Page 50 of Blurred Lines

He squeezes my hand, warmth returning to his touch. "It taught me a lot. About the world, about myself." He turns towards me, his green eyes searching mine. "Then I came back here. Found a community. Built a life that feels real. It's funny … that old house, my mother, Brian … they turned out to be the home I never expected."

He looks away, out across the waves, a faraway look in his eyes. "Sometimes … you need to go out into the world to figure out where you truly belong. Where you're loved, truly loved."

The words strike a chord deep within me. Isn't that what I'm doing right here, in this unfamiliar town, with these unexpected people? My heart constricts with a bittersweet longing for the life I left behind, and then it softens at the thought of the warmth and strength I've found here.

Darkness falls, the stars emerging one by one in the deepening twilight. Caeleb's words echo in my mind as we walk, and the fear that usually accompanies thoughts of home lessens slightly. After a while, we get into his car, and then, he's taking me to the vineyard.

Caeleb's car, a sleek vintage convertible, gleams in the dying light. The leather seats are worn smooth with age, exuding a warmth that reminds me of his home. As we drive, the air turns crisp, carrying the earthy scent of the vineyards that stretch along the winding road.

"We used to come here all the time, when we were kids," Caeleb says, his voice breaking the comfortable silence. "Hide-and-seek, building forts … this part of the vineyard always felt like our own secret world."

I'd forgotten that the vineyards existed long before I ever did and that Dad had a life tied to them that had nothing to do with me. It puts a lot in perspective. I try to picture him as a boy, a mischievous glint replacing the focused intensity in his eyes.

The thought brings a smile to my face. Caeleb notices but doesn't say anything. After we reach the vineyards, we find a secluded spot, a clearing hidden amongst the rows of vines. He spreads out a blanket, and we sit, the stars winking above us. It feels achingly romantic, the two of us in this quiet corner of my world.

The silence stretches, but it's not uncomfortable, more like anticipation. Caeleb's gaze sweeps across my face as if trying to read my thoughts, unravel my mysteries.

"You're a strange one, Emily," he says finally, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Runway model turned vineyard owner. Makes no sense at all."

"Just wait," I retort, a teasing note in my voice, "Soon, I'll be known as Emily Martin, Winemaking Queen and Grape Whisperer."

His chuckle is low and warm, filling the quiet space. He leans closer, his eyes locking with mine. The intensity in his gaze makes my breath hitch.

"You make me feel things I didn't think were possible anymore," his voice is a low rumble, and something in the way he says it, raw and unguarded, sends a shiver down my spine.

My heart thunders against my ribs as if trying to escape my body. Before I can think, before I can stop myself, I'm leaning in too, drawn by a force I can't resist.

Our lips meet, a gentle clash that quickly turns into something more desperate, more consuming. His hands cradle my face, his touch both rough and tender. I tangle my fingers in his hair, the world fading away as I give myself over to the wildfire sensation blazing between us.

When we finally break apart, I'm breathless, my head spinning. Caeleb's eyes, dark and unreadable in the dim starlight, search mine.

"Emily," he murmurs, my name a soft sigh on his lips. "Did I ever tell you how goddamned irresistible you are?"

Then, he's pulling me up, pushing me against a tree, his movements no longer gentle.

I have a faint sense of déjà vu.

20

EMILY

"You're driving me crazy," Caeleb groans, his arms curled around my waist. "Do you know how much I want you right now?"

My guard is down, I'm at my most vulnerable. Somehow, it doesn't matter. This is how I want it, him, tonight.

"I do, but it doesn't hurt to hear you say the words," I tease him lightly, leaning my face upward to steal another kiss.

"What is it?" he asks, scanning my face. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking I'm glad to be here," I say simply. It's the truth, no frills attached.

Caeleb's beautiful face lightens, clearing all of the storm clouds that had gathered earlier. He strokes a strand of hair away from my forehead and plants a soft kiss on the spot between my brows. I close my eyes and sway into the softness of his lips.

He's such a good kisser, I think to myself.

His mouth descends, leaving blazing imprints on my cheeks, the bridge of my nose, and down to my jawline before dipping into the curve of my earlobe with the tip of his tongue.

I let out an involuntarily little moan and shiver with delight.

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