Chapter 16
Gabrielle
Icarried a mug of herbal tea to bed, the scent of chamomile and orange blossom rising with the steam in delicate curls. The tea was flavored, yes, but brewed with care—the way Cal had taught me. I smiled, remembering his meticulous instructions. He’d be proud.
The cup warmed my fingers as I curled up beneath my purple duvet.
I nestled into the pillows, their downy softness pure indulgence.
A novel lay open face down on the nightstand.
I picked it up and tried to lose myself in the story, but it couldn’t hold my attention.
The words felt flat and uninspired next to the real fairy tale I was living.
My thoughts drifted back to the museum. The precision of Cal’s touch, the electricity in his voice as he turned science into seduction—everything replayed in vivid detail behind my closed eyes.
My pulse quickened at the memory of our daring retreat behind the flight suit exhibit, lost in our secret universe of kinetic energy and charged kisses.
I reached for my phone, half expecting a message from Cal. Nothing. I set it aside, only to pick it up moments later. Impatient with myself, I sent one instead.
I had fun today. The museum was amazing.
I hit send before I could second-guess myself and hugged the phone close, listening for a reply. My apartment was silent except for the hum of the refrigerator and the soft whir of the heater. It felt like eons before the phone vibrated, the screen lighting up with Cal’s response.
Not nearly as amazing as you.
I laughed softly, feeling giddy and unguarded. Like a teenager with her first crush—only more reckless and more real. I typed back quickly.
Flattery will get you everywhere.
His reply came almost instantly.
Is that so? I hope you mean it…
A beat later, another message popped up.
What are you doing this evening?
I’m in bed, attempting to read a book (but failing), and drinking a cup of herbal tea I made. I used the kettle! See, I can learn!
I could picture him—brows raised, eyes full of mischief—even before he replied.
It’s still potpourri in a cup, but you are indeed learning if I’ve got you to use a kettle.
My turn to hesitate.
See you tomorrow?
My heart stuttered as I waited.
Of course, unless you’re planning to cut my class.
I grinned at his predictability.
I wouldn’t dream of it.
Dream of me instead?
The words left me breathless. I could almost hear the low, coaxing note in his voice. My fingers hovered over the screen before I sent my final reply.
Good night. And yes…see you tomorrow.
Good night, Gabrielle.
The silence that followed was different this time—buzzing with satisfaction and possibility, anticipation like a live wire beneath my skin. I set the phone down and sank into my cocoon of warmth and softness.
I picked up my novel again, determined to make a dent in its pages before sleep claimed me. Still, the words danced before my eyes. I reread them several times, but it was no use. My mind kept drifting to Cal—to his voice, his touch. And to Friday, a lifetime away.