“I’m Caleb, by the way.”
“Yes, I believe we’ve met.” When I was making out with his shoulder blade—an unfortunate turn of events.
“Yes, we have.” He shoots me a loaded smile that’s way too charming for somebody as sick as him.
“Stop that,” I snap.
“What?” He smiles wider, shrugging his massive shoulders.
“Stop smiling at me like you’re thinking about our kiss.”
There’s another lift of his shoulders. “What kiss? I don’t remember anything. I was delusional and hallucinating.”
“Yes!” I point at him. “Yes, you were.”
My comment makes him smile even more. What’s with all the handsome smiling? It’s messing with my head. I loop through all the things I know about Caleb Davidson—things Justin has told me.
He’s immature.
Shirks responsibility.
Doesn’t take relationships seriously.
Reckless.
Has never held down a real job.
Goes through women faster than deodorant.
So, while Caleb has super-enhanced looks, Justin is the steady one. And it’s not like Justin is ugly. Before this moment, I thought he was the most attractive man ever. Now I know he’s the most attractive manbesideshis brother. They’re identical twins, so dating Justin is like winning the consolation prize. But what am I even saying? Looks mean nothing. IloveJustin. I’m just all screwed up right now because of the kiss. This will pass, like the acute mountain sickness.
“I’m guessing Justin didn’t tell you I’d be here.”
“We haven’t talked in a few days.” At that piece of information, his brows lift, and I feel like I should explain. “I was doing family stuff all weekend, and he was working, so we didn’t connect.”
Connect?I make it sound like our relationship is dial-up internet.
His eyes scan me in a who’s-this-girl-dating-my-brother kind of way. I scratch my head under his scrutiny, hating that he knows me more intimately than any family member should. The slow spread of his smile as his stare finally returns to my face has me feeling fidgety, like maybe I need to adjust my bra strap so it fits perfectly over my shoulder or pull the hem of my shirt down even though it’s already down. I settle on glancing longingly at the front door.
“Does Justin always work this late?”
“Yes, but he should’ve been here by now.” I reach into my back pocket for my phone, checking to see if I somehow missed his call. There’s nothing. “I don’t know what’s keeping him. He hasn’t called.” I put my phone back in my pocket. “Do you mind if I wait here for him to get home? I brought him dinner.”
Caleb’s all laidback and relaxed, probably still feeling the effects of the higher elevation. “You don’t need my permission.”
“Yeah, no. Of course not.” I twist my fingers, hating the silence. “Sorry. If I’d known you were here, I would’ve brought you dinner too.”
“You don’t have to apologize.”
“I can get you some more water, or there’s even some mint hot chocolate in the cupboard. It’s the only flavor of cocoa I drink.”
“Are you always this nervous?” His brows drop in an amused way. Justin doesn’t have an expression like that. I kinda wish he did.
“I’m not nervous.” I tuck my hair behind my ear. “You’re just lethargic, so youthinkI’m nervous. I’m just bubbly.” I push a wide grin on my face. “I’m a really happy person by nature.”
“Good to know.”
Why is that good to know?
