Chapter Twelve
On Friday, after school, I spent time in my studio working.When I came out for a breath of air and something to drink, I could hear Seth and Toby in my living room playing games.I peeked into the room and had to swallow my laughter.
The two of them were going hard at some fighter game, trying to beat each other.They were even pushing each other in an attempt to mess them up.
“I didn’t realize you guys were here,” I said, realizing that I liked that they were.It was always nice to feel like my house actually had life to it.I’d never had that after Dad left.Lindie and I had only existed in the same space when we had to and any decorations were for guests.But here, there were silly decorations we’d find.My plain pillowcase had long since been replaced with cute animal pillows.There was even a group of collectibles growing on my living room windowsill.Stacks of board games we rarely played.Random books that weren’t mine.A coffee table full of snacks and drinks.
It was such a stark contrast to how I was used to living.
Toby shot a glance at me before focusing back on the game—just in time to avoid being attacked by Seth.“I came up briefly, but you were really into your piano, so I left you alone.”
“And I brought over everything for dinner.I’ll start cooking once I destroy Toby.”
“Dream on, man,” Toby said.
Seth chuckled.“Don’t need to.”He briefly glanced my way.“Are you done working?”
“No.I want to wrap up one more project, then I’ll be done.”
“Go then!”Toby actually shooed me away.
“Wow.”I faked a gasp.“Fine, I will.”
Seth reached over and smacked Toby’s arm.
Toby realized how what he said came across and turned to me with wide eyes.“Shit.No.I just mean, go hurry and finish so we can hang out.”
“Sure.I’ll just go back to my studio and out of your sight.”I worked my way up the stairs.
I had to hold back a smile when there were heavy footsteps running up the stairs after me.
“Cadence.”Toby grabbed my hand gently and waited until I turned to look at him.“I didn’t mean it like that.You know that, right?”
“Toby.”It was weird to be taller than him, and I took advantage of that, sensing his unease and needing to get rid of it for him.I pulled away from his grip gently and cupped his face, forcing him to look up at me.I leaned down and kissed him.
He hesitated only long enough for his brain to catch up before his lips moved against mine, releasing a small groan.His reaction sent a warm wave of butterflies and excitement through me.Heat spread where he held my arm, a slow tingling following in its wake, and if we hadn’t been on the stairs, I might have plastered myself against him in order to chase more of that feeling.I pulled away, breathless and light, and smirked at him.
“I know.I promise I know.I’d rather hang out with you than write another song about jingling bells and snowfall.I’ll be done in a little bit, then I’m yours for the rest of the evening.”
“Deal.I need someone I can beat in video games.”
I snickered.“I’ve been practicing.”
“Candy Cane, you can practice for a hundred years and you still won’t be able to win against me.”
I nudged his shoulder.“Go.I’ll be down in like less than an hour to show you how wrong you are.I promise.”
“All right.”
