Page 82 of All Along

“Nothing’s wrong,” I lie. “But I worry the restaurant will be too crowded for you.”

He squeezes my hand. “I’m fine. I’m with you.”

I love the idea of being his personal good luck charm. But I don’t want him to have another panic attack. He’s still embarrassed about the previous one. Which is dumb, but emotions aren’t logical. Even smarty pants Paisley crawled on the floor when she saw Eli.

“Nevertheless, if it gets to be too much, remember our signal.” I tug on my earlobe three times.

He chuckles. “You’re a crazy bunny.”

“Crazy bunnies are the best kind. We make people laugh. And we never get caught and eaten for Easter dinner.”

He throws an arm over my shoulders and steers me inside. My mouth drops open when we enter the restaurant at theHideaway Haven Resort.

“I can’t believe you chose this place. It’s fancy.” My nose wrinkles. “And expensive.”

He taps my nose. “Don’t you worry. Hudson offered me a discount.”

“Must be nice to know the owner.”

He chuckles. “You know the owner, too.”

“True. But I don’t know if he still holds my spying on him in high school against me. It was on Nova’s orders but still. He was not happy to see me when he opened his locker and I popped out.”

Caleb gives his name to the hostess and she leads us to a table in the corner. It’s next to the window with a view of the ocean.

“This knowing the owner stuff rocks,” I say as I settle in my chair.

“I know the owner of this awesome brewery. The smuggler’s grapevine claims they’re the best thing since sliced bread.”

My cheeks warm at his compliment. “I wouldn’t say sliced bread but definitely since indoor plumbing.”

“Does the resort carry your beer?”

I giggle. “They do now.”

“Explain.”

“Well,” I say before telling the story of how Nova got knocked up with Hudson’s child. “And now you know whyFive Fathomsbeer is sold here.”

He chuckles. “They really got locked in a chalet overnight?”

I shrug. “According to the story but…” I scan the room to make sure no one is listening to us before leaning close and whispering, “How did Nova get away the next morning before the contractor showed up if they were locked in? I say Hudson fibbed because he finally had what he wanted.”

Caleb’s blue eyes darken. “I know how it feels to finally have what you wanted all along.”

I wiggle in my seat. “Me too.”

The waitress arrives and we order the chef’s surprise special and a couple of beers. Once we’re alone, Caleb stands. “I need the restroom. I’ll be right back.”

I watch as he strides across the restaurant. There’s a slight hitch to his walk but he’s still utter perfection to me. Those broad shoulders I know are strong enough to chop wood all morning. Those narrow hips I love to dig my fingers in when he’s buried deep inside me. I fan my face as memories flash through my mind.

Once he’s out of view, I dig my phone out of my purse and open a game. Being alone in a restaurant where other people can look at me makes me antsy. Better to bury my head in a game.

I finish the second round of my game and frown. Caleb’s been gone for five minutes. Worry tries to worm itself throughme but I ignore it. He probably bumped into Hudson and lost track of time.

Another five minutes pass and now I am officially worried. I send Caleb a message.

Our appetizers are here. Are you okay?

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