I stood up from the chair, feeling kind of woozy now that I had been sitting for a bit and ate actual food.Gosh, I can’t believe how tired I am.“Are you sure? I can pass you stuff when you need it.” I stifled a yawn and rolled my eyes because it was like my own body betrayed me.
“Did you go back to sleep after I left?” he asked as he reached out to gently touch my arm, the same comforting way he had this morning. I flinched slightly, but only a tiny bit before I forced myself to relax some.This is Caleb. He wouldn’t hurt me. Right? No, he never would.
I fully relaxed and realized his hand was still on my arm. Gentle.
Caleb pulled me into a hug. Again, I froze but forced myself to calm down. Caleb was a friend, a great one, and he would not hurt me.
“Rae, how much sleep did you get?” he whispered into my hair. His entire body was so warm, and it made me feel like I was melting some.
“I went to bed late since I was reading. I couldn’t sleep at first, so maybe four hours? I had planned on sleeping in a bit.” I was still pressed against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.Am I too tired to worry, or do I actually feel safe with him?
He pulled back only enough to look me in the eyes, his arms still around me, “Rae...Sunshine. Why don't you go sleep while I'm out there? I won't let anything happen to you.” His voice was gentle and protective. He leaned in again and brushed a gentle kiss on my head. My body betrayed me again and I stiffened and had to force myself to calm down. Dang, this was aggravating.
Once I calmed down, though, I realized how warm I felt. I was fully wrapped in his arms again and I hadn’t noticed or flinched. He kissed me. It was my head, but still, what did that mean?
I leaned back to look at him and studied his face for a moment. I knew my face had to be extremely red, but I didn’t care. Gosh, he was so handsome, somehow more attractive than when we were in high school, if that is even possible. His blue eyes watched me as I looked at him. They were the kindest eyes I had ever seen. Suddenly, I realized he was talking to me. Had he asked me a question? Oh gosh, did I ever answer his last question?
I stared at him blankly and felt my face turn a deeper shade of red. “I’m so sorry, I must have zoned out.” My brain told me to prepare for anger and a fight, but I was only met with a smile.
He reached up and gently pushed a hair out of my face. “I suggested you sleep while I am installing the cameras. I will make sure you’re safe.”
I nodded and gave him a small smile. Satisfied with that answer, he pulled back from the hug. I immediately missed him, his warmth.
As Caleb grabbed the things he needed, I found a blanket and curled up on the couch to try and rest. “Hey, Ranger?” I already sounded sleepy.
“Yeah, Sunshine?” I saw a small smile on his face before my eyes started to close.
“Thank you.” Before he could even answer, I dozed off.
Chapter 11
Caleb
Ihad already finishedinstalling the cameras on the back and sides of the house. I hoped that the sound of the drill wasn't keeping Rae up as I moved to the front where I’d left her sleeping on the couch. She looked so tired, but I needed to get this done if she was not willing to stay at my place just yet. These cameras would have to do for now.
I climbed the ladder and made marks where I wanted the camera to be when I heard a sound behind me and looked down. A delivery driver stood near the bottom of the ladder.
