Chapter 14
Rae
Ihad a basket loopedaround my arm and was fitting each item into the basket like it was a piece to a puzzle. The last time I was here, I felt so exposed and like a spotlight had been focused right on me. I kept looking around as people came close, checking to make sure none of them got too close or that they weren’t Ethan.
I was looking at the frozen French fry bags when I remembered I needed onion for another recipe. Selecting a bag of fries, I placed it in my basket and went back to the produce section.
As I was looking for the perfect onion, I heard a familiar and happy voice from the other side of the produce table, “Okay, we have got to stop meeting here and just decide to go to dinner or something.”
I didn't even have to look up to know that was Caleb's voice, but when I did, I couldn’t help but smile. I was very aware that my face was quite red but didn’t bother to hide it this time. I let out a little laugh and rounded the table to join him on the other side.
“Caleb Walker, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you're stalking me, especially since you can see when I leave now.”
Caleb's laugh was warm, and it caused me to blush again, “Oh gosh, I promise I was already on my way here when I got the notification that you were leaving your house. Plus, I didn't know you would behere. Promise.” He put his hand over his heart. “There's always a chance you could have had dinner plans with a friend—or maybe a date.” He flashed me a silly grin.
My face twisted a bit, but I couldn’t blame him for saying that since he didn’t know anything. I quickly smiled. “Nope. Just by myself!”
He gave me a knowing look. Who was I kidding? He was not only my best friend for years, but also now a cop. He was trained to spot lies.
Caleb opened his mouth, probably to apologize, but I started talking first. “So what are you up to tonight?”
“Well, I came to get treats for the horses, and I always feel guilty, so I typically get something for Duke, my dog, too.”
“Oh, fun! I was just trying to figure out what I wanted to eat this week.” I motioned towards my puzzle of a basket.
“Hey, what are you doing for dinner tonight?” Did he seem nervous? Was he about to ask me to go to dinner with him? I didn’t want to assume. “Oh, dang.” I tapped my palm to my forehead. “That's what I forgot. I was thinking of getting a frozen pizza. Ha! Super glamorous, right?”
Caleb smiled as I laughed. “Would you...umm... Would you want to come over for dinner? Your basket looks like it can't fit a frozen pizza. Plus, I was thinking of doing a campfire dinner like my family used to do. It would at least be a bit more ‘glamorous’ than a frozen pizza, if you wanted.”
“Oh umm—” I smiled, blushed again, and looked down at my basket.
“If you don't—”
“I'd love to, Ranger.” I flashed him the biggest smile. I knew I was being too obvious about how excited I was to spend time with him, but I didn’t care. I was nervous, but excited. I knew in my heart that Caleb was safe. I just had to keep reminding my brain of that.
“But can I make one request?”
“Anything.” He gave me a look and I could tell he was curious about what I would say.
I shot him a cheesy grin. “Can I bring the wine?”
