Page 59 of Losing the Rhythm

I was supposed to live there, but just looking at it, anyone would know how empty it was.

My door opened, Seth holding it for me.

“Milady.” He held his free hand out for me and helped me get down. “Did you have a good night?”

“Better than I thought.”

Seth laughed. “Good. Glad to have had your company these last few hours. I’m a bit sad it’s over.”

“Are you really?”

“Always. I’m always sad when our time together ends. Now, go get some rest. I think Justin had some morning plans for you.”

“Another friendate already?”

“We’re determined to pack it in. Keep you busy.”

I sighed, heading inside, feeling absolutely exhausted. But it was more like my thoughts were sluggish, unable to keep up. I had fun tonight, but as it wound down, I was reminded of everything else.

Mainly, my dad.

“Thank you, Seth,” I said while we walked back inside his house.

“For the date?”

I smiled at him, but it was hard to hold it. It felt stiff compared to the other times tonight. “For the friendate.”

“Anytime. Enjoy yourself on these friendates. Let yourself be distracted enough to smile.” He reached out and grabbed my chin. “So that your smile doesn’t look like this.”

His thumb went to the edge of my mouth and he softly rubbed at it until my smile slipped away and I parted my lips in surprise. His gaze dipped down to my lips and something changed in his gaze. It softened, but also seemed to deepen until I was looking into a dark, endless pit that seemed to pull me.

“Cadence, I want to kiss you so hard right now.” He leaned forward and I swore he was going to do just that. I closed my eyes. Instead of feeling his lips against my mouth like I expected, he pressed them against my temple. Somehow it felt more intimate than anything I felt before. More precious. In an even softer voice, he said, “I’ll settle for this for now. Have a good sleep, Cadence. And try to actually sleep in tonight. You’re safe here. Always are. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

After that, he gave me a gentle smile and then turned me until I faced the stairs. “Goodnight, Cadence.”

His nudge got my feet moving and before I knew it, was in the guest room I stole, my thoughts completely scattered. I didn’t even remember going to bed, but at some point, everything went dark, and I fell asleep.

Chapter Seventeen

Despite being up half the night, I made sure I didn’t leave my room until I heard someone else moving around. I didn’t want to worry them about my lack of sleep. I did get more sleep at least this time, though I had woken up around four from a nightmare.

I sighed and rolled over, looking at the card Dad had left behind. I had been staring at the thing since waking up, contemplating reaching out to him. But also scared. What would I do if he didn’t answer? Or if he already left town? Or if he didn’t want to see me anymore?

A million excuses kept popping up, making it easier and easier to not call him.

But I wanted to see him again and hear his voice. To prove that what was beginning to feel like a dream truly was real. He had been in front of me, speaking to me, existing under the same roof.

I finally dragged myself out of bed and headed downstairs. Seth was in the living room with coffee, staring at the screen. The noise level was really low though, so I wasn’t sure what he was watching.

I slipped by without greeting him. Or at least I tried.

“Good morning to you too!” Seth called, humor in his voice.

I cleared my throat and replied. “Morning.” I beelined to the sink and got a glass of water, chugging half of it in moments.

“Justin will be here in about an hour to take you out. If you’re feeling up to it?” Concern filled his words. Seth was now leaning against the door frame, frowning as he stared at me. When did he follow me? “You’re pale.”

“Just waking up,” I said, and then took a sip to have something to do.

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