Page 25 of Just Add Friendship

Kissing Steph as an adult was different, and much better. It was slow, deep, and drowned out all the questions buzzing through his head. Because there was no room for thought or analysis. There was just her … Her clean shampoo scent, her taste, her warmth, the smoothness of her skin. How the pulse of her neck fluttered when he pressed his mouth there. The way she gasped when he nipped her ear. How she pressed against him, closing any space between their bodies. How her mouth claimed his, over and over, as if she, too, hadn’t ever stopped thinking of him.

STEPH KNEW SHE SHOULD RELEASE Cal and slow things down. She hadn’t kissed Nate like this, or anyone else for that matter. But she couldn’t seem to get enough of Cal’s mouth exploring hers. Everywhere his fingers touched, every place his lips traveled, had become like flames licking her skin.

“Cal,” she whispered as his mouth made its way along her jaw and his hands threaded through her hair. “You upped your skills.”

He smiled against her neck. “So did you.”

She laughed. “I guess some things get better with age?”

“Mmm.” His mouth found hers again, and she felt like she’d truly melted. She had no idea where his body ended and hers began.

She moved her hands along his shoulders, anchoring herself, enjoying the sensations that had invaded. She wasn’t sure who kissed who first, but if there was to be a debate, it was probably her. She hadn’t meant to kiss him and probably shouldn’t have. He’d told her some really vulnerable things, and she’d jumped in with both feet—taking things to the next level.

A car’s headlights flashed onto the street, and the sound of its engine drawing closer brought Steph back to earth. She drew away from Cal’s tempting kissing.

By the time the car neared, he had completely released her. Although he grasped her hand, which sent another wave of warmth through her. Maybe she hadn’t been too impulsive. Maybe Cal wouldn’t disappear for another ten years.

“I should get Pops to bed,” she said in a fog-thick voice, “and you have a long drive ahead of you.”

“Right,” he rasped.

They started walking toward her house. Silence pulsed between them, and it would have been awkward if he hadn’t kept her hand in his. “What are your plans next weekend?” he asked.

He couldn’t have surprised her more. She looked up to find his gaze on hers. His expression might be shadowed by the trees that were currently blocking the moonlight, but his smile was warm.

“You’re planning another trip to Everly Falls?” she asked, hope filtering through her.

“I don’t know yet.” Cal rubbed his thumb over her fingers, sending goose bumps skittering across her skin. “But I figure if you’re going to kiss me like that, then you wouldn’t be opposed to hanging out again.”

Steph’s heart skipped. “I wasn’t planning to be so forward.”

“Oh, I didn’t mind.”

His words buzzed through her, and she found herself grinning. Embarrassed and exhilarated all at once. “Maybe I will be free next weekend, then. What are you thinking?”

“I’ll surprise you, how about that?”

“I like it,” she said, wondering if she was jumping too fast into all of this. Her phone rang, and she pulled it out of her pocket, wondering if it was Pops.

Brandy’s number flashed across the screen. She glanced at Cal, then answered. “Hey, how did it go with your mom?”

“Not well,” Brandy said in a rush. “Can I possibly get Cal Conner’s phone number? I’m wondering if he’ll talk to my mom—she thinks we’re ambushing her.”

“Hang on a second,” she said, then muted the call.

“I’ll talk to her, no problem,” Cal said. Clearly he’d heard Brandy’s panicked voice.

Steph unmuted the call. “Hey, Brandy, he’s right here. I’ll hand him the phone.” She gave it to Cal.

Brandy’s tinny voice came through the phone, explaining to her mom that Cal was on the line.

Once they reached her front yard, she headed inside to check on her grandpa.

Pops turned to look at her when she entered. The baseball game was over, and some news program played. “Where’s your boyfriend?”

She didn’t even bother to correct him. “Cal’s on the phone, but he’ll be leaving soon. Let’s turn off the TV and start shutting things down for the night.”

“I’m not five years old,” Pops grumbled. “I want to say goodbye to Cal. Wish him a safe drive home.”

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