Page 147 of Composed
I knock my knuckles on the counter when Riley slides a plate my way and props a cup beside it. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She nudges Talia’s legs. “I’m working here.”
“Sorry.” Talia shuffles along the island and drops into the stool opposite me. She flicks her haze between Hendrix, me, and Riley. “Are you guys staying long? Or do you need to get on the road?”
Hendrix looks at me and arches a brow in question.
“I’m not in a rush,” I tell her.
“I want to get this manuscript done before we leave, if possible,” Riley says, not looking away from her screen as her fingers dart over the keys. “I was meant to be done with it today, but Word has been a right pain in my arse.”
“That’s cool. How long do you need?” Hendrix asks.
“Can we leave tomorrow morning?” Riley asks. “Then I’m not rushing it.”
Hendrix looks at me again.
“Not a problem.” I tug my phone out of my pocket. “I’ll book a hotel for the night.”
She shakes her head, snatches it from my hand as she passes, and plants it face-down on the island. “No need. We’ve got plenty of space to squeeze you in.”
“See, I told you she wanted you here,” Riley says simply.
Hendrix jumps in the seat next to me and drums her fingers on the island as one corner of her mouth curves.
“Oh.” Riley clears her throat, bringing her mug to her lips. “You should also check out her home studio if you want to see your wall.”
“My wall?” I turn to Hendrix with a smirk. “I have a wall?”
She ducks her head, cheeks flaring crimson.
Riley taps my arm and gives me a soft smile as she whispers, “You have two.”
The TV flickers across the otherwise dark living room.
Riley slumbers on one of the couches, laptop still open on her lap, ear defenders askew. Talia fiddles with her phone on the other end, her eyes glued to the screen with a grin.
Hendrix clears her throat from the hallway.
I flick my gaze her way.
She tips her head to the stairs and steps back.
I ease myself off the couch.
“If you wanted to get me alone,” I brush my fingers against hers as I step out of the room, “You just had to ask.”
A soft exhale escapes her and she shoves her hand into her pocket and tugs a set of keys out.
“I want to show you something.” She curls her fingers around mine and tugs me up the stairs.
My skin buzzes at her touch, stomach swooping.
Her footsteps slow as she reaches the third floor.
The keys dangle from her fingers, her back straightening.
I squeeze her hand. “You don’t have to show me, Rixie.”
