Chapter 14
Dane
I woke up the next morning, and the first thing I did was look out through the window to the sea. Instead of the waves, my eyes fell on Sydney who was running along the shore. I could see her clearly. In mini shorts that revealed her shapely legs, in a t-shirt that was now covered in sweat and clinging to her curves. Her dark hair was tied in a ponytail on the top of her head that was swinging from side to side. She had earphones on and her brows were crossed, like she was angry at the music in her ears!
I remained sitting up in bed, watching her as she drew closer to the house. I would have loved to go for a run as well, I really needed it. But I didn’t want to disturb her. This was her alone-time of the day and I didn’t want to cause her any more trouble.
While I watched, I saw Leo come into view. He was behind her but had soon caught up with her. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but I could see them clearly. They were facing each other and talking. Leo was smiling, while Sydney was trying to keep a straight face. He was touching her from to time as well, on her shoulders, her arms, reaching for her hands. He was trying to coax her into something, or extract some kind of information. Sydney looked visibly stiff. She had no intention of allowing him to hug her or keep her for longer than necessary. It seemed like she had learnt her lesson the previous night and she wasn’t about to fall for his charm again.
I decided to get away from the window. For fear of being seen by them for one and also because I didn’t want to spy on her. It was her life. Who was I to interfere? Instead, I dragged myself out of bed, washed myself in the bathroom, changed and headed down.
Sydney was already in the kitchen by the time I came in.
“Morning,” I said, as cheerily as possible. She was mixing pancake batter, still in her running clothes and she looked up at me. Her face was shiny from perspiration, and her eyes were bright and fresh.
“Morning. How’s it going?” she said, almost as cheerily as me and continued with her work.
“You don’t have to worry with my breakfast. I can fend for myself,” I said and she threw me a polite smile.
“It’s my breakfast too. I’m going to jump into the shower in a bit,” she said, while beginning to stack up the pancakes on two separate plates.
I was enjoying watching her. Even though she had no makeup on, was in sweaty running gear and wasn’t even looking at me.
“Slept well?” I asked her and she nodded, and with a grin looked up at me and shrugged.
“No reason not to,” she said and I nodded, taking a chair at the table. She passed me a plate of pancakes and gestured to the maple syrup next to me. She remained standing where she was, behind the counter, as she ate her food.
We had been silent for a few moments before I spoke again.
“Sydney…about last night,” I said and she shook her head. Her face was down, she was looking at the plate and had food in her mouth.
“Really, Dane. We don’t need to talk about it,” she said and I gulped the food that was in my mouth. I wished she did want to speak about it. I wanted to. For the first time, I wanted to discuss with a woman what our relationship could possibly mean, but she didn’t seem to be similarly inclined.
“But, if you’re uncomfortable and you want to cut your stay short, I’m fine with that as well,” she said and put down her plate with a clang in the sink. She was a terrifically fast eater. I had only taken three large bites yet.
“Are you uncomfortable? Do you want me to cut my stay short?” I said and she shrugged her shoulders, and to my surprise, threw me a smile.
“You’re my guest. You’re providing me with good custom. It would be a mistake on my part to ask you to leave,” she said and we stared at each other. She was the one smiling now, only faintly, while I couldn’t force myself to do it.
“And also, no, I’m not uncomfortable,” she added and I nodded.
“That’s settled then. I don’t need to go. I’m enjoying my stay here, and I still have some more time before I have to go back,” I told her and Sydney dusted her hands.
“Good. Help yourself to the kitchen whenever you want. I usually serve dinner at seven. I’ll see you around?” she said and left the room.
I had been able to react with nothing more than a passing smile at her. I eyed the newspapers beside me and shook my head. I was in no mood to read. My cellphone buzzed inside the pockets of my pants and I pulled it out. It was a text from Tina.
There’s a small hotel in the Florida Keys. Only a two hour drive from Tramore. I can book a room for you there right away for tonight, Sir.
Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I fired away a reply to Tina.
Don’t worry about it. I’ve decided to stay here for some more time. I’ll let you know if the plan changes. Thanks, Tina.
I couldn’t leave now. Not yet. I was overreacting the previous night. Everything was fine between Sydney and me. I had no reason to panic. And she was right; I was a good source of income for her, and I didn’t really have a reason to go. Besides, she said it herself, she wanted me to stay.