Page 63 of Just Breathe

“Are you jealous, Jane?” His voice got deep as he got close to me.

His voice gave me goosebumps. “I just hate when women are flirty when there’s a possibility you could have been with me.” I leaned up against the wall of the elevator, trying to control my breathing and put some space between us. Women would constantly flirt with Henry when I was with him, and it seemed like I’d never gotten over it.

“So am I taken?” We were facing each other with less than a foot between us. He was so tall I had to look up slightly at him.

“I don’t know, are you?” I knew I was deflecting, but being this close to Callum was making me feel things in my nether regions that I absolutely wanted to explore.

The elevator dinged, making us step apart. Callum stared at me for a moment before we each picked up some luggage and made our way out. I looked for our suite number and opened our door, feeling Callum’s intense stare behind me. I splurged on our hotel because I thought, why not? I also have the pleasure of knowing the owner’s daughter and Serena gave me a great deal.

“Damn Jane, this is nice.” Callum walked into the suite behind me. We walked into a living room with enormous floor to ceiling windows. Grey couches surrounded a big screen TV with a small kitchen to the left and a door to the room to the right. I left my luggage by the door and made my way to the windows to over look Dallas.

“It’s a beautiful view.” Callum walked up beside me and looked at the skyline.

“I never asked you if this was your first time in Dallas?” I looked over at him.

“I’ve been here once. My sister moved out here, and I had to come pick her up after a crazy boyfriend and help her move away,” he said with a hint of anger in his voice.

“That awful. I hope everything was ok after she left.” I looked at him, noticing his jaw clenched.

“Kelsey just doesn’t have the best track record with guys, and I know she leans on me too much, thinking I can get her out of any situation.” He walked away from the window walking towards the bedroom.

I followed him, not continuing the conversation because it didn’t sound like it was a topic he was fond of. He opened the door to the bedroom, and it was the most beautiful bedroom I’ve seen. It also had floor to ceiling windows, an enormous bed in the middle with lamps and nightstands on either side. I took a left walking into the restroom, and it was absolutely gorgeous. It had a stand-up shower with a giant tub in the middle of the room and two vanities opposite of the stand up shower. It was gorgeous and I couldn’t wait till I could take a bath and just relax.

“This is a really nice bathroom,” Callum said, making me jump a little. “Was this only going to be for you when you came into town?”

“Yup, I was going to have this whole place to myself because I figured I deserved it. Now thinking about it, I think it would have been extremely lonely. Maybe even a little pathetic.” I walked towards the tub, admiring how beautiful it was, and noticed a basket full of products.

“I don’t think it’s pathetic. Sometimes being alone in our thoughts is healthy and needed.” Callum walked up to me doing something I didn’t expect. He hugged me from behind and I tensed up, but then I leaned into it, laying my head against his shoulder. I had forgotten what it feels like to be held like this. I missed feeling safe like this.

A knock screwed our moment, and we both sighed. I left the comfort of his embrace and went to the door. The tailor had come by for the fitting and I left Callum to it, while I unpacked a few things and collected my thoughts. I needed to stop by my condo, but for the first time in a long time, I didn’t want to go home.

I felt like I made all this progress and going back was going to make me regress or worse, go down another spiral. I didn’t want to ruin my weekend, so maybe I shouldn’t go. What if I feel guilty? Fuck, being alone with my thoughts is awful. Am I going to be second guessing everything from now on? I laid out a few clothes I might use for the weekend and I knew I was going to have to go back to my apartment to get some more clothes and also shoes for my outfits I was going to be picking up.

Laying down on the bed, I stared at the ceiling, wondering if I could send someone to the apartment. Then I felt like an idiot because I can’t be afraid to go home. I threw my arm over my eyes, wishing I couldn’t stop all these feelings.

“Penny for your thoughts.” Callum startled me as I leaned up and saw him leaning on the door frame.

“I think you might go broke.” I laid back down. He walked over to the bed and laid down next to me.

“I’ll give you five dollars because that’s all I can afford.” I heard the mirth in his voice.

“That’s only the tip of the iceberg,” I joked.

“I think no matter if I have enough money or not, I’ll always be wanting for more.” Callum’s voice got slightly husky, and I knew he was talking about more than just my thoughts. “I think we should just order room service and stay in tonight. Maybe see if we can get some massages?”

Callum changed the subject before I could respond to his earlier comment. “That sounds great, but where are we going to get someone to come into the room for massages?” I asked, confused.

“I asked the tailor, and they said they have massage therapists on call.” He got up and leaned on his arm, looking at me. “They also have some who does body scrubs, body masks, manicures and pedicures.”

“Wow, Callum, are you wanting a spa treatment?” I asked, teasing him, admiring how handsome this man was and how different he seemed since I first met him.

“I used to get massages on the regular but the woman who used to do house calls moved away and I just hate coming to a place. It’s always nice because I can always take a nap after a massage and it’s the best nap in the world.” He looked at me like it was common sense. “I’m gonna go call and see if they have people available. I think it will be better if we both relax before what I’m sure is going to be a chaotic weekend.”

He kissed me on the cheek and left to order some massages. I think it was a perfect way to start this weekend of chaos. We just might need another one after it’s all said and done. It was also very thoughtful of Callum. He surprised me with this softer side of him and I have to say I really liked it. That tough guy exterior was melting away the more we got to know each other, and it was exciting.

———

I woke up the following day feeling refreshed and in the arms of Callum. He had an arm wrapped around my waist and every part of his body flushed against my back. I felt his morning wood, making me blush like a schoolgirl, but curious what sex would be like with him. He gave off dominant vibes, pushing my boundaries and talking dirty. I wanted to squirm with the intense picture of him and I having sex.

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