Page 130 of Citius

It was nice to know I wasn’t the only one who lost track of time in this relationship.

“Mhm. But if you’re willing to face my three fathers, you could take usallout for sushi.” It was too early to meet each other’s parents, and we both knew it, but I couldn’t help teasing him. “I’m sure they’d love to meet you.”

Cal laughed, tipping his head toward the sulking Tenny. “If your dads are anything like him…”

“They’re not,” I assured him, stroking his shoulders. “If you can handle Piper and Rory, you can handle my fathers. They’re goofy, love good food, and want their kids to be happy. A little messy sometimes, but well-meaning.”

“And your mom?”

“Like Kelsey—practical and even-keeled.” Bringing my lips to his ear, I whispered, “So, ready to meet the parents?”

Cal’s brow creased. “I’d offer to bump into them at the finish line, but with how Grandfather’s been lately… Maybe we should rain check?”

“It’s probably for the best since—” I cut myself off, biting my lip.

“What?” Cal stole a teasing kiss. “Still mad that I thought you were an only child?”

“No.” I laughed, looping my arms around his neck. “Jacobi has this…nickname for you. And it’s spread to all my siblings, so it’s only a matter of time before someone uses it. I’m shocked Rory hasn’t already.”

An amused purr caressed my ear. “Do tell.”

“Well—uh, it’s…” Stupid Jacobi. I should have abandoned him in the foam pit at tumbling class all those years ago and spared myself this humiliation. But there was no avoiding it now. “Um. Ph-pheromone stud.”

Cal burst out laughing, the deep rumble echoing from his chest into mine, burying my concerns about how he’d react to the nickname beneath a wave of pure affection.

“Pheromone stud? Oh, that’s amazing. Weird, but undeniably flattering.” Cal rolled onto his back, pulling me along with him. “And how long have I held this prestigious title, Dr. Van Daal?”

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to ignore how much I enjoyed having his solid body between my thighs. We’d agreed to take things slow, but this was pure temptation. I had to resist.

Mostly.

Burying my face in his dense chest, I mumbled, “Day one.”

“Huh?” His hands skimmed along my sides, coming to rest firmly on my ass. “Didn’t quite catch that.”

“Since the first day I met you,” I admitted, heat flooding my cheeks.

Cal’s pleased purr vibrated through me as he kissed the top of my head, inundating me with delicious tingles. “Lucky me.”

For once, I didn’t question my luck or wonder when it would run out. His genuine affection healed a tiny sliver of my doubtful heart.

Cal would meet my family someday, no doubt launching a charm offensive that would put my myriad brothers-in-law to shame, winning over everyone from my baby nieces to Nonna.

And I’d enjoy every minute of it—by his side.

Thirty-Six

Owen

Precise, robotic execution—the ideal state.

I didn’t register the blustery wind cutting across the bay as the marathon route wound through campus or the uneven gait of my nearest competitor. My course was set. Breathing synchronized with each stride, carrying me forward with purpose—a solo voyager with unmatched potential and a clear mind.

There was no time to lament falling off my training schedule or having to settle for the half-marathon distance. The peculiar tightness in my left leg didn’t matter, either. My head was devoid of distracting thoughts and mental to-do lists.

I existed to run. The road was my sole companion. No distractions. Only pure performance.

Then, an abrupt curve came. Several runners slowed, creating a minor pile-up, and the sudden shift triggered a spasm in my left calf. I should have taken Wyatt up on his offer to train together. Consistent treadmill sessions would have kept me in better shape rather than waiting for the rare days I had the luxury of running outdoors.

---