bit closer to Iredia.

When he didn’t respond right away, I looked away from where I was arranging my coat on the chair. His eyes were glued to me but not my face.

“Damn, did you pour yourself into those jeans, Sweetheart?”

I simultaneously blushed and giggled. He wasn’t lying. The jeans did hug every one of my curves. “I think your cousin could’ve gone one size up on these,” I admitted.

His head was shaking before I even got the sentence out. “Nah. She chose the exact right size. You look good as hell. I like it.”

“Thank you.” I just knew my cheeks were red with the heat that rushed through me. I finally took my seat, and he did the same. “Hey, Double?”

“What’s up?”