Our Secret To Keep.

Chapter Fifty-Four - It Is The Alone Time I Needed.

Kade

I missed lunch with Blythe, as I told her I was too busy and worked through it. Around two, I left, claiming I was 'sick' and heading home because I didn't want to stay at the office any longer. I didn't inform Blythe about my departure. I needed some space, so I left work and drove nearly two hours to Loch Lomond, one of my favourite places. It's beautiful there. I've been thinking about buying a house there, not for permanent residence, but for weekends and holidays. I spent a few hours wandering, taking photos, and grabbing some food, getting the solitude I needed.

It is nine when I pull up outside my building. I park my car, climb out, and head towards my building. I have had some missed calls and unread texts from Blythe. I have not read or replied to any. I will call her when I get inside, or text her, and then go to her place tomorrow morning before work. If I go to work. I need to see how the rest of the night goes.

As I approach my building, I see a figure sitting on the steps. It takes me a moment to realise it's Blythe. What is she doing out here? The night is dark and cold, and she is shivering. How long has she been waiting here?

"Blythe, what are you doing here?"

She lifts her head and, upon seeing me, quickly stands up. "You don't look sick. Where have you been? Are you okay? I've been calling and texting, but you haven't read any of my messages, Kade. You've had me worried sick. You can't just vanish like that. You left work seven hours ago, and I've been sitting here for two hours, fearing the worst. I thought something bad might have happened to you," she whimpers.

I didn't mean to worry her. I should have texted to tell her I was fine.

"Sorry, but I am fine. I needed some time away."

"You could have texted me to let me know you were okay. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you," she whispers, tears welling in her eyes.

I wrap my arms around her, holding her close to my chest. Although I'm still feeling stressed and somewhat annoyed, I don't want to see her upset. I'm not that much of an asshole. She responds by hugging back and pressing her face into my chest.

"Sorry, Blythe. I didn't intend to cause you worry."

We pause for a moment, then she looks at me. "You are still mad at me."

It isn't a question. It is a statement.

I shake my head. "I am not mad at you."

I don't give her a chance to question me. I walk to the entrance, open the door, and step inside, holding it open for her. I quickly move ahead of her, trying to delay the conversation, but I wouldn't leave her outside in the cold or shut the door on her.

Blythe quickly catches up with me, but she remains silent. We ascend the stairs and walk down the hallway to my flat in quiet. I dislike this silence. If I had kept quiet this morning, everything would be fine. I unlock the door and open it, gesturing for her to go ahead. She nods, walks inside, and heads toward the living room.

I close and lock the door behind me, then lean against it briefly. After taking a deep breath, I follow her into the living room.

"I am going to have a shower. I will be back soon."

"Kade, please stop running away. We need to talk," she sighs.

"I am not fleeing. I am just going to take a shower," I reply and head to the bathroom.

I lock the bathroom door behind me to keep her out. Blythe is correct; we do need to talk. We will, just not right now. I remove my clothes and step into the shower. Leaning against the wall, I let the warm water pour over me. I close my eyes and sigh silently. I didn't actually need a shower, since I had one earlier today, but it provides a moment to gather myself for what's ahead.

Uncertain of how much time has passed, I step out, wrap a towel around myself, and go to my bedroom to dry off and change into joggers and a tee. When I finish, I cautiously go back to the living room. Blythe remains absolutely still, in the same position on the sofa, gazing at the wall and deep in thought. I can't avoid the conversation for much longer. Blythe won't go anywhere until we talk.

"Do you want anything?"

My voice interrupts her train of thought. She lifts her head, and it looks as if she has been crying while I was in the shower. Why would she be crying? She knows I am safe now. She is probably overwhelmed with all the thinking and worrying.

"I want us to have a conversation. It's obvious you're still angry with me, so stop pretending you aren't. I did nothing wrong, Kade. I was transparent and honest with you."

"You hurt me, Blythe. You brushed it off and ran away. I have every right to be mad if I want. You're free to feel your feelings, and I am too." I snap, my jaw tightening. She doesn't seem to get where I am coming from.

She swiftly rises, positioning herself just inches from me. Her face is flushed, and her fists are clenched, showing her anger. "I never said you couldn't feel your feelings, Kade. Stop putting words in my mouth. Why is this such a big deal? It doesn't change anything between us. We're still together. Why isn't what we have enough anymore? Why does anything need to change?" she retorts.

"Because I fucking love you, okay! I am in love with you."

The words come out before I can stop them.