Page 21 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

Feeling happy, I lifted her hand and kissed it. “Will you come home now, Red?”

She bit her lip, looking like she wanted to cry again. “I thought you’d never call me that again.”

“You will always be Red to me.”

She squeezed my hand. “I went to your apartment yesterday.”

Something inside me warmed. “You did?”

She nodded. “I saw your mom.”

My heart flipped.

“I was hanging around in the hallway, waiting for you. In front of your door—”

“Like a stalker.” I pulled her close and nuzzled her neck. “My stalker.”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” she said, laughing. “She doesn’t know who I am, obviously. But I don’t think it’s a good idea to go back to your place. I don’t think she’d be too happy to learn we’re living together.”

She had a point. I knew my mom would love Red. Who wouldn’t? But if my mom discovered Red and I were living together before they’d even been introduced, she would feel hurt. They were the two most important women in my life, and I wanted them to be friends. I had to do this right. I would rectify the situation as soon as possible. And then Red could come back to living with me.

Officially as my girlfriend.

I had more plans, but I didn’t think she was ready yet.

“So have dinner with me and my mom,” I offered.

Her eyes widened. “I…”

“I’ll give her a call and set it up for this weekend, if you’re available. Come on, Red. Do it for me. Please?” I smiled, flashing my dimples shamelessly. She had a weakness for my dimples.

“Okay.”

I knew it. The dimples always worked.

“I phoned my mom when I was at the cabin. I told her about you, about us. Not everything, but enough to give her an idea.”

Red squeezed my hand, looked up at me with worry in her eyes.

“I told her you’re obsessed with me and that—”

“Caleb!”

“Kidding.” When she slapped my arm again, I laughed. “I told her I’d found my girl, and she said she’s looking forward to meeting you.”

She rested her head on my shoulder.

“I love you,” I whispered.

I saw her eyes darken, felt her body stiffen for a moment before she relaxed and leaned close to me. She laid her cheek against my chest, listening to my heartbeat as her arms wrapped around me. Actions speak louder than words, I realized with a smile.

And that, I thought happily as I closed my eyes and rested my chin on top of her head, was her answer. She had done this before—rested her cheek against my chest—but I hadn’t recognized it for what it was.

I knew what it meant now.

Chapter Eight

Caleb

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