Breathing For The First Time by Mary E Thompson Read Free Book Online Page B

lean into him and he wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me into him. 
    I don’t have to look; I know it’s Tyler.
    Paige and Tiffany turn and see me and their eyes widen into saucers. They approach me, but I shake my head and they stay put. I close my eyes and let the music fill me again, dancing, and forgetting that I’m mad at Tyler just for a moment.
    When I turn around to him, his blue eyes are dark, filled with lust and possessiveness. He keeps his arm tight against me, pressing my body into his. I let my arms fall to my side and drop my head back. Tyler pulls me tighter into him and drops kisses along my neck. My body shivers and responds to him, more than I’d like to admit.
    I force myself to remember that I’m mad at him and I push away from him. He tries to pull me back to him, but I stand my ground. The look of defeat in his eyes tells me I won’t have to try hard to keep him away. “What can I do Brooke? What can I do to show you that I want to be here with you?”
    “You can tell me what the hell is going on.” I put my hands on my hips, daring him to challenge me.
    He looks around and spots a free table at the edge of the dance floor and asks me to sit with him. I turn back to Paige and Tiffany and point to the table. They nod and I let Tyler guide me to the table.
    He runs his hand through his hair when we sit down, buying time before he speaks. I want my hands running through his hair, to feel him close to me again. It’s not fair that he looks so amazing. His dark hair is pushed back form his face, but his chiseled jar shows a rough shadow that makes him look undeniably sexy. His blue shirt makes his eyes pop and I watch his muscles dance under the fabric. He’s nervous. His crystal blue eyes meet mine and I can see the regret on his face. I almost forgive him before I even hear what he has to say, but I stop myself.
    “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” I ask. I can’t sit here without answers. Being this close to him is like skydiving; it’s a rush that only stops when your feet hit the ground.
    He drops his shoulder, looking defeated. “I planned this trip months ago. Over summer break last year Rachel came to visit me at my parents’ house. We were still together. We talked about a cruise, going away with some friends, for spring break. Rachel is in her senior year, you know that, and she wanted a great last trip before she graduated. I thought it sounded fun, so I agreed. I didn’t even know you then.”
    I nod, understanding it was a long time ago, but I know there’s more so I keep quiet.
    “When we broke up over Christmas break, I told her I didn’t want to go on the trip. I knew she would still have fun since we’re here with her best friend and her boyfriend, but they’re also people I’m close friends with.
    “Rachel protested, saying I should still come and we can be friends. I told her I would think about it.”
    I get wanting to be friends with your ex. It’s hard to let go of someone you’ve shared so much with. But it still doesn’t tell me why he’s here.
    “When I asked you out, I decided I wasn’t going to go. I didn’t want to be in a position with her that would seem like, well, like it seems. I called Jon and told him I wasn’t going to come on the trip. He told me he was planning to propose to Jessica as we pulled out of the dock and he really wanted me to be here. I told him about my issues with Rachel, and about you, but he pushed hard. I didn’t want to let my friend down.”
    Tyler always does what others want, instead of what he wants. For once I wish he wasn’t such a nice guy.
    He continues, “When we left the dock, Jon proposed like he planned. Jessica said yes, of course. When you saw us that first night, we were celebrating.”
    “You looked pretty comfortable with her,” I try not to let the anger show through, but he hears it.
    He takes my hand in his and meets my eyes, “I’m sorry about that. A part of me fell back