Page 39 of Steamy Dreamy Hearts

Whatever time we might have together, before Erin returned at the summer’s end, I wanted to spend it with Caleb. It was selfish, I knew… And maybe…he’d change his mind? I couldn’t risk Erin’s feelings, so it would have to be done carefully. Pushover or not, he’d also be kind and thoughtful…a good dad.

I shook my head. My mom had gotten to me. It was far too early between me and Caleb to entertain thoughts like these.

“I did wonder why you never asked me to babysit,” Caleb said suddenly, interrupting my thoughts.

“What?” I turned to look at him.

He smiled, but his eyes were sad. “Phin was always the go-to for watching Erin, or Kamira when she could handle the commuting. Never me. Is it because I’m too flighty or something? I might be a pushover, but I’m also responsible?—”

“No, that’s not—it was never about your babysitting skills.” I felt my cheeks heat. “Truthfully, I was trying to keep you at a distance from me, not from Erin. The idea of you in my house, away from work…”

“Oh,” Caleb said, and then he smiled for real. His eyes sparkled. “And now? How do you feel now that I’m here?”

I swallowed and took his hand. With our fingers linked, I gained some courage and continued the tour of the house.

I led him down the hallway, aware of how I’d left my bedroom. I halted in my tracks. Caleb knocked into me from behind.

“Why’d we stop?”

Oh fuck.I had to be honest with him, but I would lose it if he left. I would curl up into a lonely ball and fucking die.

I took a breath. My hand had a death grip on his now, so I loosened it.

“I want you,” I said, half growl, half plea.

“Me, too.” Caleb raked his fingernails over my palm. “Badly.”

Even that smallest of touches had me throbbing, my heart racing. I quickly kissed the back of his hand in answer.

“But before we go inside, I should say…you asked about Dan before. He and my mom got along well. Dan was easygoing and a good father, a good husband.” My teeth sank into my lower lip. “I do have some pictures of him around.”

“That makes sense.” Caleb stared at the ground.

“Are you okay with it? We could stay out in the living room or something?”

He pursed his lips and looked up at me with a hard stare. “No, I want to be with you in your bed. Or is it a problem ’cause it’s Dan’s bed?—”

“No, I got a new one last year. He liked it soft. I always wanted a harder platform bed and—fuck. Am I ruining this?” I rubbed the back of my neck. “How about a drink before we go in? I have wine?”

Caleb gave a tentative smile. “Yeah, I like wine.”

We turned around and padded into the kitchen, and I took out a chilled Chardonnay. After pouring two glasses, I handed Caleb one of them.

“To a successful containment of the wildfire.”

“And a good road trip,” Caleb added.

We clinked glasses, and I sipped the crisp flavor of the wine. We drank in silence.

“I’m ready to complete the house tour.” Caleb’s chin went up. “Take me to the bedroom.”

I drained my glass, took his, and put them near my sink. “Same.”

This time, I didn’t hesitate at the bedroom door. I led Caleb inside. I had replaced the bed and added a small desk area, where I paid my bills. Dan hadn’t liked the idea of combining rest with chores, but I found it easier. But the closets still held a few of his clothes. And on our bedroom walls was a row of pictures, mostly with Erin, a few shots of us alone.

Caleb let out an audible breath. “Okay.” He put his hands on his hips and nodded at the pictures.

“Okay?”

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