Page 98 of Breakaway Hearts

“Sorry, guys,” he says, “but it’s way past Jake’s bedtime. We’ve gotta get going.”

The rest of us stand up with him and head into the living room, and Jake gives Callie a hug and gives the rest of us a sleepy wave before his dad hefts him into his arms and carries him out the door.

“He’s such a sweet kid,” Margo says after Sawyer drives off. “I can’t quite imagine what it’ll be like to have one of my own, though.”

Noah hugs her from behind, pressing his lip against her temple. “I can help you with that,” he offers, a teasing note in his voice.

“I guess dating youislike having a kid,” Margo shoots back with no hesitation, and the rest of us chuckle.

“You guys are seriously gross.” Theo rolls his eyes, although there’s affection in his expression. “If I had known I was gonna be a seventh wheel tonight, I would’ve brought a date.”

“Oh, are you seeing someone?” Callie asks, her eyes lighting up.

“Nah.” He shakes his head, shrugging on his jacket. “I’m not really looking for a happily ever after. I’ll leave that to the rest of you.”

He jerks his head at us, encompassing both Noah and Margo and Callie and me.

“And on that note,” Noah says, wrapping a hand around Margo’s, “I think it’s time for us to head out too.”

Margo gives Callie a long hug goodbye, the two of them exchanging some sort of silent communication as they break apart. I have no idea what it might be about, but I’m happy to see how close they’ve gotten. I like Margo a lot, and I know Callie does too.

I hold the front door open for the three of them, and after a few more ‘goodbyes’ and ‘get home safes’, it’s finally just me and Callie.

The house doesn’t feel empty without the rest of them. On the contrary, I’ve never felt more comfortable in someone else’s company than I do right now.

I keep my hand intertwined with Callie’s, even as we walk out of the foyer and back into the living room.

“I should get to the rest of the dishes before it’s too late,” Callie says. She yawns, but it’s the kind of yawn where she tries to hold it in so I don’t notice. Her eyes water, and she presses her lips together even as her jaw opens.

“Nope. Not allowed.” I shake my head. “You surprised me with dinner, so cleanup is all on me.”

She chuckles. “If you insist.”

“I do.”

I keep a firm grip on her hand, and she looks up at me. She looks beautiful in the soft sweater dress that travels over her perfect curves. A light dusting of eye shadow paints her lids and shines in the soft lamplight in the living room.

“The Brussels sprouts were too salty, weren’t they?” she says with a wince. “I was really nervous, and I think I put too much soy sauce in the marinade.”

I laugh softly and wrap my hand against the back of her neck. I pull her close to me, inhaling the unique lemon and lavender scent that is Callie. She’s soft and warm, and her body melts against mine perfectly.

“Everything was amazing,” I murmur against her hair. “Thank you for tonight. Thank you for distracting me. I barely thought about being suspendedonceall evening, and I owe that to you.”

“I’m glad it worked.” She grins, a gleam of happiness and pride lighting up her green eyes. “And I’m glad I could distract you.”

I lean down and kiss the edge of her lips. Her breathing picks up as I move over to her ear, nipping her earlobe as my palms skate across her back.

“You can keep distracting me if you’d like,” I say.

Her body shivers against mine. “I could go for another lesson.”

She grips the hem of my shirt, and when I pull back, my mouth finds hers in a kiss that feels as natural as breathing. I part her lips with my tongue, and the moan that pours from them grips something inside me like a hook.

“That’s my girl,” I whisper.

Chapter34

Callie

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