* Chapter 8 *

Kevin awoke the next morning to the sound of the piano being played. Grabbing a t-shirt from the chair and pulling it over his torso, he padded down the stairs in his boxers toward the sound. The music lifted the fog of sleep from his mind as he watched Mariah's fingers skitter over the keys. God, she was so incredible.

She acknowledged after she stopped playing. "Hey, Kev."

He only smiled which elicited a frown from her. Mariah stood and walked toward the door. Upon passing him, she motioned to give him a quick kiss, but he turned his head. The kiss meant for his soft lips instead landed on his cheek.

Mariah felt the frustration fester within her. She remembered the mantra for conflict - "fight or flight" - and decided upon the latter knowing well that fighting meant more hurt for them both. For reasons unknown to her, however, he insisted upon following her as if he had something to say. Kevin obviously hadn't paid attention to the same biology lesson that she had.

Kevin felt like he was testing her, to see if Howie's insinuations were correct. He had his answers and he hated himself for it. He had seen her face light up when he walked into the music room earlier then watched as that same light faded to black at his actions. Now confusion had replaced the fog of sleep. He had to think and he needed a place where he could be alone.

"I'm going to the studio," Kevin announced before his mind, knowing the consequences of the statement, could stop him.

Mariah paused in the process of buttering her freshly toasted bagel with cream cheese. She sensed Kevin's eyes on her as he awaited her response, a response that couldn't be vocalized thanks to the stone-hard lump of sadness obstructing her throat.

She only nodded.

Kevin took a last glance willing himself not to close the space between them, take her in his arms and love her like she deserved, like he wanted to. Think first. "See you later," he said.

A lone tear escaped her hazel eyes. "Goodbye...Kevin."

Chapter 9
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