That One Summer: A Collection of Steamy Contemporary Romance

Chapter 22

Aneka

Caleb and I settledin at his kitchen table, digging into our takeout. The savory aroma filled the room. After the rollercoaster day, a little comfort food overlooking the lake was exactly what I needed.

“You know,” Caleb said between bites, “watching you handle your business with Elijah was kind of hot. Will I get to see more of that up close as we work on development projects?”

His praise drew out my shy smile. “I’m sure you will, but I’ll try to keep it under control. I’m sorry for getting so upset the other night. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.”

He reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “You don’t have to apologize. I understand. You were in a difficult position, and I overstepped.”

His acknowledgement soothed the last of my worries. I felt stupid for not seeing through Elijah’s lies sooner, but I was also done feeling that way. Having faith in people and hoping for the best weren’t bad things. They were as much as part of me as calling bullshit when people tested me. I didn’t want to change either.

“One of the things I appreciate most about you,” I said, holding Caleb’s gaze, “is that you always tell me what you think, but you leave room for me to have my perspective. You have real confidence, and that’s hot.”

He brought my hand to his lips, kissing it softly. The warmth of his touch spread up my arm, making my heart race.

“I think we should pop open a bottle of champagne.” Caleb’s eyes sparkled. “I have the perfect bottle.”

He disappeared into the pantry. I stood up and walked over to him, curiosity piqued. I whistled at the elegant label on the vintage bottle.

“It’s a little much to go with diner takeout.”

“Unh-uh. This goes with anything that makes you happy,” he countered. “I bought a case when I moved back to Bliss. I opened a bottle when we finished the community center, and another on the first New Year’s Eve with my friends after they moved into their houses by the lake. I’m saving them for special milestones, and this feels like one.”

“My divorce?”

He locked his searching eyes on me.

“Yeah. It feels important. Like the start of something big.”

“It’s more than a start, I think. You and I are a good team.” I stepped closer, certain of my words and my feelings.

Caleb set the bottle on the counter and wrapped his arms around me. “Just good?”

I grinned. “A magnificent team. Built to last.”

“I’m glad you feel that way. I need to get my story straight before your dad comes back and asks about my intentions,” he said with a smirk.

“Ignore him. I’m the only person you need to explain your intentions to.” Dad would have to suck it up. Caleb wasn’t going anywhere.

“So if I said I thought it was a waste for you to rent an apartment, when you can move in here, that’s for your ears only?” he asked.

I paused, waiting for the fearful voice in my head to tell me it was a bad idea. But that voice was silent. Gone. I smiled, realizing how far I’d come.

“Yes. And yes, I’ll move in with you.”

His laughter filled the room. “That was much easier than I thought it would be.”

“This has moved really fast,” I admitted. “But I know what I want. I feel more at home with you than I’ve ever felt with anyone. I trust you. And I love you.”

He tightened his embrace. “I love you too. You don’t worry about how differently we see the world sometimes?”

Seeing the vulnerability in his eyes, I knew my answer. “I don’t expect you to have the same belief system. You’re honest and you’re committed to your community. Your faith in yourself inspires me.”

Caleb’s lips met mine in a tender kiss that quickly deepened, igniting a fire within me. I broke away, breathless and smiling.

“Put the champagne back in the fridge,” I said, grabbing his waistband. “I have other plans for tonight.”

I tugged him towards the stairs, ready to celebrate our future together.