Chapter 13 Callie
Callie
By the time I finally make it to the bakery the next morning, I’m running on caffeine and nerves.
Nora woke up with a low-grade fever. Even though it wasn’t anything serious, I couldn’t shake the anxiety that clawed at my insides.
She seemed fine by the time I dropped her at my parents’ house, but I’m still bracing for a phone call.
So when I walk in and see a glittery purple banner that reads Congratulations, I stop short. There’s a cake on the counter with bright pink frosting. Before I can jumpstart my brain, I’m swallowed up in a group hug.
Rina squeezes me hard enough to crack a rib. “We’re so proud of you!”
Sloane grins. “I knew you had him in the palm of your hand. By this time next year, you’ll be opening a second location in the suburbs.”
Lilah offers me a mug of my favorite mint tea. “You’ve earned this, Cal.”
It’s almost a shock when tears fill my eyes and a lump rises in my throat. All I can do is press a hand to my chest and try to contain all the emotion attempting to break loose.
“Thank you. Seriously. I really appreciate this.”
The four of us squeeze into the back table by the window and dig into the cake while Rina waggles her brows.
“So… Beau. Talk about one hot man.”
“He’s definitely handsome,” I agree.
Sloane leans forward. “Tell us everything. Was this a business dinner…” She waggles her brows. “Or a business dinner?”
I laugh. “It was just a business dinner. Although, the restaurant felt more romantic than I expected, and he ordered wine. Then, at the end… it kind of seemed like he might try to kiss me.”
“And?” Rina demands, sitting up straighter. “And then what happened?”
It’s almost embarrassing to admit the truth. “I might have told him that I didn’t think it was a good idea to mix business with anything personal before fumbling with the door handle and launching myself out of the car.”
Lilah giggles. “Oh no.”
Rina throws her hands in the air. “Girl. I would’ve been all over that man like glaze on a donut.”
“Yeah, well…” I shrug. “It didn’t feel right. Not that he did anything wrong. I just wasn’t feeling it.”
Sloane tilts her head. “Hmmm… Is that because you were too busy thinking about a certain blond hockey player with muscles for miles?”
I roll my eyes. “Of course not. He watched Nora for me and nothing more.”
“That was so sweet of him,” Lilah says.
It was.
It’s impossible to fight the smile that lifts my lips.
“Okay, I’ll admit it. He was really great with her.
I thought she’d be upset when I left, but she barely noticed I was gone.
They colored, played with toys, and watched a show.
When I came home, I found Nora passed out on him.
” A beat of silence follows that admission.
“Seeing how good he was, how kind and patient he was with her, meant more than I expected.”
Sloane arches a brow. “Go on. I’m totally loving this.”
Rina smirks. “You mean it melted your icy, independent heart just a little?”
Before I can respond, the door chimes behind me, and just like that, he’s standing in the entrance, as if I conjured him straight out of my thoughts.
He’s tall, golden, and infuriatingly hot in a worn hoodie and pair of jeans. His gaze settles on me, as if I’m all he sees. I feel the spark of electricity we always seem to generate down to my toes.
Rina mutters, “Speak of the devil.”
Sloane grins. “Just like clockwork.”
River heads straight toward us, giving the other women quick glances of acknowledgement.
“Heard you babysat last night,” Rina calls out. “Giving up hockey for a nanny position?”
He doesn’t even blink as his attention stays locked on me. “Depends on who I get to watch.”
That comment has warmth creeping up my neck.
Unsure how to respond, I rise to my feet. “I’ll grab your usual.”
It would be hard not to feel his masculine presence as he follows me to the counter.
My mind blanks as sweat springs to my palms. It’s the most ridiculous thing ever. I rack my brain for something to say before blurting, “Thanks again for watching Nora last night.”
“It was my pleasure.”
Shivers erupt across my flesh.
“Are we still on for Sunday afternoon?”
If I were smart, I’d back out of this shopping excursion ASAP. He’s giving me the perfect opportunity. I just need to take it.
Instead, I nod. “Yes.”
I bag the bagel and pour a cup of coffee before handing it over to him. He swipes his credit card before glancing back at the girls and nodding a quick goodbye. The second the glass door shuts behind him, the bakery explodes in a barrage of rapid-fire comments.
“Oh. My. God,” Rina says. “My panties almost self-combusted. Can’t say any of my Tinder matches have had that much chemistry lately. Or maybe ever.”
“Talk about the difference twenty-four short hours makes,” Sloane adds with a shake of her head.
Lilah gives me a wistful smile. “I’m on the verge of swooning. Honestly, if you don’t kiss him soon, I might.”
“Pretty sure Steele would have something to say about that,” Rina says with a snort.
I sink back into my seat with a belly full of butterflies. “No, it’s not like—”
“Don’t even say it,” Sloane cuts in.
With my palms pressed to the table, I will myself to cool down as the truth sinks in with a crushing weight.
I’m no longer sure if I want River to stop pushing his way into my life. But I’m scared to death of what will happen if he actually succeeds in doing it.