Page 41 of Shadows Within

“What should I wear?” She tilts her head to the side.

I slide my hand up her arm, trailing until it lands on the back of her neck. “I’d prefer if you wore nothing at all. But for the sake of dignity, any dress will be perfect.”

Finally, her mouth meets mine. I can breathe.

Challenge Accepted

Scarlett

I close the front door behind me and rest my back against the wood. I tilt my head up and smile. Dad is asleep in his chair in the living room. I walk over, pick up a blanket from the couch, and lay it across him. I’m halfway up the stairs when his voice startles me.

“Who was that?”

I turn around. Dad stares back at me from his chair.

“No one.” A blatant lie.

“So, you’ve been out with no one most nights? I’m not an idiot Scarlett. You’re an adult, you can do whatever you want. Just be careful.” There’s sincerity in his voice.

“Thanks Dad, I just don’t know what it is yet. And I know you catch feelings early, so I’m trying to spare you the heart ache.” It’s true, he does. But I’m also trying to brush off these feelings I’m having.

He chuckles. “Hey, that’s not fair. I’m just a lover.”

I roll my eyes. “Oh, I know.”

He looks out the window then back at me. “You don’t know something is worth it ‘til you try, Scar.”

I smile. “Thanks, Dad. I love you.” I turn around and continue up the stairs.

“I love you too.” He proudly shouts.

Before I reach the last step, I stop briefly, still facing forward. “His name’s Callum, he’s a good guy,” I yell. I won’t get into all the demons and trauma that make Callum who he is, but at least he’ll know his name.

“Callum. Hmm… Interesting name,” I hear him say.

“Night, Dad.” I laugh.

“Night, honey. Thanks for telling me, I can’t wait to meetCallum.” He emphasizes his name.

He’s being protective, not snarky.

I laugh to myself and head into my room.In Dad’s eyes, I don’t think I’ll ever find anyone good enough for me.

I throw my purse on the floor, shut the door, pull my phone out, and roll over on the bed. I open my conversation with Callum. He’s probably not home yet, but I contemplate sending him a text. I bite the inside of my cheek. I don’t want to sound desperate…

Fuck it.

Scarlett:Thanks for a good night.

I don’t hit send. Instead, I stare at the message, overthinking.

A bubble with three dots appears and then disappears.

Callum:Miss me already?

I smile. He must’ve had our conversation open and saw that I was typing. Two can play this game. I delete what I previously typed out.

Scarlett:You wish.