Page 111 of All Along

“I’ve had enough of you teasing me and degrading me. Smuggler’s Hideaway is a small island but there’s still enough space for us to avoid each other. In other words.” I lean close to him. “Stay away from me.”

I don’t give him a chance to answer before I march away, straight out the door. Maya hollers my name but I ignore her. Today is her day. I’m not going to ruin it by disemboweling Eli in her living room. Cleaning up blood is such a chore.

Chapter 37

“Sex counts as cardio. I will die on this hill.” ~ Maya

Maya

“Caleb!” I call as I enter my house. No, not my house. It’s our house. Caleb has been living here for nearly a month now.

It hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Caleb still wallows in guilt at times and misses his career in the Army. But we make it work. We will always make it work.

I love waking up in his arms every morning. I love telling him about my day when I get home. I love hearing about his day. And I especially love spending the nights wrapped up in each other. It’s a romance lover’s dream come true.

I frown when I realize Caleb hasn’t responded. I dig my phone out. Maybe he’s working late. Sure enough. There’s a message from him.

I’m at the library doing some research. Meet me here and we can walk to Smuggler’s Cove for dinner?

Sure. Be there in thirty minutes.

See you soon. Love you.

I probably have cartoon hearts in my eyes as I stash my phone in my purse. I can’t help it. Caleb loves me. The man I’ve loved since high school has loved me all along. Squeal!

I don’t need romance novels anymore. I’m living my romance story. Although, I still enjoy those sexy scenes when a vampire drinks the blood of his paramour for the first time or when the werewolves realize they’re fated mates.

Okay, fine. I still need romance novels. They’re especially good for providing inspiration in the bedroom. I’ve started to read the juicy parts to Caleb in bed. It’s all the foreplay we need.

Enough with the reminiscing. I need to get changed. I made the mistake of teasing Paisley about Eli and she threw a mug of beer on me. Her patience with the situation is gone. I admit I’m having more fun than I should be ribbing her.

By the time I shower, change, do my face, and wrestle my hair into control, it’s been nearly thirty minutes. Shoot the mermaid! I’m late.

I nearly run to the library. It’s only five minutes away since Smuggler’s Rest isn’t very big, but I’m gasping for air by the time I arrive. I should probably do more cardio. Sex with Caleb is apparently not enough to get me in shape.

I round the corner and slow down as the library comes into view. I frown. The lights are off. The library should be open until nine. I check my watch. It isn’t yet seven. What’s going on?

I try the door and it opens. Why is it dark inside if the library isn’t closed?

“Caleb!” I holler.

He steps out from behind the circulation desk. I can barely make out his features since the exit sign is the only source of light in the room. “Maya.”

“Why is it dark in here? What’s going on?”

“There was some sort of power surge. They’re working on it.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I’m glad you asked. I promised one of the guests I’d bring him a book but I can’t find it in the dark.”

“What are you doing promising guests to bring them books? You’re supposed to be the head of security.”

He chuckles. “My Maya, always ready to come to my defense.”

“Sorry. It seemed odd is all.”

“Wesley, the front desk manager, asked me to pick it up as a favor.”

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