Page 21 of The Broken Keys

“They were that way with me, too. Just asked a few questions here and there, and took care of everything else.”

“Even the over-the-top security system?”

“Yep. Your pops insisted.”

“He’s obsessed with safety.” I shake my head and lead us into the kitchen.

My center island countertops are white quartz with gray veining. Pendant lights glow low.

He opens a cabinet and nods in approval. “That’s funny.”

“What?”

“They stocked my cupboards with the same dishes.”

“They did not.” I rest my hip against the island.

“True story. Didn’t you notice when you had that grilled cheese and soup?”

“Um…no. I was kind of in my head that night.” I glance out at the ocean view. “Here, let me show you around.”

We wander to the living room with its wall of glass, the studio where I’ve barely unwrapped my supplies, and through the primary suite that’s too big for one. He takes it all in, but doesn’t comment.

Back on the balcony off my bedroom, the sun is dropping behind the curve of the coastline, gilding the water in copper light. Callum leans against the railing with his arms folded.

When he finally speaks, his voice is quieter. “I like this place better than the Malibu house.”

My heart aches just thinking about it. “Really?”

“Yeah. It’s you.”

“How so?”

He shrugs and stares at me with intensity. “This place just feels like you. No one else but you.”

“And the Malibu house doesn’t?”

“No.”

My stomach twists. “What makes you say that?”

Chapter Five

CALLUM/CASH

A Week Before Now

The Edge Of What I Won’t Push

Love feels less like a choice when every secret tastes like a loaded weapon between us.

Livianna asks me what makes me say this home feels more like her, and for a moment, I just stare at her.

The orange and red sunset paints her face in a soft hue. She looks carved out of that light, like she belongs to it, and I have to force myself to breathe.

“Because the Malibu place…” My voice catches, and I drag my hand through my hair. “It felt like someone else’s.”

Her lips part, but she doesn’t interrupt.