Page 12 of All Along

Working out is nearly as bad as attending a home economics class. I hate getting all sweaty. I hate all the mirrors reflecting my image at me from every angle imaginable. I hate the way everyone in the gym judges you.

“The only gym on the island is atHideaway Haven Resortand it’s too expensive for my blood.”

“Too expensive?” I can practically hear the frown in his voice. “I thoughtFive Fathoms Brewingwas doing well.”

“It’s doing better than well. Our beer is officially stocked in grocery stores from Maine to Miami.”

Our beer is also why my arms are killing me. I added a six-pack to the bottom of the basket.

“Proud of you, Bunny.”

His use of his nickname for me causes a bomb of warmth to explode in my chest. What I wouldn’t do for him to use the nickname as a sign of love.

Stop it, Maya. Caleb does not now love you and he never will. He’s my friend. Do I want more? Hell, yeah. But Caleb has made it perfectly clear how he feels over the years. And what he feels isn’t romantic love. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he invented the word friendzone.

“I brought you a six-pack sampler ofFive Fathoms.” I lift up the basket as if to show him but then remember – he’s hiding behind a locked door.

“I’ve tried your beer.It’s good.”

“You’ve tried it? When? We can’t exactly ship to the Middle East.”

He chuckles. “Hudson carries the beer at the resort. And, before you ask, Hudson sent over a care package when I arrived. I didn’t go to the resort.”

I wasn’t going to ask. I admit I’m curious. But I’m not nosy.

Fine. I am nosy. But this is Caleb. The guy who helped me down from the monkey bars in second grade when a group of boys from fifth grade chased me up there.

Climbing up wasn’t a problem, but getting back down? Nuh-uh. I wasn’t about to climb down. Until Caleb came over and gently showed me how to get down without jumping.

When the fifth grade boys made fun of him for helping the baby, he simply ignored them. It was magnificent. And a crush was born. A crush I’ve yet to get over. Despite dating other men. Despite nearly two decades passing. The crush lives on.

“Which beer did you enjoy the most? I can bring over a six-pack tomorrow.”

He growls and despite knowing the growl is fueled by anger, my body warms and my breasts tingle. This must be how those romance heroines feel in the romances I love to read. Full of anticipation and excitement. Anxious for the next chapter.

“Maya,” he grumbles. “You’re not hearing me.”

“I can hear you just fine. Although, I have to admit, I could hear you better if you opened the door. It’s probably warmer inside too. The wind is a cold mistress today.”

“Damnit, Maya. You’re cold? Get in your car and go home.”

Maya this. Maya that. What about Bunny?

I shake those thoughts out of my mind. I’m not Caleb’s bunny. Although, my nose is probably pink from the cold. And I am shaking.

“I’m serious, Maya,” Caleb says before I can come up with another reason he should let me inside his house. “Leave me alone. I don’t want any company.”

“Fine. But I’m leaving you the food and you will eat it and enjoy it. Plus, you’ll miss me and wish I was here while you’re eating.”

I set the basket on the porch in front of the door and back up. I wait a minute. Hoping he’ll open the door to get the food and I’ll get my chance to barge inside but the door stays closed.

Darn it. Caleb has way more patience than me.

“I’m not giving up!” I shout as I hurry down the steps to my car.

I don’t bother waiting for Caleb to come out while I’m in my car. He’s being extremely stubborn right now.

But there’s one thing he didn’t count on. I can be more stubborn. Especially when the subject is important. And this subject – making sure Caleb doesn’t turn into a hermit – is the most important of all.

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