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“On the day of the concert, I sat around waiting for them to pick me up. By eight at night, I knew they ditched me.” I look down at the floor of the truck, biting my lip to hold back tears. “I cried that entire weekend. That night, I even tried to get a ticket for myself for the next night, but they were all sold out.” And just like that, I am thrown back into my horrible past.
I look over at Bryce and I can see his jaw clenching. His knuckles are white from him gripping the steering wheel so tight. Then, he suddenly hits a button on his dash and says, “Evanescence.” The speakers fill with their music, and he turns to me with a comforting smile.
“Sing away, baby. Sing away.” Instantly, he pulls me from my funk and the music helps me forget.
After who knows how many songs, we finally pull into the complex and park. As we walk up to my door, I take in a deep breath of the air. Today’s been a calm day, which is exactly what we both need. We head to his apartment when we walk in, we take off our shoes and coats and make our way to the living room. His apartment smells like him, autumn rain. He has a giant TV that is mounted on the wall across from two very plush couches. We walk around the coffee table plop down on the couch, nestling into each other. Bryce has his one arm wrapped around my waist while I lay on the other one. He pulls me closer, kisses my forehead, and lifts my chin up.
“Promise me that you’ll always sing for me. I love listening to you sing. Your voice is beautiful. You sound happy; free from everything around you. Promise me,” He puts his lips on mine softly, like I might break at any second.
“I promise. But I’ll only sing for you.” I reply, sighing happily.
“I’m okay with that.” He pulls me close, and we both let our exhaustion get the best of us.
Chapter 16
Katrina
Caffeine.The best stuff on earth—especially if it comes from my favorite place. New year, but same old everything with me. So, I sit here inside the OneShot Coffee, working on a new book I’m editing. For the first time in a long time, I’ve been smiling while I work. One of the regular baristas had mentioned that I looked like a whole new person. That I’m glowing.
Maybe it’s because it’s a new year. Perhaps it’s because I feel different, in a good way, these days. Undoubtedly, it’s because I’m completely in love with Bryce.
Bryce was up early this morning and had to go to work. Of course, not soon after, Vicki texted me to see how I was doing. I know Vicki has been hooking up with Austin. No matter what, Iwillget it out of her.
“Kitty Kat.” Bryce purrs behind me, startling me. Speak of the devil.
“Hey, baby.” I say as he kisses me tenderly on my temple.
“The usual, Bryce?” Austin asks while walking over to the counter.
“Yep. Thanks.” Bryce moves to sit down next to me. When he does, he leans over and kisses me again, this time on the lips.
“How’s your day so far?”
He shrugs. “Pretty uneventful mostly. Couple calls. That’s about it so far. Nothing exciting. How’s the book?”
“Actually, this one is pretty good. This author’s a really talented writer.” I’ve actually been really enjoying this book, getting lost in the world the author created.
“What’s it about?” Bryce asks, propping his chin up on his hand and his elbow on the table.
“It’s a romance book. About a woman who gets tangled up in a motorcycle club and the president trying to keep her safe, all while falling in love with her.”
Bryce simply nods and smirks. “Have you gotten to the good parts yet?”
“The good parts?” I raise an eyebrow to him.
“Yeah. The sex parts,” He waggles his eyebrows, and I burst out laughing.
“What’s going on over here?” Austin comes over and hands Bryce his coffee.
“Nothing,” I respond innocently. Bryce, however, is still chortling.
“So, Austin, how are things going?” I turn to him while Bryce composes himself.
He sighs, taking a sip from his cup. “Not bad. Been busy.”
“With Vicki?” Immediately, Austin’s cheeks turn pink. I nailed it on the head. “So, what’s going on with you two?”
“Uh, nothing. Just friends,” Austin answers too quickly. I hide a victorious smile.