Page 129 of Neap & Spring

Then Roman’s voice cuts through the parking lot. “I can still see you both from the window! Just so you know!”

Callum drops his forehead to my shoulder with a groan, his whole body sagging against mine in defeat. “I’m going to kill him.”

I laugh, my hands still fisted in his shirt. “You need him for tomorrow.”

“Then I’ll kill him on Sunday.” He doesn’t lift his head. He just stays there, breathing against my neck.

Finally, he pulls back reluctantly, his hands sliding from spine down to my waist then down my forearms, fingers trailing along my wrists before catching my hands. He holds them between us, his thumbs brushing across my knuckles. “Drive safe.”

“I will.” I squeeze his hands, then start to pull away, but he doesn’t let go yet.

He takes a half-step back, but our fingers are still linked, arms stretched between us.

“I’m staying five minutes away.” I’m smiling even as I say it.

“Text me when you make it anyway.” He finally releases one hand, but keeps hold of the other, following me as I move toward my car door like he’s physically incapable of letting go all at once.

The warmth in my chest spreads, filling every lonely corner. “Okay. I will.”

He steps back fully then, our fingers sliding apart, and I immediately want to grab his hand back and drag him into the car with me. I open my door, the hinges creaking slightly, and slide into the driver’s seat before I talk myself into staying.

Through the windshield, I can see him standing there in the parking lot, hands sliding into his pockets now like he needs something to do with them.

I start the engine, and the headlights cut through the darkness, illuminating him in their glow. He raises one hand in a small wave, a slight smile on his face.

I wave back, then put the car in reverse, forcing myself to actually leave even though every part of me is screaming to stay and drag that man upstairs and show him exactly how much he means to me. But instead, I watch him get smaller in my rearview mirror as I pull away, still standing there in the same spot, until he disappears entirely into the darkness.

My phone buzzes before I’m even out of the parking lot. Callum’s name fills my screen.

Thank you again. For everything. See you tomorrow.

I pull over for just a second to type back.

See you tomorrow, Chef.

The three dots appear immediately, then disappear. Then appear again. I can picture him typing, deleting, typing again, trying to find the right words.

I really like it when you call me that.

My face flushes hot, heat spreading down my neck. I stare at the message for a long moment, then type again.

I know you do.

The three dots appear almost instantly.

You’re going to be the death of me.

A laugh bubbles out of me, breathless and pleased. I bite my lip, considering my next move.

I hope you have excellent health insurance then.

Vivienne.

Just my name, but I can hear exactly how he’d say it, half warning, half plea with a rough edge in his voice that means I’m getting to him.

Yes, Chef?

The three dots appear and disappear three times. I’m grinning at my phone like an idiot, waiting.