Chapter Six #2
"Brodie, please look at me." I slowly raised my head until our eyes met.
Callum wore a sweet, understanding smile.
"I can't claim to be a saint, but I've never sought out a relationship, either.
I've been waiting my whole life for one very special person, and I found him in you.
You never have to worry about my past. As far as I'm concerned, my heart started beating the moment I met you. "
I didn't know how to respond. I was in awe of the beautiful way he spoke and of the way he felt about me.
His past didn't matter, but the fact that he waited for me was almost too wonderful to believe.
My heart was full and my mind was spinning too quickly to answer, so I reached my hand out across the table.
Callum took it in his and the sparkle in his eyes made me hope that he understood the words I couldn't find.
"You know," he said with a squeeze to my hand after a few moments of gazing at one another, "If it's something you're interested in, I'd be happy to teach you how to read."
"Really?"
"Only if it's what you want," he repeated, which I appreciated; he wasn't trying to change me, he just wanted to make me happy.
"It is!" I answered enthusiastically. "I'd love to be able to read books and maps and menus for myself. Oh, thank you, Callum!"
"It's my pleasure, m'anam." He kissed my knuckles and said, "I will help you with anything you wish."
I thought hard for a moment before asking, "Do you know how to play music?"
He answered with a tight smile. "I'm sorry, but I never learned how to play an instrument. I'm sure someone in the village could teach you, though; we have several talented musicians around here."
"I'd like that." I'd like it more if Callum could be my teacher, but I really wanted to learn.
"Then I'll make it happen," he promised, and I beamed from ear to ear. "And even though I don't know how to play, I do know how to dance."
"That sounds like so much fun!"
Callum tipped his head and listened to the music that was playing again over the speakers; now a slow, pretty tune. "I'm used to lively tunes and Ceilidh, but I think I can improvise." He stood up and offered me his hand. "Will you dance with me?"
I looked around at all of the other diners; talking, eating and laughing. I was sure this wasn't a usual place for dancing, but I was also positive that I didn't care. I wanted to dance with Callum more than anything, so I took his hand and stood up in front of him.
Callum lifted my left hand and settled it on his shoulder before wrapping his right arm around my waist. Then he linked the fingers of our free hands together as we swayed together to the slow beat of the song.
"This is nice," I whispered, though it was so much better than that; his muscles were firm under my touch, and his arm surrounded me in strength and comfort.
Heat radiated from his body, warming me to my core.
I rested my cheek on Callum's chest, and he pressed a kiss to the top of my head before pulling me even closer.
After we left Evan's shop earlier, I couldn't stop thinking about what Callum said about soulmates.
I'd never heard of such a thing, and it was hard to believe that I was destined to be with someone so perfect.
But being here in his arms, it was impossible to deny; I'd never felt safer, freer, or happier in my life.
I'd never been loved or in love, but it was hard to imagine something better than this.
I wasn't the smartest man, but I knew what I felt inside.
"You're a wonderful dancer, Brodie," Callum whispered into my curly hair. I was moving back and forth all of about fifteen centimeters, but I still greedily soaked up the compliment. Callum had a way of making me feel important even when I was doing something simple.
"So are you." I nuzzled my face against his chest and my eyes slid closed as I listened to the steady thump of his heart.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," sounded to my left. I peeled my heavy eyelids open to see Lewis standing next to us carrying two dishes.
"Thank you, Lewis." Callum regrettably let me loose as our waiter placed our dinner on the table. "And thank you for the dance." He kissed me softly before helping me into my seat again.
"I'll bring you another Irn-Bru," Lewis said, spotting my half-empty glass.
"I'll take one as well," Callum requested, and a few moments later, we both had a fresh cup of orange fizzy goodness.
"Tuck in," Callum encouraged. "You don't want it to get cold."
I lifted one of the fried fillets and took a big bite. The batter was crunchy and perfectly seasoned, and the fish was flaky. "Mm, this is better than I remember." My cheeks flushed when I realized I was speaking through a full mouth, but Callum just winked at me.
I ate every bite of my dinner, and then Callum treated me to caramel shortbread for dessert.
It was a mix of crumbly shortbread, soft caramel and crunchy chocolate and was one of the most delicious things I'd ever eaten.
I was tempted when he offered to get me a second piece, but my stomach felt as if it may explode if I didn't stop.
Callum paid for our meal and we bid goodbye to Lewis after I raved about the food and he promised to give my compliments to the chef.
The night sky was full of dazzling white stars that lit our walk home, but the air had grown quite chilly during our dinner, so Callum tucked the ends of my scarf into my sweater.
He kept me close to his side and under his arm to make sure I was warm enough, but it was his care that warmed me the most.
By the time we made it back to his house, any discomfort from my too-full stomach ebbed away, and coziness and sleepiness were all that remained. My mouth dropped into a wide yawn as Callum closed the door behind us and put our shopping bags on the floor.
"Sorry," I said as I rubbed my eyes. "I think the walk and big meal wore me out."
"Not a problem." He unwrapped my scarf from around my neck and hung it on a hook by the door. "Let's get you to bed."
Callum walked with me down the hall until we reached my bedroom. Though I was tired, I didn't want to tell him goodnight. He'd only be two doors down, but it felt like so far away.
"I had a wonderful time tonight," I told him, wanting to drag out our parting.
"So did I." He brushed a curl off of my forehead, sending a shiver down my spine at his touch.
"Thank you again for everything you bought for me."
"You're so welcome. Tomorrow we'll find a place for everything." I nodded and searched my brain for something more to say, but it was Callum who spoke. "May I kiss you goodnight?"
"Please." A kiss sounded better than any words I could find.
Callum cupped my cheeks in his large, warm hands and slowly lowered his face to mine. Our lips touched and I let out a happy sigh at the familiar bliss I couldn't get enough of. My eyes shut and I gave myself over to the warmth that spread throughout my body.
I jerked in surprise when something slick and warm touched the seam of my lips.
It only took a moment for me to realize that it was Callum's tongue.
My heart pounded as he traced it back and forth.
I opened my mouth slightly and he slid it between my lips.
When he licked against my own tongue, a breathy moan escaped me.
This was unlike any other kiss we'd shared; it was still sweet and felt amazing, but it also felt more urgent and passionate. It felt…sexy. I felt sexy. It was new for me and I wanted to soak up the full experience, so I took my turn and plunged my tongue into Callum's mouth.
I licked against his taste buds and cheeks, humming my pleasure at his caramel-chocolate flavor. I had no idea if I was doing it right, but I couldn't stop. It was the best thing I'd ever felt and I was desperate for more.
Callum buried his fingers into my hair and I gripped his shirt in my fists. My breaths were shallow and quick, and my blood rushed through me, settling in my hard, throbbing cock. It was so full and firm that it ached in my jeans.
I nearly toppled forward when Callum pulled away. His chest heaved in time with mine, and his pupils were blown. His jaw rippled when he swallowed hard.
"Sleep well, Brodie," he finally said in a husky voice. He kissed my forehead and turned towards his own room.
"Wait!" He whipped back around to face me. Shit. He wants to go to bed, Brodie. If he wanted more, he would've stayed. "Sleep well." I could've sworn disappointment showed on his face before he gave a smile and nod.
"Callum?" I asked when he turned away again, and once again he looked back at me. I didn't know how to ask for what I wanted; I wasn't even sure what that was. All I knew was that I didn't want him to leave, but I was afraid of looking too needy to ask.
He stepped in front of me and cupped my cheeks again. "Brodie, I will never push you and it is your choice, but if you're asking me to stay with you tonight, my answer is yes."
"I want you to stay," I answered in a whisper.
Callum kissed me again, wasting no time in sinking his tongue into my mouth this time. He attacked my lips, kissing me like his life depended on it. Just as I grew dizzy with desire, Callum bent and swept me off of my feet.
I wrapped my legs around his waist and he carried me like I weighed nothing. Instead of taking me into my room, he went into his own, which was larger and had a bigger bed. My heart flipped knowing that he wanted me in his space.
Callum lay me gently on his mattress and pulled his lips from mine. Before I could protest, he was at my feet, unlacing my boots. He slipped them and my socks off and stuck them under the bed before stepping out of his own.