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"Why?" She pressed.
"That I'm not going to answer. Suffice it to say, we had a discussion and then she left."
Cinnamon's gaze roamed over his face, causing the heat to increase in his neck. "I'm finding it difficult believing you’d read a book like that."
"It's true. I've never lied to you before." Kaleb realized his hand still covered hers. "Why would I start now?"
"That's true." Cinnamon nibbled her lower lip, drawing Kaleb's attention to her mouth.
Pulling his gaze away, he blew out a breath. "Why would it matter if I was out on a date?"
"It doesn't. I was only asking because you asked how mine went. I thought if you told me about yours, I could tell you about mine." Cinnamon shifted in her seat.
Disappointment wove its way through Kaleb. "Fair enough." He started the engine and pulled away from the lake. "So, how was it?"
"Fine. We have another one set for Sunday night."
"Good." Guilt pierced him. Minutes after saying he’d never lied to Cinnamon, he just did. "Well, not good, I guess, but if he makes you happy, then good."
"What do you mean?"
Kaleb shook his head. "Nothing. Sorry. I'm all over the place today." He stopped the truck in front of the grocery store. "Here's my card again. Yours should be arriving by the end of the week. I'm going over to the home goods store. I'll meet you back here."
Confusion filled Cinnamon's eyes before she schooled her expression. He wished she wouldn't have. He wanted to know what she was thinking. Instead, she hopped out of the truck without a backwards glance.
Kaleb dropped his head onto the steering wheel and groaned. He made a mess out of everything. He wanted to be honest and tell her that his feelings for her never changed. But it wasn't fair to her or Mayson since they were dating. And he wouldn't do that to his friend.
Chapter Ten
He wasn't on a date.
The phrase kept running around Cinnamon's mind like someone accomplishing a marathon. Over and over, the words permeated every thought. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop dwelling on Kaleb.
Even on her second date with Mayson, she was distracted. It was a good thing they sat in a dark movie theater most of the date as opposed to doing something where she'd have to focus on him.
Cinnamon stole a sideways glance at the kind man beside her. His arm draped over the back of the chair. Every so often, he'd make little circles on her shoulder. The tip of his finger made contact with her bare skin. Shivers traveled up and down her arm. Whether it was due to attraction or the fact that someone was lightly touching her arm, she didn't know.
The movie dragged on. Cinnamon made sure to laugh when those in the theater did so, but her heart wasn't in it. Despite the film being highly recommended by her friends, it didn't capture her attention like her conversation with Kaleb.
Not only was she replaying his words, but her own feelings, as well. Jealousy definitely sparked its ugly head at the thought of him out with someone else. And it bothered her to no end.
Kaleb deserved happiness. She desired him to be happy. Was it so wrong if she wanted to be the one to make him smile, to carry his burdens, and to lift his spirits when he felt down?
Yes, when she sat next to a man who might want something more from their relationship, her mind was still on Kaleb. Truthfully, Mayson got the short end of the stick. She ought to be showering him with attention, hoping his leg would brush against hers in the darkened room, and melt at his welcoming smile when she approached him.
Mayson deserved to be flattered, cared for, and cherished. Cinnamon didn't have it in her. She was at a loss as to how to make feelings appear for Mayson when they were obviously about another man.
A man who may not want anything to do with her. Not to mention, she really didn't know if she wanted to pursue a relationship with Kaleb. What if he hadn't truly changed and needed to control situations and others as much as he once did?
Cinnamon couldn't deal with that. She didn't want to go back into the past and recreate their relationship. That ended, and probably for good reason, even if she didn't see it at the time. Maybe she needed to grow up to understand the real definition of love.
Sadie, the owner of Kris Kringle Inn, used to tell Cinnamon she needed to become what she hoped her future spouse would be. If she wanted someone devoted to the Lord, she needed to be devoted. The same went for being patient, kind, loving, funny.
Even if she did have those qualities, there were some she didn't want in a spouse. Which seemed to be her biggest obstacle with Kaleb.
The lights flicked on in the movie theater. Mayson stood and stretched then offered his hand. She accepted it and grabbed her trash with her free one. They followed the small crowd of people into the hallway and, finally, outside.
"That was a decent movie." Mayson wove them around a couple loitering on the sidewalk. "Did you like it?"
