Page 73 of Last Chorus

After I make sure the computer and lights are all off,I slip my feet into the dirt-speckled rain boots I left by the door and shrug into a raincoat.

Neither matter much the second I step outside, as nothing short of a hazmat suit will keep me dry in these conditions. We’re at the tip of the island and the winds are merciless, driving the heavy rains in gravity-defying directions. I’m forced to hold a hand over my eyes to keep it from blinding me.

Despite it being the middle of the day, the sky is so dark the solar lights along the main path have come on. They’re dimmer than usual given the lack of sunlight today, but their glow guides me as I jog toward the house.

Right as I reach the back door, the single light I left on in the kitchen goes out. I let myself into the mudroom and shuck off my jacket and boots. It’s almost as loud inside as it is outside, the rain pounding on the glass over the dining area. But there’s a stillness, too. A quietude that unnerves me.

My hair drips onto my shoulders and my pants are wet and heavy, but neither sensory irritation registers as I walk quickly toward the stairs and take them two at a time.

Evangeline’s bedroom door is open, enough light coming through the windows for me to see it’s empty.The sight of her duffel and guitar case at the foot of the unmade bed should reassure me. Instead, my heart rate triples. I was in the studio for a couple of hours. She said she was going to nap, then take a bath. Did she already wake up, or did she decide on a bath first?

Dear God, please don’t let her have fallen asleep in the water.

I tear into my bedroom, the space notably darker due to the thicker tree line on this side of the house. When I see the closed bathroom door, panic destroys any semblance of propriety. I pound on it once before swinging it open, my eyes snapping to the extra-large soaker tub.

Water sloshes as Evangeline jerks upright, a hand slamming against her chest. “Mother of pearl!”

My relief is so heady my knees almost buckle. “Sorry. The power went out, so I wanted to check on you. When you weren’t in your room, I freaked out.”

Thanks to the abundance of white tile and the massive skylight over the tub, I can clearly see her confused expression—and the moment it clears.

“You thought I fell asleep and drowned.”

It’s not a question, but I nod anyway. She doesn’t sound angry, at least.

“My brain is hardwired to jump to worst-case scenarios,” I admit, my voice still shaky from the offload ofadrenaline. “You should have seen me the first few times I babysat Emma. I was an absolute wreck. I’m not much better now, honestly.”

Her lips tug upward. “Helicopter parent, huh?”

“Probably worse than your dad,” I say wryly.

Smiling wider, she sinks back into the water. “Well, as you can see, I’m fine. I had a lovely nap, and now I’m soaking up the ambiance of the storm. Water’s still hot if you want to join.”

My system resets from anxious to aroused in a second flat. Evangeline giggles as I rip off my clothes.

“Damn,” I hiss as I lower into the water. “Are you trying to burn your skin off?”

“Scalding is the only acceptable temperature for a bath,” she says primly. “Besides, it’s not as hot as you think. You’re just cold.”

The stinging fades in a matter of moments, encompassing warmth melting tension from my muscles.

“As usual, you’re right.”

She gives me a smug smile and leans her knees to one side. “There, now you can stretch out.”

I take advantage, extending my legs and sliding down to dunk my head under. When I come back up, I make a face. “How much salt did you put in here?”

“Um, the whole bag?”

I laugh, wiping my stinging eyes. “No wonder yourhair is dry. By the way, did you actually say ‘mother of pearl’ when I came in or did I hallucinate that?”

“Sure did,” she says with a smile. “It’s a Lily-approved cuss word. I’m actually kind of impressed with myself for using it spur of the moment like that.”

“Very impressive,” I say drolly.

She whips a foot out, presumably to kick me, but I grab it and start massaging. Revenge instantly forgotten, she offers me the other one as well. Humming happily, she closes her eyes and drops her head back. I’m extra grateful for the extended length of the tub when the position elevates her off the bottom, giving me a mouthwatering view.

“How are you feeling?”