Page 146 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

Her arms wrapped around me, holding me tight. When I brushed her right arm, she winced. “You’re shot!” I exclaimed.

“No. I’m…fine. Just nicked me in the arm.”

When her legs gave out, I scooped her up. She rested her head on my shoulder as we heard the sound of sirens.

“You kicked her ass, Red.”

“Damn right I did.”

I held her tightly. “You scared the hell out of me. I thought…” My throat closed. When I felt her lips on my neck, I buried my face in her hair. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, Caleb. I want to go home. Let’s go home.”

I pressed my forehead against hers and kissed her. “Always.”

Chapter Thirty-six

Veronica

It had been two weeks since the incident with Beatrice-Rose, and almost every day after that, I woke up to the feel of Caleb’s fingertips gently caressing my cheek.

“Hi, Red,” he said softly. “Good morning.”

He was sitting on the edge of the bed, and when he leaned closer, hovering over me, a lock of his hair fell over his eyes. “Dreaming of me?”

He propped his hands on the bed, caging my body, and I could feel the heat radiating from his skin. Green eyes peeked at me from between the strands of his bronze hair.

I covered my mouth with my uninjured hand, smiling up at him.

He sat back, his lips stretching into an amused smile as he absently brushed my hair from my eyes.

“I’ve kissed you so many times in the morning. I already know what your morning breath smells like.”

I groaned, turning my face away from him as he tried to pry my hand from my mouth.

“Caleb!” His name came out unintelligible.

“What was that?” he teased, then let out a deep laugh.

If there was ever a morning person, it was Caleb.

“You have to speak clearly so I can hear you,” he added.

Playful Caleb was irresistible. His hands moved to my waist to tickle me, but not before he accidentally brushed my arm. I winced.

He pulled away quickly, his eyes widening in concern. “I’m sorry, Red. Did I hurt you?”

I shook my head, reaching for his hand to pull him back to me.

Caleb had been more attentive than usual after the incident. He kissed my hair, his lips skimming ever so gently down my arm where the bullet had grazed it. Instead of sitting beside me on the bed, he moved to the floor, looking at me with worry.

“I’m just going to sit over here so I don’t hurt you again,” he said apologetically.

“I’m fine, Caleb. Really.”

My sleep-addled mind cleared, and I realized where we were as I took in the unfamiliar room.

He leaned against the dresser behind him, bending his leg and resting his arm on his knee. His green eyes continued to study me. As usual, he had picked up on the change in my mood.

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