Chapter Eighteen – Caleb
What a difference a day made. Yesterday, after the lunch shift, Caleb had felt on top of the world, confident he was on the right path to winning his mate.
Today, it felt as if he’d taken a wrong turn and was now wandering lost in the wilderness.
Hannah had kept her distance throughout the lunch service, polite but reserved, efficient but detached. Every time their paths crossed in the kitchen, he felt her retreat a little further behind those carefully constructed walls.
His bear paced restlessly. She’s slipping away from us.
I know, Caleb replied, the knowledge sitting like a stone in his chest. But what do I do to fix it?
I don’t know, but there has to be something, his bear replied. Some way of showing her that we understand.
How could he fully understand how she felt when he had not lived her life of uncertainty, of self-reliance? He could say the right things, empathize with her situation, but he would never truly understand what it was like to have no family or friends who would stand by you no matter what.
Who would be willing to drop everything and come to your aid? People who were steadfast and true.
We need to show her we are that person. For her, his bear said.
You’re right. Caleb rolled his shoulders and sighed. And I have the perfect way to show her.
Although his bear was not going to like it. Not one bit.
“Any news on your part?” he asked as he found Hannah carefully stacking the last of the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
Hannah glanced up, her expression composed, but her eyes looked red as if she had been crying.
He’d never wanted to hold her, to offer all of himself, as much as he did in that moment.
“Roy called while I was on break,” she said, pressing her hand into the small of her back. “The part’s been located. But it’s going to take a couple of days at least to get here. Apparently, it has to be returned to the depot and then sent here.”
The words were simple, but Caleb heard the weight beneath them: she wanted to leave. Soon.
His bear rose up immediately, bristling with protective instinct. No. Not yet. We can’t let her go.
Sometimes, if you love someone, you have to set them free, Caleb said.
Oh, no, we do not, his bear insisted. Not when it’s our mate.
“I’m sorry it’s taking so long,” he said evenly. “I know this delay must feel frustrating.”
“It is,” Hannah agreed, her focus returning to the dishwasher as she added detergent and pressed start. “But there’s nothing I can do about it...”
Caleb nodded, watching the careful way she avoided his eyes. “As I said, my guest room is yours for as long as you need it.”
Her hand stilled, and she turned to face him. “Are you sure? I mean, when you offered, it was for two nights. Now it’s turned into a possible four nights.”
“Of course I’m sure.” Caleb paused, considering his next words. “And anyway, I have a lot going on. Some errands to run. So I won’t be around as much.”
“Oh.” Her gaze met his directly for the first time that day. Something flickered in her eyes... but it was too fleeting for him to read.
It was disappointment, his bear insisted. She wants to spend time with you.
His bear might be right. Damn, Caleb hoped he was right. But even so, he resolved to stick to his plan.
Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like this plan of yours? his bear grumbled.
Because you’re not, Caleb replied. But I need you to trust me.
His bear huffed. I’d better not regret it.
“It’s been a long shift. I’m sure you’d like to get back to the cabin and rest.” He nodded and smiled at her, trying to hide his intense longing in his eyes.
Yes, let’s take her home! His bear growled softly. If this is your idea, I like it!
That’s not my idea, Caleb told his bear.
“So, here are my keys,” Caleb said, reaching into his pocket. He slipped two keys from the ring and held them out. “My car key. And my house key.”
What! his bear roared.
He held them out to her, but Hannah simply stared at them, her brow furrowing slightly.
“You want me to drive your truck?” she finally asked.
“I do,” Caleb replied. “As I said, I’ve got some errands to run.”
Hannah didn’t reach for them immediately. “I can’t take your truck. You’ll need it.”
“You can,” he countered. “I can borrow a vehicle.”
She hesitated, and Caleb saw the internal struggle playing across her face. As if accepting the keys to his truck and his house were a step too far. However, finally, she reached out and took the keys, her fingers carefully avoiding contact with his palm.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “I’ll take good care of it.”
“I know you will.” He nodded once, his voice steady despite everything. “I trust you.”
Three simple words, but they carried weight. Hannah’s eyes widened slightly before she tucked the keys into her pocket.
“I’ll see you later then,” she said, and backed away. “If you are sure.”
“I am.”
She gave a brief nod and a small smile before she turned and walked away.
Fool! his bear roared.
I have a plan, Caleb replied, fighting every instinct that told him to go after her.
So you keep saying, but this errand you keep talking about sounds like a fool’s errand, his bear grumbled.
We’ll see, Caleb said, but as he watched her go, the restaurant door swinging closed behind her, he did feel like a fool.
Only when she was truly gone did he allow his shoulders to slump, the mask of casual indifference slipping away.
His bear whined softly. Go after her.
I can’t, Caleb murmured.
He turned away and locked his senses on Matt, who was in the back office, going through invoices. Just the brother he needed to see.
No, we need to see our mate, his bear moaned. You can see Matt anytime.
“Hey,” Matt said, looking up as Caleb appeared in the doorway. “Is everything all right? Things seemed a little strained between you and Hannah.”
“I need to borrow your truck,” Caleb said without preamble.
Matt raised an eyebrow. “Sure. Where’s yours?”
“I gave it to Hannah. Along with my house keys.”
“You what?” Matt set down his pen, giving Caleb his full attention. “Why would you do that?”
“So she can get back to the cabin.” Caleb leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “I have an errand to run.”
“An errand?” Matt frowned. “More important than spending time with your mate?”
That’s what I said, his bear grumbled.
“Yes.” Caleb nodded. “I’m going to Riverside.”
Matt stared at him for a long moment, comprehension dawning slowly on his face. “You’re going to drive all the way to Riverside to get the car part? The one that would let her leave Bear Creek sooner?”
“That’s right.”
Nooooo, his bear roared.
“Why would you help her leave?” Matt asked, disbelief coloring his tone. “I thought... I mean, it’s obvious that she’s your...”
“Because it’s what she needs,” Caleb cut in firmly.
Matt shook his head, reaching into his pocket for his keys. “I never realized finding your mate made a shifter crazy.”
A smile tugged at Caleb’s mouth despite everything. “Crazy in love,” he agreed, taking the keys Matt held out.
His bear rumbled in agreement. Absolutely crazy in love.
“You’re going to drive three hours each way for a car part so she can leave town faster?” Matt asked incredulously. “That’s your grand romantic gesture?”
“It’s not about keeping her here,” Caleb explained, turning the keys over in his hand. “It’s about giving her the choice. On her terms.”
Understanding softened Matt’s expression. “And you think that will make her stay?”
“I don’t know,” Caleb admitted. “She needs to feel free to go before she can choose to stay.”
His bear shifted restlessly. She’ll stay. She has to.
So, you like my plan? Caleb asked.
Hell no! His bear shook his head. But if she leaves... we follow.
Matt stood, clapping him on the shoulder. “Take my truck. Keep it as long as you need.”
“Thanks.”
“One condition, though,” Matt added, his expression serious. “When she decides to stay—and she will—I get to be your best man.”
Caleb laughed. He’d agree to anything if Hannah agreed to be his bride. “Deal.”