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“Ah, well, that’s top secret,” he replied with a grin. “But I’ll let you in on it if you promise not to tell.”
“Deal,” I said, shaking his hand, our laughter mingling with the sounds of the bustling coffee shop.
Finally, as the day drew to a close and the last customer waved goodbye, I took a moment to reflect on the whirlwind of events that had transpired. With a sigh, I locked the door behind me and leaned against it, the memories of the day playing like a movie in my mind. Caleb had proven himself to be more than just the cold, calculating CEO I had initially perceived him to be. He had shown resourcefulness, kindness, and even a sense of humor. Maybe there was a lot more to him than met the eye.
Chapter 12
ThesightofCalebpacing back and forth across Pebble’s Brew’s worn hardwood floors made my stomach knot.
I approached him, tilting my head with concern. “Caleb? Is everything okay?”
He raked a hand through his dark hair. “I can’t find my watch. The one my great-grandfather gave me.”
His hand kept diving into his pocket, feeling for the antique watch that was always there but wasn’t now.
“Oh no. Here, let me help you look.”
We started searching methodically, moving tables and peeking under chair cushions. I checked the lost and found while Caleb rifled through the bookshelves near the cozy reading nook.
“Any luck?” I called over my shoulder.
“Not yet.” Caleb’s voice was tense.
I bit my lip, wishing I could ease the worry etched on his face. “We’ll find it,” I assured him.
We continued scouring every corner and crevice, the old floorboards creaking under our shoes. Finally, behind a leaning stack of vintage books, Caleb let out a relieved sigh.
“Got it.” He held up the watch, its silver surface glinting in the cozy light.
“Oh, thank goodness.”
Caleb clasped my hand briefly, his stormy eyes softening. “Thank you, Zoe. I don’t know what I would’ve done...”
His touch sent a spark through me. “Anytime. But you should really be more careful with it.” I gave him a playful nudge. “Can’t have you tearing my café apart looking for that old thing every day.”
The corners of Caleb’s mouth lifted. “I’ll do my best.”
Caleb turned the antique watch over in his hands, his thumb brushing over the engraved initials on the back.
“This was my great-grandfather’s,” he said quietly. “He built the family business from the ground up. Handed the company down to my grandfather, who passed it to my father.”
He glanced up, his stormy eyes clouded. “And now it’s my legacy to carry on.”
My heart ached for the burden I saw on his shoulders. This watch represented so much more than an heirloom to Caleb. It was a symbol of the weight of expectations placed on him.
“Hey,” I said gently. “No one’s forcing this on you. It’s your choice what you do with your future.”
Caleb sighed, leaning against the counter. “If only it were that simple.”
I wished I could take away the sadness in his voice. On impulse, I reached out and squeezed his arm.
“Nothing that matters is simple. But you don’t have to go through it alone.”
For a moment Caleb studied me, as if seeing me - really seeing me - for the first time.
Then, the somber mood lifted as I winked at him. “Besides, if you walk away, who knows where this poor watch will end up next? Stuck in my cappuccino machine, probably.”
Caleb laughed, the sound warming my heart. “Can’t have that, can we?” His smile was genuine now. “I promise I’ll take better care of it.
