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He's a gentleman. A gentleman I want to fuck.
As that realization comes over me, not that I haven't thought about Caleb at all since his first visit to this isolated cabin, I startle and pull back.
We stare at each other, eyes wide.
"I need to get back to the ran—to work," he says. His voice has a husky lilt to it that does nothing to help me settle my nerves. "Are you free to go on a picnic tomorrow? About noon?"
I swallow hard and try to get some moisture in my mouth, which now feels like sandpaper.
"Th-that sounds nice," I say.
"Good, it's a date." He leans in and kisses me again. Tips his hat and leaves.
I stand and stare after him.
Holy fuck.
* * *
CALEB
Damn it. I grind the gears again pulling out of Alex's driveway. Yeah, I'm a little distracted. I didn't mean to kiss her. At least not the first time.
I'd told myself I'd just deal with whatever the emergency was and leave, but then.
Oh lord.
It's not like I can't have feelings for her. And she does seem like she's interested in me.
She thinks you're poor. She offered you money.
I have to chuckle at that. But where did she get a huge wad of bills like that? Maybe writing pays better than I thought.
My phone rings and I see that it's Caleb Jenkins. I was hoping it was Alex, but she doesn't actually have my phone number. She thinks I'm Caleb Jenkins.
Crap. What will she say when she finds out?
I haven't actually lied to her. Right?
Instead of pondering that, I answer the phone. "Everything okay at the cabin?" he asks.
"Yeah, just a stray kitten. I got it handled. She was a bit spooked and then she tried to rescue it from under the porch."
"Oh good lord. City girls." He laughs. I do too.
"Yeah, but she's okay and so is the kitten. How did it go with the doctor? How's Trip?"
"Well, that's the other thing. He's got a kind of serious infection and the doctor at the hospital wants to keep him for tests. I'll be gone a few days. Do you think you could check on Alex again toward the end of the week? Should I just give her your phone number? I hate to ask but..." his voice trails off.
I think about my brother Deacon. He became a father rather unexpectedly and he's a completely different person. So focused on Willow, and James, too. Caleb has that same concern for little Trip. I get it.
"No, don't worry. I already told her I'd stop by tomorrow, so you don't have to worry about it."
"Wow, that's going above and beyond the call of duty. Did she hurt herself getting down under the porch? Sounds like she's pretty spry for an old gal."
I bark of laughter escapes from my mouth then I pretend I'm coughing in order to cover it up. I'd forgotten that Caleb thinks Alex is an AARP member. I should explain everything. Clear this all up.
"Sorry, Caleb. I've got to go. But thanks so much. You're the best and I owe you."
