I wrap my arms around his middle and stay like that as he works around me to remove the last batch of pancakes from the griddle. Physical touch has never been my thing. My mom was never overly affectionate, even when things were good, so I suppose it has more to do with what I’m used to. But as my comfort level grows, I find myself wanting to touch Caleb any chance I get.
He rubs his fingers idly against my arm, completely at ease, as he works around my koala hold.
It’s only when he picks up the dishes of pancakes and bacon that I finally let go and follow him to the table.
I’m perfectly capable of plating my own food, but when he does it for me, I choose not to protest. More and more, I’m discovering that Caleb enjoys taking care of me.
“You haven’t been up too long waiting on me, have you?”
He shakes his head and moves on to plating his own breakfast. “No, I was just pulling out ingredients when I heard you get in the shower. I figured you’d rather have breakfast here than go out.”
He thought right—because I’d be convinced that every person we encountered in this tiny town would take one look at my face and know exactly what we did last night.
“I was thinking about asking the boys if they wanted to spend a day in our hometown and visit with friends soon. Would you want to come?”
Asking Caleb to come to my old stomping grounds is a big move for me. I’m not proud of where I came from, but it did shape me into the person I am today, and though I don’t have much experience with relationships, I do understand the importance of sharing pieces of oneself, both good and bad.
He surveys me quietly, like he’s giving me a chance to take it back.
I won’t. I sit straighter, looking him in the eye so he can see the certainty there.
“Yeah.” He takes a bite of pancake, his lips curling up on one side. “I would love to come. Would you want to stay the night there? I’m sure I could?—”
“Uh, no. The only places to stay are janky motels where questionable activities tend to go down,” I mutter.
“No staying the night.” He dips his chin. “Got it. But yes, I’d definitely go.”
“I’d like that,” I whisper, my chest tight.
A raucous peel of laughter spills out of him. “Why do you sound like you’re saying that under duress?”
“Because my old town sucks,” I gripe as I stab a piece of pancake. “It’s not like this place.”
He points his fork at me. “It’s not full of nosy busybodies?”
“Oh no, it has that too. But it doesn’t have any of the charm. This place is cute. Happy. Yeah, it’s small, but it’s full of life. Arlo Hollow isn’t like here. It’s small, sure, but it’s far more run down and?—”
He reaches across the table and presses a finger to my lips. “I’ve been there before.”
“You have?” I squeak, stomach twisting.
He nods. “Yep. You don’t have to explain anything to me, Hal.”
“I talk too much when I get nervous.”
“I hadn’t noticed,” he jokes.
I stick my tongue out at him, but at the sound of the front door flying open, I bolt out of my seat.
My brothers tumble in, all long limbs and loud voices.
“Did you have fun with?—”
Without even acknowledging us, they scramble up the steps, leaving the front door wide open.
“I’ll get the door.” I’m halfway across the room when Thelma and Cynthia let themselves in. With a sigh, I shuffle back to my seat and pop another piece of pancake into my mouth.
“Hey, lovebirds.” Thelma smirks at us as she pads into the kitchen. “You both look freshly fucked and ready to conquer the world.”
