Page 100 of Playing Pretend

It thumps loudly, and out of rhythm but I want Kadence to know she is my rhythm.

“Feel that?” I ask her. “That’s yours.”

Kadence’s bottom lip trembles, but I feel her fingers flex against my shirt.

“Then you should know that I couldn’t get on that plane because you and Braelynn are here, and I don’t want to be anywhere that you’re not.”

And just when I thought I couldn’t want this woman any more.

“You love Braelynn?”

“Yes,” breathes Kadence. “She’s a part of you, so how can I not?”

I shake my head, and a small chuckle escapes.

Way to ruin the moment. Idiot.

“What?”

“I’m standing here expecting you to disappear,” I tell her. “You’re too good to be true.”

Kadence leans in, her breath hot on my lips. “I’m real, Caleb, and I’m here, but I need to know that you are too.”

My mouth twists up to the side. “I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you.”

“And if I run?”

I bring our mouths closer, and whisper, “Then I’ll catch you.”