Page 44 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

I love you, Red.

Caleb’s voice drowned out my dad’s. I hugged my pillow tighter, wishing he were here. But even when he wasn’t, the thought of him made me smile. He was always taking care of me. But most of all, he loved me. I believed that now. No matter how many demons chased me in the dark, he was the light at the end of the tunnel.

I nearly jumped when I heard a noise near my window. I grabbed the copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone that was lying on my bedside table, intending to use it as a weapon if necessary. When I heard the noise again, I quietly tiptoed over to the window.

Rocks. Someone was throwing rocks at my bedroom window.

I opened the window and stared down, mouth slightly agape.

He was here.

“Caleb?”

“Hi, Red,” he whispered, a sheepish grin on his handsome face.

Butterflies exploded in my stomach.

He had changed his clothes and looked incredible in a simple, white V-neck T-shirt that showed off his arm muscles, ripped jeans, and Nikes. He wore a dark beanie that pushed his bronze hair back from his face.

He stood below my window, his feet planted apart, gazing up at me with one arm up as if he was about to throw another rock.

“What are you doing here?” I hissed, trying my best to stuff down the delight I was feeling.

“I miss you.”

I had to hold on to the wall to keep myself from jumping out the window into his arms. Yeah, a little overdramatic, but that was how he made me feel.

This was insane.

“What are you wearing?” he asked.

I choked on a laugh.

“Can I come in?”

“Were you throwing rocks at my window?”

He nodded, still grinning.

“Ever heard of calling on the phone?” I teased.

“Yeah, but I want to charm you,” he replied. “Isn’t it sweeter if I throw rocks at your bedroom window? Besides, you never answer my texts.”

“I…” I looked behind me to search for my phone. Where did I put it?

“Can I climb up to your bedroom window now?” There was a naughty gleam in his eyes.

“How about I let you in through the front door like a normal human being?”

He winked. “That works too, but how about you meet me in the backyard? I brought you something.”

I bit my lip to keep from giggling. This was ridiculous. “Okay.”

I looked down at my exposed legs, wondering if I should change. I wore a tank top and really, really tiny red shorts. Caleb would certainly love this outfit. Before I could stop myself, I rushed outside as quickly and quietly as I could.

When I opened the door, Caleb was standing in the yard. The soft light from the porch illuminated his frame. My breath caught as I spotted a huge bouquet of lavender lilacs in his hands that nearly hid his whole torso.

“These are for you, my Red.”

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