Our Secret To Keep.

Chapter Forty-Eight - Who The Hell Is He?

Kade

I'm glad Blythe is still sleeping after a very restless night. Last night, she was constantly tossing and turning, getting out of bed and then climbing back in. I tried to help her relax, but it didn't seem to work. It's clear she's more stressed than she's letting on about everything that happened yesterday. That was part of the reason I came over—I knew she would be stressed, and I didn't want her to be alone. Plus, I wanted to see her.

I smile as I watch her sleep for a moment. God, she's so beautiful! Sometimes, it's overwhelming. My heart beats faster as I take her in. I sigh, shake my head, and look away. I shouldn't be falling so deeply and effortlessly.

I make sure Blythe is still covered before grabbing my boxers, putting them on, and quietly leaving her room. I'll let her sleep until she wakes up. I then make some coffee and sit quietly at the kitchen table, losing myself in my thoughts as various worries and ideas race through my mind.

Part of me considers telling her father the truth, but that still leaves a big problem: Beth. She would ruin everything the moment she got the chance. Her father might even fire me, but honestly, I wouldn't mind if it meant Blythe and I wouldn't have to hide anymore. However, Blythe has made it clear that until further notice, we must keep our relationship a secret. It was fun at first, but the longer we stay together, the less enjoyable it becomes. I want to do normal couple things without hiding from the world. Is that so much to ask?

Groaning, I run my fingers through my hair, feeling frustrated. I take a sip of coffee and then search for my phone, wanting to check for any messages or calls. I find it easily. There are some texts and emails, but nothing urgent. Thankfully, there are no cryptic messages from whoever's trying to blackmail us. My gut suspects either Beth or Darren, or maybe both, since they likely know each other from her spending time at the office. I'm starting to stress myself out.

I take my coffee with me to check in on Blythe. If she is awake, I tell her to get back to sleep. She couldn't have slept more than a couple of hours, and that is not good for anyone. I pop my head in the door and find her still sound asleep, snoring lightly, which means she is in a deep sleep. Good, she should be asleep for the next couple of hours. It is only eight, so it is still early.

I'll prepare some food once she wakes up. I'm happy to wait because I prefer eating together rather than alone. I walk into the living room, settle on the sofa, and find something to watch softly in the background while sipping my coffee. I take in the quiet, trying to keep my thoughts at bay. After a while, it works. I fix my attention on the TV and become engrossed, using it as a good distraction.

I don't know how much time has passed, but the ringing of a phone catches my attention. It's not mine; it must be Blythe's. She had it on silent last night, but she probably switched it back on when she got up. I quickly look for it, eager to silence it before it wakes her. The sound is so loud.

I follow the sound to one of the chairs, and it is behind a cushion. Why it is there, I don't know. I pick it up, and a guy's name flashes on the screen. One I have never heard her mention. Keegan. Who the hell is that? It has a little fire emoji next to his name, the sort of thing you would add next to a lover's name if they were good in bed. Jealousy rushes over me, and my grip on the phone tightens. I am close to answering it, but I won't. I am sure I am getting jealous over nothing. There is no reason for me not to trust her. I reject the call and put it on silent.

I place it on the table, then take my seat on the sofa again. I glare at it, as if it were the phone's fault that I am jealous. God, I need to get a grip on myself. I will ask her who it is.

With that thought, I hear movement and footsteps approaching from behind, and soon they enter the living room.

"Blythe, you should still be asleep." I sigh and glance over my shoulder at her.

She rolls her eyes at me and comes to sit next to me. "I woke, and you were gone. I couldn't get back to sleep."

"Sorry. I didn't want to wake you. Question, who the hell is Keegan?"

"Keegan? God, that is a name I haven't heard in a while. Why are you asking me that?"

"He called while you were asleep. Why is he calling you at this time in the morning?"

I try not to sound annoyed. I have no reason to be. Blythe hasn't done anything wrong.

"I have no idea. I haven't spoken to or seen him in over a year. We used to hook up occasionally, but that ended when he started sleeping with Beth. It wasn't serious, just casual. Once I found out he was involved with her, I stopped things. He has no reason to reach out to me," she says, genuinely confused by the unexpected contact.

Her words should be enough to dispel the jealousy. They aren't because I hate the idea of any other man touching her before me! I am possessive by nature, but not in a negative way.

"It must have been hot sex with the little fire next to his name." Every word drips with sarcasm.

Blythe smirks. "Jealous, are you? He was talented, but nothing like you. Why are you feeling jealous?"

"Because I don't like the thought of any other man touching you, especially before me," I reply honestly.

Blythe leans in and gives me a gentle kiss. "Your jealousy is adorable, but there's really no reason to be jealous, babe. All I desire and need is you."

She takes her phone and removes his number from her contacts. "All gone."

She rests her head on my shoulder. I wrap my arm around her and gently kiss the top of her head. "Thank you."

"I have no reason to keep that number. I still don't understand why he is calling me."

"Is he and Beth still in touch? Are you sure this isn't part of her messed-up plan?"

Blythe shrugs. "Who knows? It doesn't matter. It won't work."

I might be mistaken and overthinking for no reason, but everything feels suspicious lately. I can't help how I feel. It will be another waiting game to add to the rest.