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Chapter 14
Aria
I’ve paced up and down the floor of my bedroom for the last hour. Caleb was a gentleman and gave me my own room in the cabin. The same room I always used to use when I was here as a kid, but I can’t settle. Back at the compound, I knew no one could get in, but here, I don’t feel as safe. The wind is picking up outside and any noise I hear is driving my thoughts wild. The shadows cast around my room from the blowing trees are making me a nervous wreck. I can see shapes that probably don’t exist, but I can’t help overreacting.
I open the door quietly and sneak down to the end of the hall where I know Caleb is. I don’t even knock on his door. I open it, rush into his room, close the door, and lean against it breathlessly.
“Aria.”
I take in a deep breath at the sound of Caleb’s voice. I feel my body relax from every terrible thought I’ve had tonight.
“Babe.” Caleb’s hands frame my face. I feel his body close to mine, and the smell of him calms me. “Are you okay?”
I shake my head. “I can’t sleep in that room, Caleb. I just can’t. It’s…”
“Ssh. We can change it. It’s okay.”
“No. I can’t sleep in any room without you. Every slight noise or movement is making me think crazy thoughts. I can’t settle. I’m going to end up driving myself insane.”
“Okay. You can sleep in here with me. It’s not like we haven’t shared a bed before.” He pulls me in to him.
I feel his chest against my cheek. I have no clothing to hold onto. I run my hands up his smooth, muscular back and take in a deep breath. I should be ashamed of myself for taking solace in this contact, but I relish the feel of Caleb’s skin against mine. It does something to warm and comfort me.
“Come on. Let’s get you into bed. I’ll just grab a t-shirt.”
“Don’t!” I shout a little too loudly, and I feel my cheeks flush. “Don’t put on a t-shirt.”
He frowns at me in confusion, but he shrugs his shoulders and places a soft kiss on my temple. The same soft kiss that I’m getting so used to.
“Okay.”
He takes my hand and leads me to his bed. We both get in and he holds his arm out for me to snuggle in beside him. I don’t have to think twice about it. I won’t settle anywhere other than in his arms.
He reaches over me and turns off the lamp. I close my eyes and try to forget about everything apart from lying here in Caleb’s arms, feeling the warmth from his chest. I’m a bit alarmed at how this feels so natural with Caleb, but I’m done analyzing our time together. It’s only stressing me out more. Right now, at this moment, I wish I could bottle up this contentment for future use.
***
I open my eyes facing the wall. I feel Caleb’s arm wrapped around my stomach, holding me close to him. He’s clearly still sound asleep because his breathing is deep, and he obviously doesn’t know the way he’s holding me.
It’s at that moment that I realize last night was the first night I’ve slept all the way through. The heat of Caleb’s chest lulled me into a deep sleep, and I don’t remember a thing until now.
“Morning, beautiful.” He rubs his hand over my stomach, and I place my hand over his because I don’t want him to pull away once he gets his bearings.
“Morning. Did you sleep okay?”
“I did. Best sleep I’ve had in a while. I think I can say the same for you, right?”
I nod. I feel a flutter in my stomach, and I move Caleb’s hand over. “Can you feel that?” I lay on my back slightly, still tilted to the side with Caleb’s body.
“Feel what? I can’t feel anything.”
“Sshh!” I hold my finger over my mouth like it’s going to help.
At that moment, I feel a stronger movement and Caleb leans on his elbow to look at me closely. “Is that the baby moving?”
I feel tears well in my eyes. It’s the first movement I’ve felt, and it’s the first happy moment that has washed over me because of the baby. My baby.
“I thought it would be too soon to feel anything,” Caleb concentrates on my tummy. It’s like he’s waiting to have a conversation with my child.
