“Oh!” I cease playing immediately, heat blooming in my cheeks at the sight of Sullivan leaning against the doorframe. “I’m sorry, I should have asked before I…” My gaze drops to the piano.
“It’s fine. I told you to help yourself to what you needed while you’re here. That includes our piano.”
He walks over and stops beside the sleek black wood, resting his hand on it.
“You told me you weren’t very good.”
“I… I guess I’m okay.” I give him a shy smile.
“You’re very talented, Tate,” he says.
My breath catches at his rare compliment. “Thank you.”
He holds my eyes for a brief moment, then holds his hand out toward Molly.
“Time for bed, Sweetheart.”
She slides off the stool and walks to him. He pulls her into his arms and his eyes crinkle as she places her palms on his cheeks and squishes his face.
My heart swells at the sight of them.
He’s always so patient with her, but the dullness around his eyes tells me he’s tired tonight. I see him taking call after call, meeting after meeting, when I’m here in the evenings with Molly. He always makes sure to stop and eat dinner with her. And he always reads to her at bedtime, never asking me to do it. But I swear after I leave he goes straight back to work again. He told me she gets in his bed some nights too, and usually wakes at 6 a.m..
No wonder he’s exhausted.
I stand from the piano and tuck the stool under. “I’ll let myself out. Sweet dreams, Molly.” I bop her on the nose, making her giggle.
“Enjoy your date,” Sullivan rasps.
His eyes flick over my outfit, nostrils flaring. I changed after cleaning up from dinner, slipping into a navy, figure-hugging dress—far sexier than anything I’d normally wear. Ashley insisted I borrow it, though I’m convinced she bought it specifically for my date with Vincent tonight. It’s in my size, even though she’s at least one dress size smaller.
“I intend to. We’re going to a new jazz bar in Midtown.” I brush my hands over my dress, checking for loose threads or lint. “Vincent said they have some great singers there.”
“Did he now?”
Sullivan’s skeptical tone has me snapping my eyes up to meet his. “Is there… Are you unhappy that I’m going out with him? I know he’s a friend of yours, but it won’t get weird if it doesn’t work out. I’m not going to start bad-mouthing him to you.”
Blue eyes pierce mine before Sullivan exhales.
“Of course not. You can date whoever you like. Cliff will drop you off. Call him when you’re ready to go home. I don’t want you getting a cab late at night.”
I clear my throat softly, considering my words.
“Problem?” Sullivan arches one of his perfect dark brows at me.
I glance at Molly before giving him a ‘you know’ look, which he completely fails to interpret.
“I…” I lick my lips, wondering how to word it. “That’s really nice, but Vincent will give me a ride. We might… decide to go on to somewhere else after drinks.”
I might decide enough is enough and it’s time I got laid.
Ashley made me promise I had to consider it. Vincent’s a nice guy and we have music in common. I agree with her. I need this. Finding Brandon with that other woman drained my confidence. And Vincent seems quite happy to help me find it again, so…
Sullivan stares, and the silence between us turns awkward. His rapidly deepening grimace has me growing hot and trying not to fidget. Does he really think I’m that hideous? I know I’m not his type, but he doesn’t have to look so horrified by the idea of me being with someone.
“Fine,” he grits.
“Good.”
