Page 59 of Steamy Dreamy Hearts

“Can we read a story, Daddy?” Erin demanded after she’d had some bath and television time.

“Okay, honey bunny. How about you pick a book?”

She broughtPaddington, the gift from James had become her favorite. We read together, and I tucked her into bed.

“Did you have fun with Caleb and me today?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Good. I like him a lot,” I said simply.

“Me too.” Erin yawned. “Can we have pancakes for breakfast?”

“Sure, honey bunny.” I wrapped my arms around her and gave her a squeeze. Erin kissed my cheek, and then snuggled down with her stuffed animals.

As for me, I couldn’t sleep. I replayed every second of the picnic. Erin on the swings, showing off. Caleb sharing a donut with her. How he laughed when I brushed crumbs off his shirt. I started humming again. It took me a moment to realize it was a Chris Stapleton tune.

I spent a few days with Erin, figuring out childcare concerns since I was heading back to work. Luckily, since she’d returned from Seattle earlier than anticipated, I’d managed to arrange a last-minute spot for Erin at a science camp that would go up to her first day of school.

Caleb and I had to wait for that “tomorrow,” but he was wonderful about it, patient. Over the next few weeks, we did manage to see each other, and Caleb and I constantly texted. We were taking it slowly with Erin seeing him, but she lit up whenever Caleb came over.

So did I.

Caleb was the one who insisted he not spend every weekend with us. He didn’t want Erin to feel she had no alone time with me. I agreed with him, and we did the best we could to steal some hours during the weekdays while she was at camp.

Let’s just say we often disappeared from the firehouse on our lunch breaks.

But after a month of this, I wanted a real date night with him. At the station, I tugged him into my office to ask about it. I had learned to communicate, not assume things with him. I wasn’t perfect at it all, but I was working on it.

“God, it’s been too long.” I kissed him as soon as the door was shut.

“No quickies in your office, Captain Smack,” Caleb teased. But he licked his swollen lips and sighed.

“More time would be nice, though, yeah? That’s actually why I wanted a moment with you. How would you feel about spending this Saturday night together—all night? If you like the idea, I could approach James and Phin about a sleepover? Erin loves them, and they’ve been hinting…?” I touched the side of his face.

“Fuck yes. A whole night?” Caleb let out a little laugh.

“As much as I like our dinners with Erin, I’m aware it’s been a month of mac and cheese or hot dogs.” I leaned in toward Caleb. “Not to mention too many quickies.” I gave him a soft kiss. “What do you say?”

“Well, to be clear, I liked spending time with Erin. And I like mac and cheese just fine.”

I smiled. “I know. But I want some real food. And we both deserve a date night.”

He covered my hand with his and kissed me. “And a non-quickie with you sounds like heaven.”

The moment Erin was securely with James and Phin, I rushed to Caleb’s. I wore my best buttoned shirt and tan slacks. I’d shaved and even used some of my fancy cologne that Mom had given me for Christmas. When I knocked and Caleb answered, he was the best present I could imagine.

“Oh, you didn’t tell me to dress up. I’m in jeans.”

“You’re adorable,” I said, grabbing Caleb around the waist and spinning him in a tight circle.

“Hello to you, too.” Caleb chuckled at being lifted off his feet.

We kissed, tasting each other as if it were our first time. Our mouths clung, promising each other everything.

I squeezed his jean-clad ass, and Caleb moaned.

“If you keep moaning like that, we’re never going to get out of here,” I threatened jokingly. “You’ll miss all the romantic things I’ve planned.”

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