Page 14 of Heart Thief

He shakes his head, like I’m silly. “Okay, I’ll bite. Who is the new love in your life?”

“It’s not a who, it’s a what. I’m totally and completely in love with your home. You now have competition.”

He doesn’t smile. “Not really. It’s inanimate.”

So, I’m not a comedian. But I wish I could make him laugh. Just a little. Even a small smile would be satisfying. I think he’d feel more relaxed if he could let loose.

That’s not who he is though.

My gaze ping pongs from him to my lap. I’m unsure of his mood. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Now that I see the face of the woman I’m falling in love with, I am.”

There’s that falling word again. I remind myself that it’s his way of saying I love you and I let it warm my heart. I again attempt to keep the conversation light.

“Whoa, keep talking like that and I might hop on a plane and join you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

I feel myself deflate, releasing a long, low sigh. It’s clear Ryker’s not in a playful mood. He never is, but it’s more pronounced when he’s tired.

“Sorry, Mila. That was humor again, wasn’t it?”

“A poor attempt, but yes.”

“Thanks for putting up with me.” His stony expression battles with his words, leaving me confused.

I watch my lips compress on the screen and I deliberately relax them. “You know what, I’d better let you get some sleep. Thanks for calling. It’s good to see your handsome face. Get some rest.”

“Mila, wait. I’m sorry for being short.” He runs one hand over his face. “I hit the ground running when I arrived, and I think I’m still fighting jet-lag. Can’t seem to catch up.”

I nod. “I understand.”

“Miss you like crazy.”

My heart bursts into a million tiny pieces at the crumb he’s thrown me. I’ll take it. “I miss you too.”

His chest puffs out enough for me to notice his pleased response. “Before you go, will you flip the screen and show me your baby grand in my living room? I’d love to see it again.”

“Arthur will be heartbroken, but okay.” Of course, he never asks to speak with Artie. My little buddy is currently curled up on his dog bed, his ears perked at the sound of Ryker’s voice.

I flip the screen and show him the view of my baby grand sitting in the corner of the living room, with only a wall of glass as its backdrop. It’s an art gallery worthy picture.

He whistles. “That looks incredible.”

“I think so too. It really is an amazing place to practice.”

I flip the screen back to me.

“Hey, don’t forget to put felt pads underneath the legs. I don’t want the floor to get scratched. I ordered some for you on Amazon. Did they arrive?”

I lift a single eyebrow. “No, not yet.”

Every phone call so far has included detailed remarks about how to take care of his home.Wipe the faucets down after using them. Pour bleach down the drains once a week. Use a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints on the stainless-steel refrigerator.It dominates our conversation. If I’m being honest, I’m annoyed.

His eyes squint as he studies the screen. “Is that a blanket and pillow on the couch?”

I glance behind me, pretending I don’t know they’re there. My soda and popcorn bowl are still on the coffee table too. Should I announce there’s a coaster under my soda can? I return to my piano bench, so the window is behind me. “Movie night last night. I fell asleep on the couch.” My favorite way to relax at the end of the day.

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