Chapter 12

Lila Lying there in Caden’s arms, his warmth enveloping me, I felt like the world outside didn’t exist. The way his fingers absentmindedly traced small patterns on my bare skin made me feel so alive, so connected to him in a way I hadn’t expected. I shifted slightly, pressing my cheek against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. We didn’t need to say anything; the silence between us was comfortable, peaceful even. Ringggg…. Not so peaceful after all. I rolled my eyes as Caden rolled out to pick his phone. I noticed his body tense up, and I felt him shift beneath me. I couldn’t help but watch his face, searching for some hint of what had changed in that moment. He let out a quiet sigh before dropping the phone back down. “I’ve got somewhere to be,” he murmured, his voice low and regretful. I frowned slightly, propping myself up on my elbow to look at him. “Where are you going?” He glanced at me but quickly looked away, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his li