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“I’d love to, but it’s been a long day, and I really need to get going. I promised my boys I’d kiss them good night once I got home,” she said, glancing at her watch. “It’s already—”
“I understand.” Caleb climbed out of his car, trying like hell to hide his crushing disappointment. He came around to her side to stand in front of her, hands in his pockets to keep from reaching for her. “Drive carefully, Theresa.”
“I will,” she said. “What time do you want me here Monday morning?”
“Nine? Will that work for you?” The air between them crackled with pent-up feelings and words needing to be said.
“Yes.” She swallowed. “Caleb, I—”
“It’s okay, Theresa.” Unable to resist, he placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you on Monday.”
Theresa wrapped her arms around his waist, went up on her toes and kissed him. Without a second’s thought, Caleb drew her closer and deepened the kiss. Amazing how fast his blood heated when Theresa was in his arms. They were standing in the middle of his driveway, Theresa pressed up against him and his tongue in her mouth.
Neighbors.
He groaned and ended the kiss. “You have no idea.…” He tried to bring his heart rate back to normal. “You’re driving me crazy. Do you know that?” he rasped out. He gazed into her eyes and ran his fingers through her silken hair.
“You aren’t alone, Caleb. If I didn’t need to get home, I’d stay for a while, but it’s getting late,” she whispered. “We’ll talk on Monday.”
He sucked in a much-needed breath. “Until Monday,” he said, stepping back.
Caleb stood in his driveway as she settled herself behind the wheel of her SUV. He remained standing in that spot as the woman he loved left for home. Exhilaration pulsed through his veins with each beat of his heart, and he felt as if he could win a marathon in record-breaking time.
You aren’t alone, Caleb. Those words echoing through his mind were an admission. She had feelings for him, and the future took on a whole new and dazzling cast. If he had his way, they’d do more than talk on Monday. They’d cement this thing between them once and for all.
“Caleb,” Dottie called from her doorway. “How do long do you plan to stand in the middle of your driveway looking as if you have no idea where you are or how you got there?”
He laughed and waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “I’m going in.” Grinning, he turned toward his front door.
“By the way, thanks for the show you and Theresa put on a few minutes ago. Really made my day. I’m glad to see you two are working things out.”
“So, now you’re the nosy neighbor who watches me from her living room window?” he teased and bowed theatrically. “You’re welcome.”
“I’ve always been your nosy neighbor. Coffee and cinnamon rolls on my back deck tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Don’t be late.”
“I’ll be there,” he called back. Dottie disappeared into her house, and Caleb entered his. Would he be able to sleep tonight? Not bloody likely. Did it matter? Nope, or at least not much. Tomorrow was Saturday, and he could sleep in. For now, he’d pour himself a glass of wine and sit outside to think about what had just happened and what might develop in the near future.
Chapter Nineteen
How on earth could she and Caleb record a song this morning when her nerves were completely haywire at the thought of being alone with him?
After hurrying her kids though breakfast and seeing them off to school—Mondays always proved challenging with her boys—Theresa showered, dressed and took extra care with her makeup. Her insides were a tumble of anxious anticipation, and it was a wonder she managed to brush on a bit of mascara without making a mess.
“Be good, Sully,” she said as she headed for her SUV. “John and Elli will be back in a few minutes.” Theresa slid behind the wheel of her car and set out for Caleb’s house. How should she tell him she wanted more than friendship with him? Thinking about it only made her more nervous, so she turned on some tunes instead and sang along.
Belting out whatever lyrics she knew must’ve helped because the drive went by in a blur, and here she was, turning onto Caleb’s residential street. You can do this. Theresa pulled into his driveway and parked. Gathering her courage and her tote bag, she strode to his front door.
Caleb opened it before she could touch the doorbell, and just the sight of him sent her pulse racing. Her breath caught in her throat. “Good morning.”
“It is now.” He grinned as he held the door open for her. “Mmm. You smell good, Theresa.”
“Thanks.” She’d dabbed her favorite scent in all the right places before leaving her
house … in case things went the way she hoped they’d go.
“Coffee?” he asked.
Already wound up enough, adding caffeine to the equation was not a good idea. “Uhm … no, but I’d love some water.” Theresa followed Caleb to his kitchen and set her bag on the counter.
