Page 13 of Keeping Skylar (Fractured Hearts #1)

Skylar

Ever catch yourself thinking, ‘Why the fuck did I agree to do this?’ because that’s been playing on a loop in my head since the minute I planted my arse in this ridiculously overpriced restaurant.

It’s date night, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt more petrified than I do at this very moment. Which is absurd, right? I mean, what wife is scared out of her mind about going to a fancy romantic dinner with her husband? It’s not like we haven’t done this a million times before.

Since discovering Kaden’s affair, every normal thing we used to do as a couple now feels like one big performance. Nothing feels natural or meaningful anymore, at least not to me. I find myself wondering if there’s any point in keeping up this pathetic charade.

I’m sitting across from Kaden at Morelli’s, sipping my first glass of Chardonnay for the evening. Honestly, I’m planning to polish an entire bottle by the end of the night just to survive this insufferable evening with him.

He hasn’t stopped watching me all night—his eyes trailing my every move, like he’s afraid I’ll just up and disappear. There’s a softness in his gaze, a warmth I haven’t seen in a long time. It’s the kind of look that speaks of quiet devotion, and frankly ... it’s making me kind of uncomfortable.

Morelli’s is a bit on the fancier side; the kind of place you take your date when you want to make a lasting impression. Kaden has brought me here several times before, but it’s been a year since our last visit together, which makes tonight feel even stranger.

He’s been acting differently today—a little too affectionate and attentive, and I can’t quite decide if I should be more worried about it or not.

I do have a few suspicions for why that might be though: 1) he senses that I know something’s up, 2) the guilt over his affair is starting to weigh on him, or 3) he simply had a huge fight with Lucia and is probably using me to make her grovel.

Whatever the reason, something feels off, and it’s really unnerving.

One thing I do know for sure—Kaden looks dangerously irresistible tonight. I hate that I’m still attracted to him, no matter how much I try to suppress it. The man knows how to take care of himself, and damn it, it shows.

Dressed all in black—an Armani button-down shirt, fitted ripped jeans, and brand-new suede boots—he exudes sex, mystery and danger. His hair is perfectly styled, short on the sides and swept back at the top, highlighting his sharp cheekbones and jawline.

Kaden has always been naturally handsome, but at thirty-three, he’s become even more devastating. I couldn’t help but notice the countless women eyeing him like their next meal when we walked into the restaurant tonight.

As for me, I chose to wear a silk, navy blue halter dress that I purchased earlier today—courtesy of my husband—that flatters all my curves.

I paired it with silver Jimmy Choo stiletto heels and a matching clutch bag.

My hair falls in soft waves, with one side pinned back.

If my husband wants to take me out, you can bet I’m going to look my best—and maybe even catch a few glances from men, just to ruffle Kaden’s feathers.

While we order our meals, Kaden’s unwavering gaze stays locked on me. Every so often, he reaches across the table to gently take my hand. The longer I sit here, the more the bitterness builds in my chest, and all I can think about is how badly I want this night to be over.

Kaden raises his glass for a toast, a flirtatious grin playing on his lips. “Here’s to a wonderful night ahead with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

Good, God! Kill me now!

I offer him a coy smile in return and clink my glass to his. “What’s this all about, Kaden?” I ask, trying to sound somewhat interested.

“Nothing. Can’t a husband simply take his wife out on a nice, romantic date? I’ve been missing you so much lately and thought we could do something special, just for us.”

Huh. “It’s a lovely surprise. Thank you. I forgot how incredible this place looks at night.” I glance out the window, taking in the stunning view of the Harbour. It’s probably the only thing about this evening that manages to bring a smile to my face.

“I’d like to do this more often, just you and me.

I know I haven’t been the most attentive husband lately, but I want to start making it up to you.

” He winks and takes a sip of his drink.

“Since taking over as operations manager, work has been stressful. I’m only pulling in the extra hours to prove to the boss that I’m worthy of the position, you know? ”

Perhaps there’s some truth to his perfectly rehearsed speech.

I know he often feels under pressure and works harder than most in the company.

But part of me wonders if that’s also what led him to stray from our marriage in the first place.

Maybe he needed an escape from all the stress and pressure, and Lucia just happened to be the willing participant that provided that for him.

I take a swig of my Chardonnay and force out a smile. “I completely understand. You’ve worked very hard. I’m proud of you, Kaden.”

“Thank you, my love. I always knew you’d understand.” He gently takes my hand, lifts it to his lips, and presses a soft kiss against my skin.

I’m saved by the arrival of our food, and for the most part, we sit in comfortable silence.

I find myself often gazing out at the view while Kaden’s gaze remains fixed on me.

His stare is unsettling, almost as if he’s trying to decipher my thoughts.

It makes me question whether or not he senses a change in me—the indifference, the sudden withdrawal?

The sound of his phone vibrating slices through the air between us.

I glance over and see Lucia’s name flashing on the screen.

He frowns at the caller ID, quickly declines the call, and switches off his phone, slipping it into the pocket of his jeans.

When he looks back at me, a flicker of agitation flashes across his face.

“It’s just Lucy, probably wanting to ask a million questions about the new program I created for her. The girl is clueless sometimes.” He shakes his head, unable to meet my eyes as he refills our glasses.

“How is she going with her training by the way?”

Kaden shifts uncomfortably in his seat, clearly not in the mood to talk about his mistress. “Umm ... she’s showing progress. She’s sticking to the workout plan I made for her, so, she’ll reach her fitness goals in no time.”

“How often do you two train together?” I press.

“Once or twice a week. It’s usually whenever we run into each other at the gym. I barely have time to train on my own, let alone with Lucy. Anyway, I’ve given her enough tips for her to work out on her own.”

I sit quietly, nodding along as I sip my wine, but inside, I can’t help but seethe. The way Lucia’s name slips so casually from his mouth, like he’s known her for years, grates on my every nerve.

He watches me intently, likely trying to gauge whether I believe his lie or not. I don’t, but he doesn’t need to know that.

For the remainder of the date, we share a dessert, and spend an hour strolling around the harbour, with him leading most of the conversation. He holds my hand the entire time, occasionally stopping to steal a kiss, each one making my stomach churn.

Desperate to end the date, I eventually tell him that I’m tired, and we agree to call it a night.

The moment we walk through the front door, I brush past Kaden, letting him know I’ll be taking a shower—any excuse just to get away from him.

Being in the same room as him is becoming increasingly difficult with each passing day.

Even though we live in a spacious three-bedroom house, the place is beginning to feel too small for the both of us.

I lock myself in the bathroom, hiding away for the next forty-five minutes. I stay in the shower longer than usual, scrubbing and washing away every trace of his touch from my skin.

Once I’m out of the shower, I slip into an oversized grey shirt that skims the tops of my thighs, with a pair of black cotton boy shorts underneath. I spend a little extra time moisturising and blow-drying my hair before finally leaving the bathroom.

As soon as I step out of the ensuite, my eyes immediately land on Kaden sitting half-naked on our bed, with only the blanket covering his lower half.

He pins me with a mischievous grin, and I know that means he’s expecting sex tonight.

My stomach tightens as he lifts the blanket on my side and pats the mattress, commanding me to lie with him.

Swallowing hard, I slowly make my way towards the bed. I climb in and slip beneath the blanket, lying flat on my back so that I’m facing the ceiling and not him.

Kaden shifts onto his side, propping his head up with one hand while the other rests lightly on my stomach, tracing soft circles over the fabric of my shirt.

His gentle gaze watches me with a look of admiration and affection.

“You looked so beautiful tonight, babe. It was hard to keep my eyes off you. I’m such a lucky man. ”

My cheeks warm, not from the compliment, but from the intensity of his gaze as it lingers on my shirt-clad torso. “Thank you. You looked pretty sharp yourself.”

“I always try to look my best for you.” He flashes me his panty-dropping smile before quickly changing the topic. “You know what I’ve been thinking about lately?” he says.

“What?” I look at him cautiously.

“I think we should start trying for a baby.”

My eyes widen and my mouth falls ajar in silent shock. Oh, fuck no!

“I think it’s time, you know,” he continues. “We’re both in a really good place in our careers and we’re in our early thirties, so the timing couldn’t be any better, don’t you think?”

“Kaden. I’m not so sure. There are still things we need to sort out financially. I thought we agreed to work on reducing our mortgage, and paying off your car loan before having kids,” I remind him. “And didn’t you say you wanted to do a little more travelling?”

“I know, but that could take a while. Years even. We may only have a small window left before our chances of having children become slim. We’re not getting any younger, Sky. We should at least be trying for a baby now.”

What the fuck is going on? Where is all this coming from? The last time we discussed having children was six years ago when we agreed to wait until we were more financially secure. Why is he suddenly interested in starting a family? What the hell happened between him and Lucia that prompted this?

I glance up to meet his stare, noticing the expectation in his eyes as he waits for me to answer. If he had asked me this question a year ago, I would’ve jumped at the idea, without hesitation. But after everything that has happened, the last thing I want to do is have a child with him. Ever.

As the silence stretches between us, he suddenly sits up, his frustration evident in the way his expression hardens. “Why is it such a bad idea to start trying now? Do you not want children, is that it?”

I slowly sit up and gently rest my hand on his forearm.

“It’s not that I don’t want a baby, Kaden.

” I just don’t want one with you! “We’ve just always stuck to our plans.

From the beginning, we agreed that it was best until we had a little more financial freedom before having kids.

You’ve always been mindful about money. Having a baby now would lead to extra costs we’re not prepared for, especially with a mortgage and a hefty car loan. ”

“If not now, then when?”

“Well, you’ve only got what ... two more years until your Mercedes is paid in full? Why don’t we start trying then?” I’ll be long gone when that happens.

He pauses for a moment, thinking it over, then finally nods. Without another word on the topic, he reaches over to stroke my cheek, his touch tender before he leans in for a kiss.

The kiss deepens when he slowly lowers me onto the mattress.

He climbs on top of me, slipping his hand under my shirt, his fingers grazing across my stomach and chest. I gasp when he cups my left breast, squeezing it roughly.

I break the kiss and gently guide his hand out from underneath my shirt. He frowns in confusion.

“I can’t tonight, babe. I’m on my period,” I lie.

He lets out a frustrated sigh but nods. “I miss being inside you,” he whispers before planting a warm kiss on my forehead. He rolls over and switches off his lamp. I follow suit, switching off my lamp, then turning onto my side to face away from him.

Seconds later, I feel his arm curl around my stomach, pulling me close against the warmth of his chest. I immediately feel his breath tickling my neck and shoulder. “I love you, baby,” he murmurs softly into my skin.

I offer a silent pat on his arm in response, unable to force the words out. He doesn’t seem to notice—or care—because within minutes, I hear the soft rhythm of his snoring.

Today’s events have left me completely frazzled and on edge.

The date, Kaden’s sudden show of affection, and that unexpected conversation about starting a family have all unsettled me in ways I can’t even fathom.

I don’t know what game he’s playing, but whatever it is, I’m more determined than ever before to get the hell out of here, and fast.