Even Rhythm (Offbeat #2)

by S. Moose

  And now he’s standing in front of me. He’s standing before me with dark jeans and a gray button down shirt. The slim fit shirt shows his bulging arm muscles and tight chest.

  The ache is beating against my body, screaming for a release.

  “I saw you were here and wanted to see if you needed help.” The nervousness in his voice throws me off a little. “And to see if you want to grab dinner with me tonight.”

  “You know what? Dinner sounds good. Why don’t you come back around seven and I’ll be ready?”

  “You’re going to be here?”

  “Yeah,” I answer.

  “Okay,” he smiles. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  I watch him walk away and head back inside. I don’t have to stay here, but being close to him feels good.

  Grabbing my Kindle from my purse, I get comfortable on the couch and curl up in a blanket with a cup of tea.

  I hear the door open and my head perks up, wondering who is here. Seth comes around the corner and heads towards me.

  “Hey,” he says and I smile. “Want to go for a walk?”

  “Sure.” I set down my Kindle and grab my jacket and UGGs. We walk out the front and I look to see if Tyler’s home.

  “I saw him leave,” Seth tells me. We walk down the sidewalk towards a nearby park. The walk is quiet at first and I can’t help but to wonder what’s going on with Seth and why he’s here.

  “What’s going on?”

  Seth smiles. “I wanted to say sorry for the other night. I know with Tyler back in town you’re probably really confused. Honestly, I don’t want to lose our friendship. I’ve been here for you and it’ll suck if you decide to leave.” He bows his head down. I wait because I know he has more to say. “I ah,” he nervously laughs. “I care about you Bayleigh. I’ve been here for you and helped you through your nightmares and held your hand. I don’t want to lose that connection with you. I don’t have a lot of friends,” he explains. “So, yeah.”

  “You’re not going to lose me, Seth.” I reassure him. “You’re a really good friend and I care about you too. Why would you think I’d up and leave?”

  He shrugs. “Just a feeling. It seems as though people, women especially, tend to leave me when I get too attached.”

  My heart breaks a little. Seth is very clingy and I like it. When we hang out it’s fun and he’s there for me when I need it. I understand his concern for me when it comes to Tyler.

  “I appreciate this, Seth. I can promise you I’m not going anywhere and our friendship is going to be strong like before. Just because Tyler is back doesn’t mean I won’t have time for you.”

  “Okay,” he smiles. “Sorry if I came on too strong.”

  “Never.”

  “You look different.”

  “What do you mean?” We stop walking and sit down on a wooden bench. He turns to look at me.

  “The sadness you had in your eyes is gone.”

  I stare at him. I understand what he’s saying and I’m letting the words sink in. My sadness is gone. There’s a lot to be happy about. My pregnancy, Tyler coming back and things in life seem to be running on an even rhythm. Nothing feels offbeat, besides needing to talk to Tyler about what’s going on with me, and that’s the only problem I’m facing.

  “Seeing the way he looked at you at the party, I can tell he loves you.”

  “I know,” I answer.

  “I overheard him talking to Mandy. He’s sorry for what he’s done to you and he’s trying. I think you should give him a chance to explain so you can feel better. Hear him out and go from there.”

  “The thing is, Seth. I’ve forgiven him. I don’t hold anything against him.” I take in a deep breath. “I’m pregnant, and I’m so scared to tell him. The way things ended last time scares me. We love each other, and time is going to tell if we can really make it.”

  “I think you guys are going to be fine. He’s going to be thrilled about being a dad and I think everything will work out.”

  “I love him and care about him. Only, I can’t tell him I’m pregnant. Not yet. Not until I feel it’s safe.”

  “When will that be?”

  I let out a weary sigh. “I’m not sure.”

  Tyler

  BEFORE I CAN GET out of my Jeep, Bayleigh walks out of her parents’ house wearing boots, leggings, and a long gray cardigan. She’s bundled up, walking with her head down, and carrying her oversized purse.

  Getting out and opening the door for her, she smiles at me and we’re on the way to dinner.

  “So I’m thinking tonight I’ll take you to Mario’s.”

  “Sounds good. Haven’t been there in forever and I’m craving Italian. Definitely getting chicken alfredo.”

  “You always get that,” I joke. “Are you going to ask for crushed red peppers?”

  “Duh,” she laughs.

  “They’re going to tell you it’s not an option. Watch.”

  She waves her hand, disregarding me. “No. I think maybe they finally are realizing people like crushed red peppers in their food because it gives it a little kick.”

  Her hair is a little wavy and hangs past her shoulders. I love Bayleigh with long hair. Actually, I love her with anything or any style she has. It’s hard to focus on driving with her next to me. The light scent of Daisy she has on bewitches my senses and all I want is to hold her, breathe her in, and tell her to be mine again.

  But she won’t agree.

  Since leaving her this afternoon, I’ve been keeping busy around the house and running errands. I’ve been anxious and unsure, waiting by my phone to see if she’ll text me that she’s changed her mind.

  Sitting here with her in my Jeep is what I want. Like I’ve told her in the past, I don’t care about sex or physical affection. Having her in my life is just enough, but having her by my side forever, as my girl, is what I’m aiming for.

  A real smile comes over my face thinking about her and feeling her near me.

  I pull into Mario’s and let the valet open the doors for us, and hand over my keys. Extending my hand to her, she willingly takes it, and we walk inside. So far so good.

  Our server seats us in a secluded area of the restaurant, and hands us menus. Before I can order a bottle of our favorite wine, she interrupts and orders a lemonade and iced water.

  “What do you want, Ty?”

  “Ah the same,” I tell our server. She smiles and tells us she’ll be back. “So, no wine tonight? We usually get wine when we have Italian.”

  “You know,” she starts to say, picking up the menu and looking at her options. “I’m really not feeling it tonight.”

  “Okay,” I laugh and do the same with my menu.

  Dinner goes by quickly and by the time we’re done with our desserts, the look on her face brings my dick to attention. That look of sheer bliss. She’s content and happy.

  Fuck.

  Paying for the bill, she thanks me for a nice night and we walk outside to my Jeep. Placing my arm around shoulders she leans into me and we walk in silence. Before making the drive back home, I pull into an empty space away from the restaurant. Turning in my seat, I look at her and reach for her hands. She doesn’t pull away.

  “Thank you for coming out with me tonight. I know we have a lot to talk about and I know you need time to understand what’s going on. I’m telling you now that I’m not going anywhere. I know I’ve said this before and I know we ended badly a few months ago. I Just want you to know there was never a day that passed you weren’t on my mind. Coming back here, to you, is my choice and mine alone. I’m so desperate to have a few minutes with you and I’ll take whatever you give me.”

  Needing to feel her soft lips, I lean over the console and press my lips to hers. “I will do anything for you, Bayleigh. But please know I love you.”

  She smiles and doesn’t say anything. I’m not sure if I scared the hell out of her or what she’s thinking in that pretty little head of hers.

  ****

  WORK I
S KEEPING all of my attention and I haven’t been able to see Bayleigh as much as I’d like. She’s coming to her parents’ house more often and I’d like to think it’s because I’m here and we’re closer together this way. I think about asking her to come over after work, but when I get home, I don’t see her car. She usually gets back to her parents’ house around eight in the evening, and by then it’s kind of late for social calling. I don’t want her to think I’m inviting her over for sex.

  Looking at my watch and out the window, I wonder where she is and if she’s coming over again tonight. In many states this is considered stalking. I pick up my phone and wait for her voice to come on.

  Hi, you’ve reached the voicemail of Bayleigh Murphy. I’m sorry I missed your call. Please leave me your name, number and a brief message and I’ll return your call as soon as I can. Thank you and have a great day.

  “Hey, so I got home a little bit ago and I’m wondering if you’re coming to your parents’ house again. I’d love to see you. Call me or text or whatever. Ah, okay bye.”

  Disconnecting the call I sit on the couch, throwing a football in my hand, hoping for this game to take my mind off her. Mandy tells me to give her time and space. Well, she has no idea what it means to lose everything you love.

  When my phone rings, I jump up and look at the caller ID.

  “Mandy,” I hiss.

  “Why hello, cutie pie. What are you doing?”

  “Nothing. Hanging out. You?”

  “About to pull into your driveway.” I look out the window and see her silver Audi pulling in. “Let me in.”

  I get up and walk toward the door to let her in. Sitting on the stair, I wait for her to come in. When she walks in and takes off her sunglasses, I see the smirk on her face.

  “To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”

  Standing up I head to the kitchen, grab a few bottles of beer and walk outside to the deck. It’s a nice night. The sun’s slowly going down and it’s quiet out. I like it this way. Sitting down and opening a beer for Mandy and I, I wait to hear what she has to say.

  “Thanks,” she takes the beer from my hand. “Bayleigh told me about your little dinner date.”

  I take a sip of my beer and nod. “Okay, did I do something wrong? I don’t think I did. Well, aside from telling her I’m not going anywhere.”

  “I think you did the right thing. Take it slow and give her space. Don’t wait around for her . . .”

  “I wasn’t.”

  “Don’t lie to me, Tyler.” Instead of answering, I drink more of my beer. “Okay, as I was saying. Don’t be that guy. Be her friend like before. You do remember how to be her friend, right?” I smirk and cock my head to the right. “There you go.”

  “Whatever you say, ole wise one.”

  She brings her beer bottle to mine, “Cheers, babe.”

  ***

  THE NEXT DAY in my office, there’s a knock on my door. Looking up, I see Serena coming in.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask her, smiling. Getting up, I meet her at the door and give her a hug.

  “I’m here for a few weeks to go over some plans and get you ready to work with our newest clients.”

  “Ah,” I respond, getting the file I need. “We have a meeting soon. Want to head out?”

  “Sure.”

  We walk the short distance to Fowler, Ziegler and Ridge Associates. Walking in, we take the elevator and I take easy breaths.

  “Isn’t this . . .”

  “Yep,” I answer before she can finish her sentence.

  “Are you okay?”

  “No. I don’t know,” I answer. I hate feeling like a pussy. “I’m dealing with it the way I should and the way she wants me to.”

  Serena touches my arm, “It’s going to work out.”

  “Yeah.”

  The elevator dings and we walk out and the receptionist greets us. Before I can say anything, I hear her voice. Looking behind me, I see her walking with Mandy. She looks beautiful today with her hair long and she’s wearing a classy dark gray dress with a blue cardigan.

  Sensing my staring, she looks up and our eyes meet. She looks at Serena, then back at me.

  “Good afternoon, Bayleigh.”

  “Hi Tyler.” She looks at Serena, “I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk when you were here. Thank you for coming to the funeral.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Bayleigh smiles and looks at Mandy for support.

  “Why don’t we all head to the conference room? I think Damon and Seth are ready,” Mandy tells us and leads the way.

  I stay behind, making sure I’m keeping my distance so I don’t freak her out. Heading inside and taking our seats, I notice Damon smile at Mandy and Seth pulling out Bayleigh’s seat and talking to her. I try to listen and hear what he’s saying.

  Questions flood my head. Who the fuck is he and why is he so close to her? Isn’t she Damon’s personal assistant?

  “Stop,” Serena whispers and I turn away, pulling out the notes we need for the meeting.

  When I first heard about this meeting, I didn’t try to get out of it nor did I tell her about it. Since she’s Damon’s personal assistant, wouldn’t she have known about the meeting? Seeing her nervous expression and her face go pale, I have to wonder why she’s acting like this. I wish she’d look at me and smile or show me that she’s happy to see me.

  The meeting was slow and torturous. I gave the wrong information and Serena saved me more times than I can count. Luckily, Damon was fine and didn’t seem bothered.

  “Alright, I will be in touch,” Seth says. “Thank you for today. I think we’ll have a decision shortly.”

  “Thank you again. Damon. Seth,” I nod to each one and we pack our things to leave. When I look up and see Bayleigh looking at me. I don’t know what she’s asking me with her eyes and I stay behind to find out.

  Watching her get up from the chair, she walks out and I follow, telling Serena to give me a few minutes. We walk into her office and I close the door, keeping my distance and fighting the temptation to feel her lips and hold her.

  “I wanted a few minutes alone with you.”

  “Okay,” I respond. “What’s up?”

  “Is Serena here for good?”

  I roll my eyes. Of course she’ll ask this question. “No. She’s here for business with my company and Damon’s. And why is Seth protective over you?”

  “He’s not. He’s kind of my boss and he’s a good friend.”

  I walk closer to her and hear the hitch in her breathing. “Are you worried, Bay?”

  “N-no. Of course not,” she mutters, looking at me.

  Leaning over, I kiss her cheek and turn away. She’s not ready for this conversation and now isn’t the time. “Stop acting hot and cold around me.” Her body stills and I walk away. I can feel her eyes on me and I’m hoping she’ll call for me. Reaching the elevator I press the button and realize she’s not coming.

  “Tyler.” Her voice perks me up.

  “Bay,” I say, turning around to face her.

  “Come over tonight for dinner.” She smiles and I nod.

  One day at a time.

  Bayleigh

  THE DAYS ARE getting longer. I’m spending more hours in the office and working at home to complete the reports needed. My headaches are getting worse and since I can’t take too many meds I’m finding different alternatives like getting massages, using essential oils, doing yoga, and taking little naps here and there. Luckily my headaches aren’t turning into migraines so it’s not too bad. I’m doing research online and keeping contact with Doctor Wells. I’m not sure if all these symptoms are normal. I don’t want to complain to Damon. I’m not even that far along and I’m tired all the time. My morning sickness is getting bad and the smell of breakfast makes me want to die.

  Mentally preparing myself to get through today is what’s keeping me from breaking down. We have meetings all day, but the meeting this morning is going to k
ill me. The smell of sausage, eggs and bacon hits my nose and I can feel my stomach about to turn over. I’m usually not sensitive to food. I love breakfast!

  Damon leans over, “Bayleigh, are you okay?”

  “Yeah, of course,” I answer him.

  I look at the buffet of food and have to step away or else everyone is going to have a side of throw up.

  “Bayleigh.” I look up and see Adam Simpson walking towards me. “It’s nice to see you again.”

  “You too.” We hug and make small talk about his trip to Rochester with his brother and partner, Connor. “How’s Sophia doing?”

  “She’s good,” he smiles, pulling out his wallet and showing me a picture of his family. “She’s keeping busy and trying to accept that he’s going to be in first grade, and Rachel’s acting older than she is.”

  “You have a beautiful family.” I look at the picture and feel the tears sting my eyes. I think about my baby and one day having a family picture like the one Adam has with his wife and children. “Did they come with you guys this time?”

  “No, not this time,” he sadly answers. Traveling for work is never easy. Adam and Connor have been coming to Rochester one week every month since September. Not only are they here in Rochester, but also Atlanta and Boston. “After this trip, I’m taking some time off and then Connor will do the same. We’ll rotate our vacations and try to travel less.”

  I nod my head. “I get it. After this trip, I’m sure we’ll have everything figured out.”

  “Don’t hog the pretty Bayleigh, brother.” I smile and look up at my other favorite Simpson.

  “Why, hello handsome.” We hug and he tells me how beautiful I look. “You and your compliments. How are Erin and Emily?”

  “My girls are great.” He pulls out a picture of them and shows me. “Perfect.”

  “I’m so happy for you guys. It’s always good to see you both. Excuse me please.” Rushing out of the conference in the most lady like way, I head to the bathroom and lock the door. Turning on the faucet, the cool water fills in my hands and I splash my face.