Hope’s shoulders straighten. “I made sure every copy was deleted.”
“That seems a real pity,” Wyatt says in his slow drawl.
Hope scowls. “Maybe you should all just shut up.”
Payton puts her hands on her knees. “I have the video.”
Everyone turns to look at her. She’s just as pretty and blond and blue eyed as her sister, although she’s lean like Gwen. Not as tall, but slightly built—unlike Hope, who’s built for porn.
Hope glares at her sister. “You do not.”
“But I do,” she says sweetly. “I’ve been saving it for when I need to blackmail you.”
“I don’t believe you,” Hope says.
Payton looks at her perfectly polished nails. “Suit yourself.”
This seems like the perfect time to make my escape, so I clear my throat before they get caught up in some other tangent. “Actually, I’m going to head to bed. I have an early day tomorrow.”
Thankfully, nobody tries to stop me—I’m extraneous to the conversation anyway—and amid a chorus of goodnights, I make my way to the safety of my room.
Once I’m there, I go through my nighttime routine, taking off my makeup and slipping on a nightgown. I sit on the bed, and I have every intention of lying down, because I am tired. But I’m also restless and out of sorts.
I slide a glance over to the French doors that lead to my private balcony.
I bite my lower lip. I just want fresh air; it’s got nothing to do with Caden.
It’s not like he’ll be out there on his porch, watching and waiting for me.
The night’s warm breeze will do me good, that’s all.
It’s got nothing at all to do with him.
I want him; I don’t need him.
My fingers clutch the comforter. I should go to bed.
My gaze skitters to the balcony.
I’ll just go out for a little bit.
I pick up my Kindle and my phone. I’ll read a little bit.
To relax before bed.
Not in hopes of seeing Caden.
I slip out onto the balcony and slide onto the chaise, resting my Kindle against my bent knees. I skim the darkness, unable to stop searching for signs that Caden might be lurking in the shadows.
I spot nothing.
I narrow my eyes, peering into the darkness.
But I don’t see any movement. I pick up my e-reader and press the button to power it on, ignoring the disappointment in the pit of my stomach.
This anticipation of seeing him, I don’t like it.
Only I don’t know how to stop it either.