Page 77 of My Best Years

If he only knew how turned on I am right now. That I’m two seconds away from jumping his bones.

“Go home, Callum,” I roll my eyes and bend down to pick up his bag before sliding it up his arm. “You’ve already helpedme enough, and I feel bad that I’m cutting into your work day. I’m a big girl. Trust me, I’ll be just fine.”

He lets out a deep laugh as I press my palms to his chest and slowly start to walk him back toward the front door.

“Okay, okay.” He tosses his arms up in the air in defeat. “Excuse me for wanting to help.”

“I’m appreciative of your help, Cal,” I say, stopping right in front of the door. “I really am. Thank you for coming by. It would have been a lot more embarrassing if maintenance had to tell me I just needed to open the vents.”

A hint of jealousy flashes through Callum’s eyes as he drags his gaze up and down my body.

“Do me a favor,” he starts. “Always call me before you let a stranger inside your apartment. Just the thought of another man seeing you like this…” he flexes his jaw at the thought. “Just… Call me first, okay?”

His expression morphs from playful to serious. It’s evident that the thought of me alone with another man has him spiraling. It kills me to see how quickly fear and anxiety took over his emotions. At first, I thought about taunting him because there’s no competition when it comes to Callum. But after everything we’ve been through, I would never want to make him feel how he looks right now. Broken.

“Okay,” I nod. “You’ll be the first person I call.”

“Good.” He exhales a pent-up breath.

“Okay,” I smile softly. “Thanks again, Cal. I really appreciate you coming over.”

When I reach behind him to open the door, he stops me by wrapping his fingers around my wrist. My skin burns beneath his grip. Begging for more.

“Wait,” he rushes out. “When will I see you again?”

“I work the rest of the weekend. But I can send you myschedule when I get to the hospital in the morning. I should have some evenings free next week.”

“By next week, do you mean Monday or Tuesday?”

“I don’t know,” I chuckle. “I need to check my schedule in the morning.”

“But I’ll see you in a few days, right?”

My stomach dances with butterflies at his persistence.

“Sure,” I smile.

“Because I don’t want to wait another week to see you, Birdie,” he rasps. “I can’t wait another seven days to see you.”

I can’t wait another seven days to see you.

I fear that the icy parts of my heart are starting to melt, defrosting for the same man responsible for putting it in the freezer.

“You won’t have to,” I assure him. “I promise.”

“Okay,” he nods. “I’ll see you soon, Birdie.”

“See you soon, Cal.”

Before he releases my wrist, he brings my hand to his lips and places a featherlight kiss to my knuckles.

Each time he touches me, the idea of taking things slow seems more impractical.

My head is telling me to guard my heart. But my heart is screaming for me to see if his lips taste the same.

I guess only time will tell which one will win.

TWENTY-TWO

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