Chapter Four
Brodie
I stretched my arms over my head as I woke up from the best sleep of my life.
This mattress was nothing like the lumpy one with exposed springs at my father's house; this one cradled my body in pillowy softness.
All through my nap, I had sweet dreams of Callum hugging me, and kissing my forehead like he did earlier.
Just the thought of that beautiful man made me warm inside.
It also raised so many questions. For one; how long could I stay here?
Callum invited me into his home out of the goodness of his heart, but I didn't want to take advantage of his kindness; especially when he said he didn't want my help around the house.
I had no money and honestly, no skills to get a job, and didn't know how I was going to repay him.
I didn't think we were just housemates, though; Callum introduced me to Lachlan as his friend. I tossed away any hope that Callum could want me as anything more. Who would want a man who was too weak to farm and too stupid to do anything else? I was no good for anyone.
He did touch me, but it was only to check my injuries.
I was lucky he wasn't disgusted when I couldn't hold back my reaction.
He held my hand and kissed my head, but was that just something friends did?
I knew very little of the world and even less about relationships.
I groaned out my frustrations and buried my face into my pillow.
I flinched when a gentle knock sounded on my door, and Callum's voice asked, "May I come in?"
I sat upright and tucked the blankets tightly around my hips and legs; the sleep shorts Callum loaned me were too large and kept slipping off of me, so I was wearing only his t-shirt with nothing on bottom.
I was positive he didn't want to walk in on that, so I made sure everything was hidden before answering, "Sure. "
He stepped inside the room and gave me a smile that made my heart flip.
He was even more handsome than I remembered; his scruffy jaws were trimmed to perfect stubble, his icy blue eyes sparkled, and his dark blond hair laid in perfect waves over his shoulders.
He'd also changed clothes and was dressed in a gray sweater, black kilt and boots.
I barely managed to whisper, "Wow," before having to swallow, worried I'd drool down my chin.
Callum's grin spread and my cheeks reddened as I realized he heard my remark.
"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have said that. It's just…
you're very handsome." My cheeks heated even more when he chuckled and took a seat on the edge of the bed.
"You never have to apologize for that," he insisted, and I sighed with relief. "And I hope you don't mind me saying that you're very handsome as well."
I blinked in surprise and looked down at my torso which was covered in his loose plain white t-shirt. I certainly wasn't as dressed up as he was.
Callum put his fingers beneath my chin and raised my head gently until my eyes met his. "I wasn't talking about your clothes. You're the most gorgeous person I've ever seen." He slid his hand onto my cheek and I thought my heart would beat out of my chest.
"Me?" I was the only other person in the room, but I still had to make sure.
"Yes, Brodie." He caressed my cheek and I had to swallow again. "You're beautiful on the inside and out, and I'm afraid I wasn't clear about my intentions."
"Intentions?" I sounded like a total walloper, mumbling a word at a time, but it was all I could manage.
"There's no pressure here, Brodie, but I'd very much like a romantic relationship with you.
" Well, that answers my questions. I didn't question him because my breaths were too shallow and quick to make room for words.
"I'd like to take you on the tour I promised, along with dinner as a date. Will you go on a date with me?"
Oh god, he's serious. This strong, sexy man wants me !
Wait, why does he want me? Stop overthinking and just say yes!
I tried, but all that came out was a high pitched whine, so I nodded my head.
Callum looked so happy at my answer. God, I hope I don't disappoint him .
That sobering thought was enough to make my mouth work again.
"I don't think I'll be very good at it, though. I've never been on a date. I just don't want you to be disappointed." I had to warn him; it wouldn't be fair otherwise.
"Oh, my sweet Brodie," Callum said as his smile died away. "You could never disappoint me, and I don't want you to worry about a thing. We'll have a wonderful night together." As he spoke, a feeling of peace consumed me. It was a feeling I got often around him, and one I couldn't get enough of.
"I'd like that."
He finally smiled again, and then leaned in to give me another kiss to the head. "So, did you rest well?" he asked when he pulled away, like he didn't just rock my world.
"Oh yeah. I've never slept so good. And the shower was awesome too; I haven't showered in…
" I cut off my sentence and ducked my head as my cheeks burned.
I was too embarrassed to tell him that at my father's house, I was only allowed a quick wash once a week, and that was only so that he and my brothers didn't have to smell me if I got ripe.
That peaceful feeling covered me again when Callum said simply, "I'm glad you enjoyed it." Whether he didn't understand what I meant or just didn't mention it, I was grateful. "Did you see the clothes Kade delivered?" he asked, rotating to grab the two shopping bags at the end of the mattress.
"I saw the bags but wasn't sure if they were for me. I didn't want to snoop."
"They're all yours." He plopped the bags onto my thighs and my jaw dropped when I looked inside them and saw a stack of fabric in each.
"All of them? There's so many!" It was more clothing than I'd had in my lifetime combined. "Thank you, Callum."
"You're so welcome, m'anam."
I tipped my head to the side. "You called me that before - at the bakery."
Callum swallowed hard and asked, "Does it bother you?"
"No, no," I replied quickly; I didn't want him to think he upset me. Though it was a little embarrassing, I told him the truth that, "I'm just not sure what it means."
"It's Gaelic-"
"You speak Gaelic?" I interrupted. It was a dying language, and it was exciting to meet someone who could use it; especially someone so young.
"Tha mi," he said with a nod before translating, "I do." He caressed my cheek again and explained, "And m'anam means my soul. "
My heart went into overdrive again. It was surely just a common nickname, but the thought of being loved so much by someone that they considered you to be their soul was breathtaking.
"That's so beautiful," I whispered. Callum gazed into my eyes with such intensity it made my stomach warm. He slowly inched towards me, but stopped suddenly.
“May I kiss you, Brodie?”
It was sweet that he asked permission, but I thought it was obvious that I liked his kisses. To be clear, I leaned my forehead closer to him, but Callum smiled and slid his thumb onto my bottom lip. “May I kiss you here?”
Ohhh god. Breathe, Brodie. I had no idea what I was doing when it came to this stuff; all I knew was that I wanted his kiss more than I ever wanted anything, and prayed I did it right. I nodded my head since words escaped me yet again, and puckered my lips in preparation.
Callum smiled wider before falling totally serious.
He inched closer to me, never taking his gaze off of mine.
My heart slammed into my ribs and my breathing stopped altogether.
My mouth watered and my fingers tingled in anticipation.
Goosebumps popped up over my arms when his breath caressed my skin.
And then our lips touched. My breath came back in a rush, and I couldn’t stop the quiet moan that left me.
My eyes fluttered closed, but colorful lights still burst in my vision.
Callum’s lips were so soft against mine, and his beard tickled my cheeks.
It was the single greatest moment in my life, and I would have gladly kissed him forever.
Unfortunately, it couldn’t be, and Callum slowly pulled away. When I was finally able to peel my eyes open, he was staring back at me with an expression I’d never seen before and couldn’t quite read; his jaw was tight and his eyes were dark and intense.
“Was-” I paused to clear the hoarseness from my voice. “Was that okay?”
Callum rested his forehead on mine and gave the faintest smile before whispering, “It was perfect.”
We sat together in silence, gazing at one another.
I slowly picked up my hand and placed it to Callum’s cheek; it wasn’t prickly like I imagined, but soft when I rubbed across his beard.
I smiled when he turned his head to kiss my palm, and then I sank my hand into his long hair.
His locks were silky smooth, slipping through my fingers effortlessly.
Neither of us said a word, but somehow it was the best conversation I’d ever had; because I could feel his happiness as if he were speaking directly to my soul.
I was happy too. I had no fear when it came to Callum; even if he hadn’t told me, I’d know in my heart that he’d never hurt me, and would keep me safe.
I was so lucky that I found him; or, rather, that he found me.
He believed me without question when I told him about my life and that I never meant to hurt Sam.
When I thought about the other man, sadness and guilt crept up inside me again.
Even though I knew Sam was healed and okay, I wished I could tell him how sorry I was.
“Before we leave for our date, there’s someone I’d like you to meet,” Callum said, interrupting my wandering thoughts.
“Of course.” It meant a lot to me that Callum wanted me to meet his friends. I liked meeting Lachlan earlier; he was kind, as I suspected all of Callum’s friends would be.