Page 59 of She Was Made for Me

Kyle couldn’t have left the house any faster when the workday ended, but I was relieved to have the place to myself. Now I’m putting the finishing touches on my look for the evening, hoping Kyle will be back in time to see me off.

There’s a flicker of doubt in my chest and I glance at the stairs. What if he doesn’t come home at all tonight? Or worse, what if he lets me go out with Owen without putting up a fight? What if it’s all for nothing and this is it—he just lets this go? Just letsmego?

I glance in the mirror to apply my lipstick—I’m going for a bold, crimson red to really highlight my pout—fortifying myself. I know Kyle wants this as much as I do. He can only hold out for so long, and once he gives in… Fuck. That will be worth everything. I have to trust that he’ll do what needs to be done.

I stand back from the mirror, admiring my reflection. I’ve styled my hair into loose curls, highlighted my brown eyes with a subtle cat’s eye, and I’m wearing a scarlet-red dress with babydoll sleeves, a ruffled hem that skims mid-thigh, and a deep V to show off my cleavage. Strappy black heels complete the look. I wasn’t sure about the dress, but since Kyle told me I’m beautiful, I’ve felt so good. Or maybe it’s the way he looks at me—the way he touched me last night. Whatever it is, I’ve felt a lot more comfortable in my skin lately.

I grab my little black purse and head for the stairs. I haven’t heard Kyle come in, but it’s almost eight so I might just have to miss him. Maybe he’ll be here when I come home. Or maybe I’ll take a pic of myself and Owen, and send it to him. Would that be too cruel?

I sigh as I ascend the stairs to the entry hall. My keys are on my desk, so I head into the parlor, only to find Kyle sitting in one of the fold-out chairs with a book open on his lap.

My heart leaps at the sight of him, whether it’s because I thought I was home alone, or just because it’s him, I don’t know. Either way, I purposefully slow my walk across the room, adding a deliberate sway to my hips as I wait for him to notice me.

He doesn’t even look up.

Well, whatever. I snatch up my keys in frustration. If he’s going to be like that, then so be it. I’m going out with a cute guy tonight, and even if I’m not exactly looking forward to it, who knows? It could be fun.

I’m almost out of the room when the sound of Kyle’s voice freezes me in place.

“Are you really going out like that?”

I slowly turn to throw him a look over my shoulder. “Is there a problem?”

Kyle’s intense gaze rakes across me, drinking in my shoes, my dress, my hair. I feel a flicker of satisfaction when his eyes finally meet mine again, dark and fiery.

“I haven’t seen that dress before,” he says, his voice a low rumble.

“Well, you should have asked me on a date.”

He ignores me, motioning to my outfit. “I don’t think that’s appropriate.”

I give a snort of irritated laughter. How dare he? “Now you sound like my father.”

His jaw tenses, a tendon pulses in his neck. “Don’t do this, Violet.”

I cock my head, playing dumb. I know I’m being a brat, but honestly? I don’t care. It’s his fault I’m dressed up to go out with another man right now. I could be in his bed, but he’s too damn stubborn to take what he wants.

“Do what?” I ask, the picture of innocence.

Come on, Kyle,I silently beg.Tell me not to go. Tell me to stay with you instead.

But he shakes his head, returning his gaze to the book. “Have a nice time.”

I’m not prepared for the fury that boils inside me. “I will,” I snap, spinning on my heel. “Don’t wait up.”

* * *

I peerinto the windows of Joe’s, trying to decide if they’re still open. It’s almost ten, but the lights are on and Daisy is inside wiping the counter.

The date with Owen didn’t last long; my guilt over being out with him under false pretenses won, and I blurted the whole sorry story out before our entrees arrived. He was surprisingly nice about it, but we decided to part ways after quickly finishing our meal. Well, he finished his meal; I sat there feeling awful until it was time to head back to the subway.

The funny thing is, he’s exactly the kind of guy I would have liked in the past—clean-shaven and tidy looking, lighthearted and relaxed in nature—but I didn’t feel even a hint of excitement when he met me outside the restaurant. Part of me almost wished I did—wished I could be interested in someone I’m actuallyallowedto like, someone who isn’t my father’s closest friend—but no amount of willing myself to like him made it happen. I was relieved when I could slip away, despite the fact I wasn’t eager to get back home to Kyle. I figured I could stop in at Joe’s for a while to make him sweat a little more.

Daisy spots me dithering about on the sidewalk and waves me inside.

“Hi,” I say, pushing through the door, “I wasn’t sure if you were open.”

“I’m about to close up, but it’s no problem. What can I get you?”

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