Page 97 of Captivated By You

Asher

Dad’s are worth listening to.

Weak sunlight peekedthrough a blanket of clouds, the reflection sparkling on the water. I stood by the window of my penthouse, hands buried in my trouser pockets, my mind on Kiana. Three days had passed since she’d asked for space and flown home to Chicago, and as dawn had broken each morning, the ache in my chest had worsened. I woke reaching for my phone, and the absence of any contact, even a two-word “I’m okay” text message, sent my mood spiraling downward.

What was she doing right this second? Was she missing me at all, or was the distance she’d said she needed creating a divide between us that would ultimately end up permanent?

If she remained in Chicago, it’d kill me, but equally, I couldn’t force her to return to Seattle. She knew how I felt about her. I just had to hope it was enough.

I’d lost count of the number of times I set off for the airport, only to have my driver turn around a few minutes later. I wanted to respect her wishes, but damn, it wasn’t easy.

Being in lovesucked.Yet it was also the most magical thing that had ever happened to me. That yearning to be with Kiana kept me awake at night, its intensity a burning need that wouldn’t quit. I wanted her so badly, her absence a hollowness in my stomach that no amount of sustenance would fill.

A knock came at my door, the visitor unexpected. It had to be someone with a keycard to the elevator, given that reception hadn’t called. That meant it was my parents, or my brothers.

Christ, don’t let it be Johannes. I couldn’t cope with him basking in my misery.

I opened the door. “Dad.” I managed a weak smile.

“Hi, son. Hope I haven’t come at a bad time.”

“No, not at all.” I stood back. “Come in.”

He shrugged out of his coat. I hung it up, then gestured toward the kitchen. “Would you like a drink?”

“Wouldn’t say no.”

I poured a scotch for me and a gin and tonic for my father. “Is there a reason for the visit?”

He squeezed the slice of lemon I’d arranged on the rim of the glass, then dropped it into his drink.

“Can’t I stop by to see my son?”

“Of course.” I sat on the couch. Dad chose the chair. “I wasn’t expecting you. That’s all.”

Dad studied me with narrowed eyes and a hint of a frown. I tapped my fingers against my glass, a tightness spreading across my chest. I was well aware that, in the last few days, my attention hadn’t been on work as much as it should have been. Maybe he was here to cuss me out, or worse, to tell me I’d disappointed him in some way.

“Have you spoken with Kiana?”

I swallowed, my eyes drawn to the window. Better that than witness pity in my father’s eyes. “No.”

“Good.”

My head whipped around so fast my neck cracked. I rubbed it. “How can it be good?”

“Because you’re abiding by her wishes.”

I pursed my lips. “I’m not sure that’s the right approach.”

Dad leaned forward, setting his glass on the coffee table. “Take it from an old hand, son. It’s exactly the right approach. Sometimes, you have to let go.” He chuckled. “I know that’s a challenge for you, but trust me, if you push Kiana now, when she’s asked you to give her space, you risk losing her forever.”

I ran a hand over my face, sighing heavily. “I miss her, Dad.”

“I know you do.”

“I thought you were going to reprimand me.”

Dad straightened. “Whatever for?”

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