AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He nods. “Water would be great. Or a beer if you have one.” He runs a hand up the back of his head before heading to the couch and plopping down. I go to the kitchen and pull out a couple beers, popping the caps. Glancing at the clock I shrug, this conversation is going to need some help and it’s five o’clock somewhere. Even if it is only nine-thirty in the morning here.
Walking toward the couch, I take in Seth’s appearance. He looks like shit, to put it kindly. His hair is trimmed short but he has a shadow of a beard running along his jaw. His clothes look like he hasn’t changed them in several days. If I didn’t know any better, I’d guess he had driven all the way here.
Looking intently at his face as I hand him the beer, I notice the bags under his eyes and the exhaustion lining his features. “Seth. Did you drive here?” He looks away sheepishly and shrugs. I stare at him, mouth hanging open as I choke out, “Why?”
When he looks back at me, his hazel eyes blaze with an intensity that makes me fidget. “You were in trouble. As soon as I got your call, I started reaching out to contacts in the area. No one had heard anything but then Kristoph got back to me and told me an investigation had been opened into your disappearance. I dropped everything and drove out here. I got the call on the way that you had made it back but I needed to see you to make sure.” Seth reaches his hand out and gently brushes against my cheek. I blink at him, absorbing his words. “You are okay, aren’t you baby girl?”
The endearment leaving his lips is what finally snaps me from my stupor and I jerk back like he slapped me. Wincing, he lowers his hand and eyes. Glaring at him, I grit out the words. “I’m not your baby girl. Not anymore.” Seth winces again but keeps his gaze averted. “You fucking cheated on me, Seth. With my best friend. Where is she, by the why? No, better yet. Why areyouhere?” My mind is racing, none of this makes sense. I didn’t call Seth. I’m not sure how he found out but I know for a fact I did not call him. I don’t understand why he’s here and I really don’t understand why he’s lying to me, but I just need him to leave. I already have one delusional man to worry about, I don’t need another one. “You need to leave.” I demand as I come to the decision.
Seth shoots his eyes back up to mine, pleading with me to reconsider. I glare back and don’t say anything, arms crossed protectively over my chest. After a long while, he sighs and slumps against the couch. “Okay, I’ll leave. I really did just need to make sure you were okay ba-Paige.” He closes his eyes and rubs the bridge of his nose.
Goddamnit, I’m not going to cave. I need to hold up my anger.
When he opens his eyes and I see the worry reflected back at me, I lose my hold on the tenuous hostility toward him. No matter what happened between us, this man just drove halfway across the country just to make sure I was okay. Letting out an exacerbated breath, I roll my eyes. “Fine. You can stay here.” I hold up a finger as he opens his mouth to speak. “For one night. That’s it. Then you need to get your ass back to Pennsylvania and stay out ofmy life.” I spit out the last two words and he winces again but nods his agreement.
“Thanks Paige.” Reaching out, he grabs my hand and rubs his thumb along the back of it.
My eyes are glued to the connection as I murmur, “Why did you lie?”
His thumb freezes for a second before continuing its circular pattern. “About what?”
At least he has the decency not to deny it,I think bitterly.
“About me calling you. I never called you.” I can hear the suspicion in my voice and it helps me focus on who this man really is despite his gentle touch.
Seth reaches out with his other hand and nudges my chin so I look up at him. “You did Paige. I think it was the night you were taken.” I suck in a sharp breath, searching his eyes as he continues. “I was so surprised to see your name pop up that I answered immediately. All I could hear was some shuffling and then you screamed.” His eyes tighten as if pained by the memory. “I heard you scream and then the call went dead. I’ve never been so afraid in my life.” He brokenly whispers, squeezing my hand and huffing out a breath.
I stare at him, replaying the night in my head.
I was at the shop, texting Taylor. I pulled out my phone and was going to delete his contact.
My eyes widen as I realize what must have happened and I burst into laughter. Seth stares at me, clearly worried about my sanity. I only laugh harder at his expression. “Paige.Paige. This isn’t funny.” He snaps. “I was really scared for you. Why are you laughing?”
I hold my side and gasp in breaths, trying to get my hysterical emotions under control. “I didn’t mean to call you. I was actually trying to delete your number from my phone.” Seth sucks in a breath through his teeth and leans back. Shaking my head, I continue, “I must have hit the call button on accident when I slid my phone into my pocket. An animal had run into some tables or something out front and I had gone out to investigate. The scream you heard was because I startled myself and fell over.” He’s staring at me with a look of pained amusement.
Sure, it was the same night that Mick took me, but that all happened after I apparently called my ex. As I was in the middle of deleting him from my life.
I break out laughing again as the irony of it all hits me.
After a few moments, Seth chuckles as well and brushes my cheek with his fingers. “I’m so happy to hear that sound again.” His voice is soft and I bristle at the gentle touch.
“Don’t Seth.” I warn, pushing up from my seat. Heading to the kitchen, I throw my empty bottle into the recycling. A soft sound outside the door catches my attention momentarily before I hear Seth approach behind me.
His breath ghosts my neck and I shiver as he reaches around me to throw his bottle into the bag. Lingering briefly, he breathes against me before backing away. I let out my own breath before turning around. Seth peers down at me and whispers, “I miss you baby girl.”
My eyes well up with tears and I shake my head, pushing past him.
This man already broke my heart once, I can’t deal with this. Not now.
Without turning around I say, “I’m going to grab you some blankets. Get some sleep. You leave first thing tomorrow morning.”
I don’t wait for his response as I head out of the room.
“What?” Taylor shrieks in my ear. I flinch and cover the receiver of my cell, holding it away from me.
Bringing it back to my ear I keep my voice low. “Shhh. He’s sleeping in my living room right now. And can you please not scream in my ear?” I can hear her trying to calm herself and can’t help but grin. At least I’m not the only one freaking out about all of this.
After a few moments, Taylor’s voice comes through again, much quieter this time. “God, I’m sorry. But…seriously, what the fuck Paige? Why did your ex show up at your door?”
