Ember. | #1 Axis Series

7. The Conflict

Troy is the first to speak. "Do you care to explain why you left this morning?" He asks quietly, his hands in the pockets of his dress pants.

Son of a nutcracker.

What do I say? Do I tell him how I thought he regretted what we shared last night? What if he does regret it? The thought alone makes me sick to my stomach. He's the only man I've become comfortable with or trusted enough to see me like that. And he's the only man I've cared about this much.

Knowing I need to explain myself, I tell him, "I woke up alone and you weren't there. The bed was cold and I knew you had been out for a little while. I thought you regretted what happened last night and wanted me to leave."

Tears clog my throat and cloud my vision, but I still catch the softening of his once hard expression. The next thing I know, strong arms are wrapped around my waist and I collide with Troy's muscled chest as his lips crash down on mine.

Oh, boy.

My insides liquefy and blood thickens with desire. Jesus, this man can kiss like no other. I pull him towards me and he chuckles against my lips before kissing them once more.

"I don't regret last night, baby," he murmurs, pulling away. Dark blue orbs meet wide green ones as I fight to catch my breath.

"You don't?" I ask stupidly.

"I left to get breakfast. I figured you would still be sleeping when I got back. I should have left a note."

A smile graces my cheeks. "It's okay. I was just overthinking. You know, I'm a woman. That's what we do."

"I'm very aware of that, Em," he replies, chuckling deeply. "I think it's cute."

I scrunch my nose. "Cute?" I ask incredulously.

"Yes, very cute indeed. Like a cupcake." He taps my nose with his finger, a smile still on his face. "We have to be at my parents' estate in an hour."

Hobbity doody whatty?

"Wait. I thought that was tomorrow?"

He shrugs nonchalantly. "My mother called and moved up our plans. Apparently, Axton came home early."

"Oh."

"Yeah, oh. Now, get ready."

* * *

Forty-Five Minutes Later...

I rest my head in the palm of my hand as I stare out the window at the Lancaster estate. I thought Troy's estate was beautiful, but this place is absolutely gorgeous.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Troy whispers in my ear, sending a shiver of delight through my body.

I nod, still utterly speechless. We come to a stop in front of the mansion a second later and Troy steps out to open my door.

"Enjoy your evening, Ms. Holbrook," says Forrest as I step out of the car.

I smile. "You, too, Forrest."

Troy leads me up the steps and to the front door, my hand clasped tightly in his. At the door, he turns to face me and places a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"Don't be nervous, Em. They'll love you."

"Easier said than done, Mr. Lancaster," I retort as a woman, who looks to be in her early fifties, opens the door. She's dressed in a black pencil skirt with a lavender blouse to match. Her hair is long and blonde, styled in voluminous waves.

A large, bright smile leaps onto her face when she sees me standing next to Troy. She squeals excitedly and hugs me to her tightly, jumping up and down. She pulls back at arm's length and looks me over.

"Oh, Troy. She's so beautiful," she gushes. "My baby did well."

This is his mother? She looks like she could be a model for Cover Girl.

"Hon, leave the poor girl alone," says a deep voice from behind Troy's mother.