But he had to bear it if he ever hoped to see her again. And if he didn’t, he needed to find a way to live with that.
He could hear the patter of rain against the glass. When he turned to look outside, he saw the trees swaying gently in the wind, their leaves lashing occasionally against the windowpanes. He wondered what Sydney was doing right now, whether she was also in her own home in her own city, staring out at the world. He wondered if she was thinking about him.
He wished he’d had the chance to say a proper goodbye. His last memory was still of her landing at the airport, of her lingering eyes before she was forced to get into her own black car. As if there had been a question on her tongue.
At last, he forced himself out of his stupor and stood up, then walked over to the window with his hands in his pockets. He knew he should get some rest, prepare for his usual marathon of dance practice and meetings the next day. Still, he found himself lingering here, waiting for the rain to change.
It was the faint sound of a knock against his front door that made him tilt his head. He glanced in the direction of the sound, his mind stirring from its trance. Had Dameon forgotten something? No one else had his gated community’s entry information.
The knock came again, clearer this time. Winter sighed and walked toward his entryway. As he approached, a premonition tingled in the back of his mind, as if he were drawing closer to something that he knew would happen.
He stood in front of the door for a moment, wondering, before he peeked through the hole.
And saw Sydney standing outside, waiting.
37Love Is Falling Anyway
The door opened to reveal Winter with a hesitant smile on his face. It was the most endearingly vulnerable sight that Sydney had ever seen, and she felt a pleasant shiver run down her spine.
“Hello,” she said softly.
“How the hell did you get in here?” he replied, glancing down the street. “That gate’s ten feet high, and the security guard didn’t call me.”
A month apart, and those were the first words out of his mouth. Sydney couldn’t help the smile that emerged on her lips.
“Don’t you know me at all?” she answered, and he laughed.
The only time she’d ever really gotten a chance to take him in was, well, during their night together—and even now, she had the urge to keep her sights trained on his front yard, ever wary of watchful eyes. But they were alone here, and for once, she let herself admire him.
“Let’s just say that I’m not supposed to be here,” she added. “Can I come in?”
He opened the door wider, and she stepped inside, removing her wet shoes before glancing around. The space was serene and cozy, more modest than she thought a superstar’s home would be, filled with clean lines and thick rugs, fluffy couches and tasteful lights.
A beautiful grand piano stood at the far end of the living room, past a fireplace and against a series of glass walls that led to the garden outside. It was there that Winter led them now, facing her as he leaned against the instrument’s sleek body with his hands in his pockets.
“Did Sauda send you?” he asked.
She shook her head.
He raised an eyebrow at her. “She’s going to kill you if she finds out.”
“Yeah, well, I’m always going to be her problem child.”
“I’m pretty sure Tems took that title from you.” His smile wavered. “What are you doing here?”
They were close enough now that she could feel the slight warmth of his breath against her skin. “I wanted to see you,” she said simply.
This time, she thought she could see a shudder of fear run through him, could make out the subtle widening of his eyes, as if he couldn’t quite believe his ears.
“I…” he said, his voice hoarse, “I can’t see you. It’s too risky.”
“I know,” she replied. “And yet here I am.” Then she felt the fear, too, and her eyes lowered. “Please don’t turn me away,” she whispered.
When she looked up at him again, the fear in his eyes was gone, replaced by something gentler. “How long do you have?” he murmured.
“Not long.” She looked out the window again, then back at him. “I have to be on a flight tomorrow morning.”
He studied her face for answers. She didn’t know if he found them, but after another pause, he reached his hand out and took hers, letting their fingers intertwine loosely. His skin felt warm, leaving her palm tingling.
