Free Reckless: Backsteel Bandits MC by Olivia Stephens Page A

worry did tinge at Miranda's thoughts. Tyler breezed into town and out, again. He withdrew all of his money. And the face he made when she mentioned the odd situation. Was he in trouble? The thought made Miranda's stomach churn.
     
    When she made her way back to the counter with the stacks of money, she switched to a numb autopilot. She counted the money, almost in an automaton-like trance. Tyler listened with dull eyes, nodding his head once she was finished. After she neatly placed the money in the bag and held it out to him, a need sliced through her thoughts. This may be the last time she ever saw him. Ever.
     
    Something snapped in her thoughts. The weekend had been long and lovely and gratifyingly exhausting. She almost thought it would never end. Yet, it had. And here he was, withdrawing money and about to disappear off the face of the earth again.
     
    Tyler's fingers brushed against hers. She sharply inhaled, her eyes widening as she felt sparks along her arm. Over the short distance, she and Tyler locked gazes. Heat and pressure slammed between them. Miranda knew what she wanted.
     
    “Mr. Ferguson, I must discuss a few things with you in my office,” Miranda lied through her teeth. The back of her neck warmed under the curious glances of her many co-workers. She pushed all of her embarrassment and uncertainty away. This might be her last chance. Plus, she was the bank manager. She could make unorthodox requests. She just needed a good lie for later when her family and co-workers asked.
     
    After they stepped into her office, Tyler shut the door silently behind him. Miranda drew the blinds to the windows that looked into the lobby before she sauntered to her desk. She leaned against the surface while Tyler's eyes trailed around the room.
     
    There wasn't much to it. It was done up in the same cream and cool grey motif as the rest of the bank. There were small splashes of color thanks to the mahogany desk and shelves, but – otherwise – everything was muted and dull.
     
    Miranda tried not to think how the room represented part of her. It felt so sterile and foreign. She hated her office and she did everything she could to avoid working in the room. When she did have to sit at her desk, she would keep the door propped open or the windows flung wide. The chatter of the lobby or the heat of the sun livened up the place.
     
    Painfully, Tyler noted there was little to no familial or friendly pictures hanging up in the room. Overall, the office was painfully sparse. When his gaze fell back to Miranda, he realized the room didn't represent her. It was a façade made up of appropriate features her family would most likely approve.
     
    She watched him, carefully.
     
    Tyler pulled his gaze away and ducked his head down. As he slid the paper bag of money into his inner vest pocket, he asked, “So, what's this about, Mir?”
     
    She swallowed, her thoughts turning over a whim that had drifted in and out of her mind all morning. Well, it was no or never. Otherwise, Miranda felt she'd never have another chance. “Do you want to come over to my place tonight?”
     
    Tyler hid his surprise and his delight. He was certain Miranda would move on after their constant time together the last few days. A part of him still rallied against the offer. “We spent the entire weekend together.”
     
    “So, no,” murmured Miranda as she dropped her eyes to the floor. Dejection and rejection sifted through her thoughts. Faintly, she wondered if Tyler only wanted a sex-filled weekend. Was she that easy of a target for him?
     
    “Mir, I'd love to, but–” I'm leaving and I don't want to hurt you again. That's what he wanted to add, but he couldn't find the words. He didn't want to leave and he didn't want to push her away. The very thought sent an ache through his heart.
     
    “I get it,” Miranda sighed and held up a hand. Tyler snapped his lips shut as she continued, “I just thought, since we ordered in every night