Page 45 of The Love Dose
“After Mom died, Dad moved in with my sister in Burlington. At least Aunt Pearl is still here in Sugarbush Falls.”
“You’re lucky to have her,” I say, selecting another record, then carefully setting the needle in the groove. I recognize the song and begin to hum the notes toUnforgettable. I always loved Nat King Cole's soulful voice.
I sit back down next to Calvin. He scoots a bit closer, placing the throw over my left shoulder. Rezy doesn’t stir.
I can tell Calvin is in a talking mood and I won’t interrupt him with my singing.
“My family tried to lure me back to Vermont from the day I moved away,” Calvin says. Mom always said I’m her small-town boy.” His expression turns somber and I take his hand in mine, careful not to disturb the snoring pup.
“With my insane schedule, the last time I was back home was for a long weekend two summers ago.”
I wonder if he feels guilty for leaving his parents behind but choose not to ask him. I listen.
“I miss being on skis, riding my snowmobile, the town’s camaraderie, even if it does border on nosiness.”
“Then why did you leave? Was it the excitement of the big city that drew you there?”
He looks off as if remembering. “I had a girlfriend.”
My ears perk up and for whatever reason, my hackles rise as well. Something akin to jealousy hits me. It’s absurd. This girlfriend had to be in his life decades ago. “The woman in the photo?”
He nods. “Jenny. When things ended, all I wanted was to get as far from Sugarbush Falls as possible.”
I'll bet my inheritance that their musical duo ended along with the relationship.
“And now?”
He pours himself another shot. In all the time I’ve known Calvin, I’ve never seen him down more than one or two drinks. I’m losing count tonight.
“Now, I’m getting old,” he says, draining the beverage, his words slurring. “Even if I’m gonna be a dad.”
He leans his head back against the seat of the sofa. He’s tipsy, maybe more than tipsy. His mind is cloudy. Or I misheard him.
Rezy opens an eye and Calvin laughs, the kind of oversaturated laugh that comes with several shots of Kentucky’s finest bourbon. He strokes Rezy and the pup falls back to sleep.
“For a second there I thought you said you’re going to be a dad.”
Calvin shifts his weight and is now facing me, the laughter fading. He glides the back of his fingers along my cheek and I’mcertain I’ll melt from the tenderness of the gesture. I look up into his whiskey-filled eyes.
“Caroline.”
My name on his lips sounds like a song. His breath smells sweet. It’s intoxicatingly sexy. “Say it again.”
I’m staring at his lips like they are the perfect instrument.
“Caroline.” His voice is buttery, his eyes at half-mast.
I shift my body closer. And brush my bottom lip against his.
Like a dam bursting open, Calvin’s mouth is on mine, his passion matching my own. A passion that’s been growing in me since I saw him in my lobby, wearing a necklace made of teeth.
I give myself over with a fire I haven’t felt since my youth.
His kisses turn slow, methodical and I seriously can’t get enough. I want to stay in this cocoon for an eternity.
When we break apart, I lean my head on his shoulder.
“I swore I wouldn’t do that again,” Calvin mumbles.
