It feels a little complicated when I have one Davidson twin sitting next to me with his arm around me, and the other sitting across from me with a heated stare that could puddle me if I held his gaze for too long.
Patsy jumps to her feet. “Maybe we should start clearing the table. It’s getting dark, and I don’t want you guys driving back to Telluride too late.”
On her lead, everyone stands and begins gathering dishes, taking them into the kitchen. I drop off my first round to the sink and return for more. As I pass through the dining room walkway, I almost run into Caleb.
“Sorry.” I glance up, expecting to see the usual whoopsy face that two people give each other when they almost crash, but Caleb’s smile holds more than that.
He bends down, putting his lips near the side of my face. “I can’t believe you haven’t looked me up yet. This feels personal now.”
I eye him. How can a man wearing his dad’s flannel pajamas look so good? “I’m starting to think you’re obsessed with your online profile.”
“Aren’t you just the least bit curious?” His mouth teeters into a crooked smile.
I am.
After today, I really am.
“Nah.” I shake my head.
“And why didn’t you tell Justin that you hate your job and hope you’re not working there in a few years?”
“It’s hard to say.”
Excelling at my job is one of the things Justin loves about me. I’m not about to tell him I hate it and wish I could quit.
“It didn’t seem hard to say when you told me.”
“That’s because you’re you.”
“I’m taking that as a compliment.” There’s that same heated stare like Caleb’s pupils have been switched out for flames. Every second I stare into his eyes, my heart gets softer and softer. Mushier and mushier.
“Oh.” Patsy comes behind us, trying to get through.
I do this whole jump-scare thing, moving as far away from Caleb as possible.
“Traffic jam,” I say, trying to act like the conversation between me and Caleb is just normal traffic-pattern problems, but I don’t think Patsy Davidson is buying it.
CALEB
* * *
“Thanks for dinner.”Summer hugs my mom in the entryway.
“It was no problem at all. Just glad to see you guys.” My mom pulls back with a sincere smile that reaches every corner of her eyes.
“I’ll wash your sweat outfit and bring it back next time we come over.”
“Oh, I don’t care about that.”
“Alright, let’s go.” Justin tugs on Summer’s arm, pulling her to the door. “I want to do a little work tonight now that I’m feeling a little better.”
Summer’s eyes find me. I’m leaning against the back of the couch with my arms and legs crossed. I’ve been waiting—hoping—for her to look my way. “Thanks for teaching me how to ice climb.”
“Yeah, no problem. You’re a pro.” She smiles like she understands my reference. “And sorry for getting your clothes stolen. My bet’s on the security guard.”
She laughs. “Yeah, me too.”
“Summer?” Justin says impatiently.
