But I know it’s because of her.
I push through the last chords, fingers tightening slightly on the strings, trying to make sense of the feeling curling low in my chest.
Trying not to think about the fact that even after she’s gone, she’s still here.
I’ll give her space.
For now.
But the words she left behind?
I don’t think they’re going anywhere.
* * *
The house is dark when I get back, but she’s here.
I don’t know how I know, but I do.Some weird, messed-up instinct that’s been on hyper-alert since I watched her leave.
I toe off my boots and step inside, expecting—well, I don’t know what I’m expecting.But definitely not this.
She’s in the kitchen, arms crossed, hip against the counter, eyes locked on me like she’s been waiting.
It’s almost…unsettling.
Like walking into a room where you know you’re about to get wrecked.I do my best to brace for the onslaught.
“Anna,” I start, but I don’t even get her name out before she’s cutting me off.
“Don’t.”
I pause, tipping my head.“Okay, but just so we’re clear—what are wenotdoing?”
Her eyes narrow.“This.”
She gestures vaguely between us, and something about it makes me want to smirk.Which is not the right reaction, but hey, when have I ever made good choices?
“I feel like I need a little more context.”I lean against the opposite counter, mirroring her stance.“Because from where I’m standing, we’re just two adults having a totally normal, not at all hostile post-club conversation.”
Her glare sharpens.“You know what I mean.”
“Ehhh, do I?”
She exhales sharply, like she’s barely holding on.“I don’t need you pulling this crap with me.”
“What crap?”
“The thing you do.”She gestures again, this time toward me.“With your stupid guitar and your soulful, heartfelt… whatever the hell that was.You knew I was there.You knew I’d hear it.”
I blink.“What?”
“Don’t play dumb.”
“I’m not playing.”I push off the counter, frowning.“Ididn’t know you were there.”
That stops her.
Just for a second, her brows pull together, like she’s processing, recalibrating.But Anna Chang does not hesitate long.She recovers fast.