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“Ay, text me when you're done,” he rattled off just before the line went quiet. He chuckled at his sister’s attitude then laughed harder at the fact that he was asking her to set up a surprise birthday in the first place. But this was Cali. Anything he could do to put a smile on that pretty face of hers was as good as done.
FOUR
Cali was at ease. It was the first time in a while that she felt like she could actually breathe without struggling . Even though she missed Merritt more than she could ever imagine, being around War somehow lessened the tightness in her chest and the heaviness of her thoughts.
He didn’t talk much but there was something about his presence that allowed Cali to feel at ease, safe, protected. It was like she could let her guard down and just be.
That also had guilt swirling in the pit of her stomach because she felt as if she was betraying the only man she ever really loved. Even if Merritt made her promise to live her life without him, it still felt wrong to smile, to be happy, to give in to attraction.
War was certainly attractive. She stole a quick glance at his profile, smiling at how awkward his long body looked sitting in the driver’s seat of her compact car. He offered to drive since their next location was a surprise he knew the directions to and she didn’t. When she should have been concerned about giving in so easily, heading to an unknown destination with a stranger, Cali wasn’t worried in the least. She didn’t know the man whose hands she’d placed her life in, but she trusted him.
She stole another glance, smiling at those long lashes that tented his eyes, his warm brown skin that housed clusters of freckles across his cheeks and nose. They were barely noticeable but the way the sunlight hit his face she could see them clear as day. They somehow softened his rugged look.
Her eyes traveled lower, examining the colorful art inked on his neck before she met his broad shoulders, corded arms, and solid chest. He had come out of his jacket for the drive which exposed a long sleeve tee he wore pushed up to his forearms.
This man is fine.
It wasn’t like Cali hadn’t experienced attractive men. She was a beautiful woman with a nice shape who was approached often. However, this was the first time in a while she found herself caring. Most men were more concerned with her looks, but with War, she felt it was deeper than appearance. He was clearly attracted. She could tell from the way he looked at her, but she could also feel him looking through her. It was intense, but she liked it.
“You’re staring.” War’s voice startled Cali, providing a jolt from the lustful thoughts she’d conjured up about him. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment from being caught in the act.
“Sorry. You have freckles.”
War’s eyes rolled over to the passenger seat before he focused on the road again. “And I hate them shits too. They caused a lot of muthafuckers to catch these hands when I was a kid.” He smirked at the memory but Cali frowned with her eyes heavy on him.
“How?”
“Kids used to pick on me because of them and I used to get in their asses. They talked shit about freckles being for girls which annoyed the shit outta me. When I got mad, I got physical.” He shrugged, cutting his eyes at Cali once more. She pulled her lip between her teeth, reaching across the seat, allowing a finger to graze his cheek. War froze, not expecting the connection but enjoying the feel of her soft finger on his skin a little more than he should have. His body reacted from something as simple as her touch on his cheek.
Cali had no idea just how dangerous that was. She was clueless to the fact that his dick swelled instantly and his stomach was tight from the urge to want to return the favor. Luckily self-control was something War never struggled with…
Until now.
“I like them. They’re cute and they make you seem more…” She paused, squinting while she rolled words around in her head before settling on, “…approachable.”
War chuckled before he stole a quick glance. “Approachable, what the fuck?”
She leaned back, settling into her seat again, offering a one shouldered shrug before her attention landed on the passenger window. “Approachable. You’re kinda mean looking. If I was in my right mind when we met I probably would have run from you.” She flashed him a soft smile, allowing amused eyes to land on War. “I probably should run now.”
“But you can’t. I’m driving your car and we’re on the highway.”
“Is that the only reason why?”
“Nah, just stating facts. The main reason why you shouldn’t or won’t run is because you trust me.” He winked at Cali and her cheeks warmed.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” Cali’s brow hiked while she stared at War’s profile. He kept his eyes on the road when he answered.
“I told you it’s a surprise and I also told you you’re safe with me. Stop overthinking.”
“I’m not,” she lied. No matter how at peace she felt, a small part of Cali was uneasy. Mostly because she was strangely attracted to him and didn’t know anything about the man other than his body was amazing, he was incredibly handsome, and his cologne made her want to experience what it would feel like to be wrapped in his arms during those late nights when she felt alone and in need of love.
“You are, but it’s cool. Just know I got you. Relax, we’re almost there.”
Thirty minutes later, Cali’s eyes traveled across the houses they passed. Each one was expensive and spaced at a good distance, allowing privacy. She frowned at the idea of going to someone’s home. It wasn’t exactly what she was expecting when he mentioned a surprise. When War eventually pulled into the driveway of one, approaching a massive wrought iron gate, she turned in her seat with tight eyes while he lowered the window to key in a code.
“Who lives here?”
“I do.”
