Page 27 of Faded Rhythm
Julian
I wake up to sunlight streaming through the windows. And to my surprise, the peace that lulled me to sleep last night still lingers.
But I can’t lay around basking in it. I have shit to do.
I shower quickly, throw on a T-shirt and sweatpants, and head downstairs barefoot.
The hardwood is cold the way I like it. The air around me is still.
For a moment, I’m unsettled by how quiet the house is.
I was expecting a zoo. And lowkey looking forward to it.
But there’s no chatter. No footsteps. No giggles or screams.
My stomach clenches.
The living room and kitchen are both empty. My heart thuds hard, the kind of thud that used to mean ambush when I was in the field. I move faster now, checking doors and corners.
“Sable?” I call out. No answer.
Fuck.
I’m halfway to my gun safe when I spot movement through the back window.
I freeze.
Outside on my patio, Sable and the girls are on yoga mats. Moving in rhythm.
Rae falls out of a pose and giggles. Sable bends over her, gently correcting her arms, laughing with her. Kelice is concentrating, trying to get her pose just right. Sable whispers something to her, and whatever it is, it makes her beam with pride.
I exhale slowly, letting the tightness melt out of me.
They’re here. And they’re safe.
I step into my slides and make my way outside. The air is fresh and clean. A breeze plays through Sable’s hair, lifting it off her shoulders. She looks up and catches me watching.
Her smile feels like a hit of ecstasy.
She mouths, “We made breakfast.”
I nod, turning back toward the house.
In the kitchen, there’s a plate waiting on the counter.
Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, a neat pile of grapes on the side, and a tall stack of pancakes topped with strawberries in the shape of a heart.
I stand there staring at it for a beat, then sit at the counter and scarf it down like it’s the first meal I’ve had in weeks.
Maybe it is, in a way.
A few minutes later, I hear the girls running through the hallway. They come barreling into the kitchen, barefoot and smiling.
I look up from my plate. “Thank you, little ones. This is delicious.”
They smile and jump up and down, making me laugh. Sable walks in and gives them a look, which causes them to scurry off, probably to clean up.
For the first time all morning, I let myself get a good look at that fine ass woman.
Her pink yoga pants hug her hips perfectly.
I lick my lips, mad that I’m jealous of some fucking fabric.
Her matching tank top isn’t leaving much to the imagination.
Her skin is glowing. Her face is pretty without any makeup on it.
I take a deep breath.
“You look…” I stop, because it’s too early in the day for what I really wanna say. “Cute,” I finish.
She smiles. “Thank you. I’m a mess.”
“A pretty mess.”
Now, she’s blushing. “Do you have any ideas for something to do around here? The girls are getting restless. They’re not used to being cooped up in the house. We’re always on the go.”
“Where do you normally take them?” I ask.
“Parks, museums, the skating rink, Six Flags, the spa.”
“The spa?”
She chuckles. “They’re high maintenance just like their mommy.”
I down the last of my orange juice, then wipe my hands on a napkin. “I know a place.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” I meet her gaze. “It’s safe. Kinda out of the way. I think they’ll like it.”
She nods. “What should we wear?”
“Something comfortable. Be ready in an hour.”
“Yes, sir,” she says, giving me a silly salute.
I shake my head, but inside, I’m cracking up.
I watch her leave, because I can’t resist her ass in those pants. I’m shaking my head again, but for a different reason this time.
I put my empty plate in the sink and make my way back down the hall.
I’m showing my girls a good time today.