AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t know. Stainless steel. Maybe a padlock shape or something?”
He laughed at that, so I pointed at him. “Do you know how many times you’ve laughed today?”
“I didn’t keep track.” He still wore a half-grin.
“Six. I counted six.”
“You’re as bad as Jessie and Mom.”
“They just want you to be happier. People who smile and laugh more are usually the happier sort.” I turned to face him more in the booth. “And when you laugh... you know what you said about me earlier, before we left for the date? Stunning? That’s you.”
He blinked at me a few times like he couldn’t believe what I’d just said. Then his hand cupped my cheek, and he pulled me into a slow, deep kiss.
I wondered if anyone had ever said something like that to him before. And I thought if not, it was a damn shame, because Blake was an absolutely stunning man, even when he wasn’t laughing.
When the kiss ended, his arm went around me again and the server came to see if we wanted dessert. I didn’t think anything could beat the chocolate truffle pie we’d had at Lisa’s bakery that afternoon, so I deferred.
Blake didn’t want any dessert either. I was glad. My body was freshly revved up after that kiss. I wanted to go back to his house and crawl into his bed again. I wanted to use my body to show him just how stunning I thought he was.
Your life isn’t here, Callie.
That ugly voice kept reminding me that when this was over, I was going back to Austin.I was going to earn my way back into a troupe and tour the country, or maybe the world, if I got really lucky. I didn’t want to give Blake up, but what kind of a relationship would it be with him in Elm Grove and me in Austin, gone most of the time on tour.
My heart, and my body, wanted Blake. Wanted to make something permanent of it. But was I willing to give up my dreams to make that happen?
His hand rested on my thigh, and my focus went from my dreams to the feelings stirring in my body at that moment.
“Sure you don’t want anything else?” he asked.
“Nothing that’s on the menu,” I said, raising my eyebrows.
“I like the way you think.” He kissed me, then he leaned back. “I know I’ve said it already but thank you again for everything you did for Elsie.”
“I’m telling you, she’s really good. I gave her a boost, sure, but she could have also nailed it on her own.”
“Maybe. But having you on her side really made her feel special.” Blake brushed my hair back from my face. “You have that effect on people, though, don’t you? Making everyone feel special.”
I understood the kind of compliment he was giving me, but I couldn’t help but try to wave it off a little. “Do I? Probably not if you talk to my exes.”
“I met one of them. The way he looked at you, I’d say my theory still holds.” He slid his hand down my arm to take my hand. “You make me feel special too. You make me feel a lot of things, Callie.”
I sensed what was coming, and I could hardly believe it. I wanted it. I was afraid of it. But I wanted it more, even though I wasn’t sure I could say it back.
Then Blake squeezed my hand. “I know our lives are different. I know you’re here to be protected. But it’s only fair of me to tell you, I’ve fallen in love with you, Callie.”
Hearing it was as terrifying and wonderful as I’d expected.
30
BLAKE
Callie's eyes were wide,surprised, and so incredibly blue. The phrase 'deer caught in headlights' came to my mind.
"I'm sorry," I said quickly, waving my hand. "I–"
"Don't apologize," she said, looking less stunned.
"I argued with myself about whether I should say something or not."
