Page 40 of The Sound of Forever
Rayne’s lips curl into a small smile, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly as she loosens her grip on her bunny.
“Okay, you’re up,” I say to her, sliding a second bowl across the counter. “Want to crack the eggs?”
She hesitates, her gaze darting between me and the bowl, but then she nods. Keane steps closer, gently guiding her with a calmness that makes me pause. “Just like this,” he says, holding an egg and tapping it lightly on the edge of the bowl. His tone is steady, patient, like he’s done this a hundred times. He sets the example, then hands her an egg. “Your turn.”
Rayne taps the egg hesitantly, the shell cracking unevenly. A small piece falls into the bowl, but Keane doesn’t flinch.
“You’ve got this,” he says, his voice warm. “Now, just scoop that piece out with a spoon, and you’re a pro.”
Rayne’s lips part in a soft giggle, light and free, and something inside me shifts. I’ve never seen her laugh like this. The sight makes my throat tighten with emotion I can’t quite name.
By the time the batter is mixed and the griddle is heating up, the kitchen smells like home—warm and inviting, a scent that wraps around you and settles deep in your soul. Keane flips the first pancake, and to my surprise, it lands perfectly, golden-brown.
“Impressive,” I say, sliding strips of bacon onto the sizzling pan.
“Beginner’s luck,” he replies, though there’s a flicker of pride in his expression.
We fall into an easy rhythm, passing plates and utensils. It’s . . . nice. Comfortable in a way I hadn’t expected. Not that I was expecting much from breakfast. It’s just a meal, but right now it feels like a family meal. Something I haven’t experienced in years.
When the pancakes are stacked high, and the bacon is crispy, we set the table. Rayne sits quietly as I pour syrup over her plate, cutting her pancakes into neat little squares. Keane watches us, his expression soft and thoughtful, a quiet intensity in his gaze that makes me feel exposed.
“She’s lucky to have you,” he says finally, his voice low.
“Thanks,” I reply, not sure what to do with the unexpected compliment.
Rayne’s giggle breaks the moment, pulling our attention back to her. She grins, a smudge of syrup streaking her cheek. Keane chuckles, reaching for a napkin.
“Hold still, sweetie,” he says, leaning in to gently wipe her face.
She doesn’t flinch or pull back. Instead, she lets him help her, the small gesture brimming with significance. Watching her let him in—even in such a seemingly insignificant way—makes my breath catch.
“You’re good with her,” I say, the words slipping out before I can stop them.
He shrugs, his gaze dropping to his plate. “Am I?” he murmurs, his voice carrying a hint of something unspoken. “I just . . .” His voice trails off, and he doesn’t finish the sentence.
We eat in a comfortable silence after that, the clink of forks against plates and the occasional joke from Keane and small giggle from Rayne filling the space.
When breakfast is over, Keane helps me clear the table while Rayne disappears into her room, her bunny tucked under her arm.
“Thanks for this,” he says, stacking plates in the sink. His voice is softer now, like he’s letting his guard down. “It . . . it was nice.”
“You’re welcome,” I reply, leaning my hip against the counter as I watch him rinse the dishes. “You should come by more often. Rayne seems to like having you around.”
He pauses, his hands resting on the edge of the sink, his gaze fixed on the water swirling down the drain. For a second, I wonder if he’s going to say no.
“I’ll think about it,” he says finally, his voice quiet, almost unsure.
As he turns to leave, he glances back at me. His eyes meet mine, and for a brief moment, the usual walls I’m so accustomed to seeing in his expression seem to fade completely.
“Thanks again, Julianna,” he says, his tone lighter now, but there’s something else in it too—gratitude, maybe.
“Anytime,” I say, and once he leaves, I realize I added a little too much hope to that offer.
I enjoy his company, but do I really want to have him in my space?
ChapterForty-Two
Keane
