Chapter 63: Home Alone

Lena's POV

I was jolted awake by the loud crash of shattering pottery. Blearily opening my eyes, I realized I had dozed off curled up on the armchair in the study while waiting up for Ryder. My neck and back protested as I straightened up with a groan.

Looking over, I saw the vase of flowers I had left on the oak table now lay in pieces across the hardwood floor. Cursing under my breath, I carefully avoided the shards scattered everywhere as I went to fetch the broom.

So much for my sweet surprise for Ryder after our misunderstanding. I swept up the mess bitterly, realizing he had never even come home. Have I missed him too much for my brain to conjure him in my dreams? Where had he been all night? Probably off brooding somewhere while I made a fool of myself trying to make amends. Men!

Dumping the remains of my ruined gift in the trash, I trudged upstairs to shower and change. No texts or calls from Ryder of course. Sighing, I resolved to just give him space today. I couldn't keep