Traction - Dani Rene Page 0,40

be interesting. Also, I’m convinced her mom will have questions for me. Mothers dote on their daughters, and it’s possibly up to Haelee to show her mom how much I care for her. Even though the first impression Haelee got of me wasn’t perfect, I want to make it up to her every day. But I hope I can make both her and her mom see I’m a good person.

Only time will tell.

But whatever happens, I don’t want to lose Haelee.

15

Haelee

Stepping into Kayden’s apartment is like walking into one of those places I always see in magazines. Dark walls and navy-blue couches make the room feel smaller than it is. The windows reach from floor to ceiling, overlooking the ocean.

“Your place is incredible. The dark walls definitely are different,” I tell him as we move deeper into the room. I notice him staring at me with expectation in his gaze. “What?”

“It’s strange having you here,” he admits. “Not in a bad way, I just mean … I don’t know what I mean. Would you like a tour?” For the first time since meeting him, Kayden seems nervous. I like seeing him unsure of himself because it sets me at ease. It allows me not to feel like so much of an inexperienced girl.

“Yes, I’d like a tour, but only if you’re willing to give me one.” He smiles at my words, which in turn makes me smile. He takes my hand, like he has done several times today, and leads me through the living room down the hallway until we hit a door, which Kayden opens, and a burst of bright comes from inside.

It has to be his bedroom. It’s humungous. But what makes it so bright is the fact that two of four walls are made of glass. The view is breathtaking. Even though the late afternoon has turned dreary, there’s still a lot of light coming in.

The bed that sits against one of the black walls is positioned so that when you wake up, all you see are the waves crashing along the shore in the distance. He has thick charcoal carpet, which feels like sponge as I step on it. The softness underfoot allows for a silent entry into the bedroom.

There is a fourth wall made up entirely of black wooden doors. The middle one is open, though, offering up a slight view of the attached bathroom, which from where we’re standing, I can only make out the shower.

“This is my private sanctuary,” Kayden says, dragging me out of the awe that’s currently gripped me. “The only place that’s just mine.”

His words offer up confusion. If this is only his, then where does he take the women who he’s been with? He can’t tell me he’s never brought anyone home. That I won’t be able to believe.

“What about all your other … um …?”

“I’ve never brought anyone into this space before,” Kayden admits in a whisper. There’s a hint of wariness in his voice, and I don’t blame him. This thing between us is new, very new, and for him to share his space with me, even if it’s for a short while, it means a lot to me.

“It’s exquisite,” I tell him honestly. “I love the dark colors. I didn’t think I would like black on walls or even the darker carpet, but it works. It makes everything feel … warm.” It’s strange. I can’t explain it, but it’s true. Even with the bright light coming in from the windows, the room feels cozy. “So, how do you sleep with that?” I ask, pointing at the windows.

For the first time since we walked in, Kayden releases my hand and walks over to the nightstand where he presses a button on a remote, but then I realize it’s not for the television screen positioned opposite the bed. It’s actually for the windows. Darkness envelops us as the clear glass turns black as night, and soon enough, I can’t see anything in front of me.

“Scared yet?” Kayden teases in a deep voice, which sends sparks of desire racing up my spine.

“Not at all.” My response is honest, and I hope even in the dark he knows I feel safe with him. Today felt like a turning point for me. I never thought I would be able to just be happy. At least not for a long time, but Kayden took my mind off everything and allowed me to be free.

Suddenly, his warmth is behind me, his arms cocooning