We Never Broke Up (A Second Chance Romance)

Chapter 17

I opened my eyes slowly and noticed that the room was dimly lit. I scanned

my surroundings and realized I was on Thad's bed in his room.

How had I ended up here?

Swiftly, I threw off the blankets and hurried to the door, flinging it open. As I descended the stairs, I was met with the sight of Thad, dressed in sweatpants, his back to me.

He was busy making coffee and hummed as he worked, a habit he often

indulged in while cooking. My eyes couldn't help but trace the outline of

his broad back, and I noticed a new addition - a large bird tattoo.

It was a mermaid tattoo that had been there before.

I descended the stairs with deliberate, soft steps, my gaze firmly fixed on

Thad's bare back.

When he suddenly turned to face me, his grey eyes locked onto mine, and my breath caught.

His damp black hair glistened, tiny droplets cascading down from his

forehead, tracing a wet path across his cheek, neck, and chest. His six-pack abs seemed as if they had been chiseled out, far more toned than I remembered

from the past.

He had always been a fitness enthusiast, but now his physique seemed even more sculpted.

A wave of warmth washed over me, and my heart raced a bit faster.

"Good morning," he greeted me, a small smirk playing on his lips, his eyes

sparkling.

I cleared my throat and nodded. "How... how are you feeling?" I inquired, my voice trembling slightly.

"As energetic as ever," he replied, his gaze unwavering, creating an electric

tension between us.

My heart raced as I nodded and proceeded with caution toward the fridge.

The room's dim lighting made Thad's silhouette a shadowy presence, engrossed in his coffee and humming softly.

I retrieved a bottle of water from the fridge and filled a glass. My composure
slipped as I sensed Thad's gaze bearing down on me. He interrupted my

thoughts, his deep voice breaking the silence, "Would you like some?"

I turned slowly, finding myself face to face with him. His intense gaze seemed

to penetrate my very soul. A barely audible whisper escaped my lips, "No, I'm fine, thank you."

His closeness was overwhelming, and I sensed his warm breath on my neck

as he offered to make me coffee. I was frozen, unable to move as I felt his

presence envelop me entirely.

His penetrating grey eyes locked onto mine, and I could feel the intense heat

of his gaze. My own eyes darted over the familiar lines of his face, tracing

the contours I once knew so well.

A shiver of temptation ran through me,

but I willed myself to pull away, shaking my head.

Coughing slightly to hide my inner turmoil, I tightened the cap on the bottle and returned it to the table.

I reached for the cup of water and, with an urgency I couldn't quite contain, downed a large gulp to quell the rising heat within me.

"Did you...how did I get to the bed?" I asked, looking at him.

"I carried you," he whispered, taking a slow sip of his coffee. His words hung

in the air, leaving me momentarily startled. Blinking to clear my thoughts, I decided to break the tension and move past him.

"Aren't you going to work?" I inquired, turning to face him.

His eyes met mine, and he shook his head. "No, I'm not. I plan to stay at home with you and unravel the mysteries of our past that you want to keep buried."

His answer caught me off guard, and I quickly turned to walk away.

Behind me, I heard his soft chuckle, sending a shiver down my spine as I climbed the stairs.

Thad

I had just finished talking to some clients when Mark called me. I picked

up my phone and stood up, moving to the window to take the call.

"Hello,"

"Mr. Whitlock, the date of the event has been pushed forward. It's tonight,"

Mark's voice said hurriedly.

As I glanced out the window, I saw Sera practicing yoga on the lawn. She

was graceful and focused, her chestnut hair falling across her face, and her

workout attire clinging to her, accentuating her curves.

"The Callari event?" I inquired to confirm.

"Yes, sir,"

She gracefully shifted into another pose, her body arching towards the sky, and I found myself unable to look away.

Memories of the past began to flood

my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder if I truly had the privilege of having her all to myself back then.

"Alright, I'll prepare for it," I said before ending the call, my gaze still lingering

on Sera's figure.

Feelings for her swelled up inside me, a yearning I hadn't anticipated. It

seemed like I needed her with me all the time.

The nightmare I had just

experienced was centered around her, and it hurt to imagine another man in

her company while I was consumed by flames.

Her comforting hug had felt warm and strangely familiar, as if she had always

been the one to console me during nightmarish moments.

I tried to hide my lingering gaze as she turned in my direction, clearing my throat and walking away from the window, conscious that I'd been caught