The apartment was quiet when I got back. Too quiet.
I dropped my keys on the counter and loosened the knot of my tie, debating whether I should take a shower before crashing into bed. Dinner had already been checked off at Trent's, so there wasn't much else demanding my attention—except maybe the constant hum of my thoughts.
That's when my phone rang.
The screen lit up with her name. Val.
Every nerve in my body went sharp. I didn't even hesitate before answering.
"Hey," I breathed, softer than I meant to.
Her face filled the screen. The same familiar light that always made something deep in me loosen.
"Sorry," she started immediately, her voice quick, almost guilty. "I saw the missed call. I was busy then."
The corners of my mouth pulled up before I even thought about it. God, she had no idea how just seeing her could undo me. "It's fine," I said, and meant it more than she'd ever know.
