Page 12 of The Calling of Caellaias
When I met this woman, there was an immediate connection. I wouldn't have gone into her home if I hadn't felt comfortable. There's something about her I can't explain.
Again, I love you, and I'll let you know when I get home.
With a heavy sigh, I shoved my phone into my pocket and finished my remaining breakfast. Eiri wasn't wrong, but she wasn't there when everything happened; I knew deep down I could trust Maeyve. Even thinking about the gorgeous woman, butterflies were erupting in the pit of my stomach.
After breakfast, I had about ten minutes until I was supposed to meet Maeyve at her cabin. Being late was one of my biggest pet peeves, and it made me anxious. I rushed to put my boots on and find my jacket, keys, and backpack.
As I wrapped up, I burst through the door, rushing to my SUV. Pressing the button to unlock the vehicle, I reached for the handle when I realized I had forgotten to lock the front door. Frustrated with myself, I stomped back up the steps. I didn't need to worry about it being this far away from town, but it made me feel more comfortable. When I was absolutely sure I had locked the door, I returned to my SUV and hurried off.
Turning onto her driveway, I glanced at the clock again. 8 a.m. on the dot! After I parked, I grabbed my backpack and approached the front door. As I raised my hand to knock, the door swung open, revealing a smiling Maeyve dressed in all black. Her clothes were tight,accentuating her pear-shaped physique, making it hard for me not to stare at her again.
Straightening myself out, I greeted her with a cheery smile, “Good morning!”
She smiled brightly. “Good morning. Please come in while I finish packing my bag.”
I sat on the couch, waiting patiently. When she was done rounding her things up, she dropped her backpack by the front door and grabbed her boots to sit next to me so she could lace them up.
As she finished, she grinned at me. “Are you ready?”
When I nodded, she smiled and grasped my hand. As soon as our hands connected, that same tingling sensation surged through my body again. If she felt it, she didn't react. She pulled me off the couch toward the front door, grabbing her backpack so we could head out.
Maeyve locked up and then walked up beside me as I peered into the tree line. “What are you looking at? Or are you looking for something?” she asked, studying the tree line alongside me.
“I was just waiting for you.” Turning to her, I asked, “Did I tell you I saw a fox the other day? It was black with some orange and a tail that was tipped white. I've never seen one like it before.” She met my gaze, concerned etched in her features.Why would she be worried about that?
The look was gone as soon as it had come. “That's interesting. I've seen foxes in the area, but never one like you described. Anyway, there's a lot of stuff I want to show you, and we don't want to be stuck in the woods with only moonlight leading the way. Are you ready?”
“Absolutely!”
“Perfect! Well, let's introduce you to my neck of the woods!” Grasping my hand again, she dragged me out to the tree line.
The first place we stopped was an aquamarine-colored, milky lake near her cabin. Creatures beneath the surface were causing bubbles to break the surface tension, and a large fish jumped, creating ripples across the water.
A little further along, we came across a large meadow filled with flowers just beginning to bloom. It was my favorite spot throughout the whole adventure, and it smelled amazing.
We found a spot in the meadow, clear of flowers, so we could eat lunch and relax for a while. I was pleasantly surprised when Maeyve pulled a blanket out of her pack for us to sit on—the ground was still damp from the rain the night before. Thankfully, the sun was high in the sky, and there wasn't any sign of clouds that would threaten our time together.
When we finished up our lunches, we continued our expedition. True to what she'd told me, we saw rabbits, birds, squirrels, deer, and foxes.
As the day wound down, we headed back to Maeyve's. The sun had just disappeared behind the trees when we reached her cabin. I stood there awkwardly, watching the colors of the sky change. I knew I should get going home.
“I should –” I began to say.
“Would you –” she said at the same time.
“Oops. Go ahead,” I said, looking back at her and encouraging her to go first with a smile.
She let out a nervous laugh. “I was going to ask if you'd like to keep me company for a little longer. I was thinking about making some beef stroganoff if you're interested?” When she was done speaking, she bit her lip and had a hopeful look in her eyes.
My eyes grew wide, and I swore my heart stopped. “I, uh, feel like I've already taken up so much of your time today. I should –”
“Nonsense! I've enjoyed spending time with you. Seriously. Please?” she asked, holding her hand out to me with big puppy dog eyes and a pouty lip.
I grabbed her hand with a smile. “I'd love to.”
She led me into the house, and I settled onto the couch while she got to work. I hadn't noticed the day prior, but there was a half-wall that allowed you to look directly into the kitchen so I could talk to her from where I was.
When the scents of the food hit me, I let out a low groan. “That smells delicious.”
