Page 71 of Hit the Ground
Thelastweekcrawledand flew at the same time. I marked time by my interactions with Caleb. Our near-nightly calls where we talked and read together for hours. Him lingering at my desk when he picked up Jesse from the library, giving me little presents that did nothing to help me straighten my head.
He’d given me a book on gardening in Wyoming. A pair of floral gardening gloves. And I couldn’t fail to mention the pressed-flower journal and packet of wildflower seeds for my yard. I was honestly impressed at how many ways he’d found to give me flowers that didn’t include a bouquet.
And I was terribly, irrevocably smitten with Caleb Kelly, just like always. Only now, I was beginning to believe he returned my feelings.
I glanced at the clock and groaned. I was running late, and it was entirely my fault. I’d gotten caught up in a book and lost track of time. And Ineededas much of it as I could get.
Tonight was important. Monumental.Our official first date. Caleb was on his way to pick me up, and I wasn’t ready.
Mentally, I was—beyond ready. But my hair was only half curled, and he’d be here any minute.
When my hair was finished, I swapped the curling iron for my lipstick and smoothed my dress over my hips. My pulse raced in anticipation, every beat whispering,He’s coming. He’s coming.
My doorbell rang, followed by a firm knock. I froze, suddenly more nervous than I had been all day.
He knocked again, and I forced my feet to carry me to the front door. One more breath, then I swung it open.
Caleb filled the frame, broad and towering. So solid, he blocked out the street behind him. Dark jeans and a pale-blue button-down stretched across his chest and shoulders, the fabric pulling a little where it met the convex curve of his stomach. His hair brushed his collar, and his neatly trimmed beard revealed the crooked curve of his pink lips. But what nearly undid me was the way his chocolate eyes swept over me, slow and intentional, lingering like he wanted to memorize every detail.
“Hey, Allie,” he crooned.
“Hello, Cay,” I whispered back.
In his hands was a bundle of wildflowers wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine.
“Oh.” My throat tightened, and I had to blink fast against the heat stinging my eyes. “They’re beautiful.”
His mouth canted, a little sheepish but full of pride. “These are an I’m-so-damn-excited-to-have-you-on-my-arm bouquet.”
I touched my fingertips to my burning cheeks. “How did you know? That’s my favorite kind.”
He stepped forward, one foot into my house, slipped his arm around my waist, and dipped his head. I stopped breathing as his face came closer to mine.
“It’s not traditional, but I’m hoping we can start this date with a kiss,” he murmured to my lips.
I nodded. “I’d like that very much. As long as we end it with one too.”
His lips grazed mine. “There might be some in the middle too.”
Our smiles touched. “I’ve always thought it was a waste to only kiss goodbye.”
“Agreed.” He kissed me so softly, it was barely there. “What do you think about inviting me inside for a minute?”
I brought my hand up to his chest, gripped his shirt in my fist, and pulled him the rest of the way in. He kicked the door shut behind him, placed the flowers on my entry table, and took me into his arms.
I tipped my head back, he tilted his forward, and still, we were too far apart. Carefully, gently, Caleb lifted me, pressing me against my door. By instinct, my legs circled his hips, and my arms laced behind his neck.
“That’s better.” He ran his nose along mine. “I’ve been thinking about how tonight would go all week.”
“You have?” Heat bloomed in my belly. “Did you think it would start this way?”
He smiled as he pressed a light kiss to my jaw. “Can’t say I did, but I’m not the least bit upset about it.”
“Neither am I.” I touched his cheek, turning his mouth back to mine. Then I kissed him, our lips slotting perfectly together.
His mouth was certain on mine, a slow press that deepened when I parted for him. The scrape of his beard brushed my skin, sending sparks racing across my nerves. He tasted like mint and something distinctly him, and the low sound he made in his chest when I tugged him closer went straight to my core.
I kissed him harder, greedy for more. Just when I thought I might dissolve completely into him, Caleb groaned and pulled back. His forehead rested against mine, his breath coming rough and uneven.
