The elevator doors slide open,and I step into the office with the two containers balanced in one arm, my bag slung over the other shoulder.The morning light streams through the windows, and for a second, everything feels almost normal.
Then I see him.
Caleb is already at his desk, leaning back in his chair.He’s scrolling through something on his phone, his tie loosened just enough to look effortlessly put together.The sight of him makes my heart flutter, and after the emotional morning with my mother, I find myself craving his steadiness.
Our eyes meet, and something electric passes between us.I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips as I make my way to my desk, setting down the containers and my bag before taking my seat.“It was weird waking up without you.I’m so used to you snoring.”
He gives me an insulted look.“I don’t snore.I’ve never snored a day in my life.”
“How would you know?”I try not to laugh.“You’re passed out.Snoring.”
Caleb grabs the arm of my chair, pulling me closer.“Liar.”
“Prove it.”I taunt him softly, and a smile spreads on his face as he slides his hand around my nape, pulling me closer, his voice a whisper against my skin.
“You just like pissing me off first thing in the morning.”
His mouth brushes against mine.Once.Twice.
A soft sigh leaves my lips.When he pulls away, he rests his forehead against mine.“Rough morning?”
“Yeah,” I admit.“But I did miss you.It was weird without all your morning chaos.”My admission makes him happy.It’s in his eyes.
I let out a startled yelp as he pulls me right out of my seat and onto his lap in one fluid motion.“Caleb!”I protest, glancing around the empty office.“What are you doing?”
“Nobody’s here yet,” he murmurs, his arms wrapping around my waist.“And you look like you could use this.”
I should get up.I should maintain some semblance of professionalism.But his warmth is exactly what I need right now, and I find myself melting against him, my head resting against his shoulder.
“Do I really snore?”He looks down at me.I’ve heard the term ‘puppy dog eyes’ but this is my first time experiencing them.I try not to look at him directly.
“No.”
He pinches me lightly.“Then stop bullying me.”
“Look at the size of you,” I scowl, pushing his hand away.“Me, bully you?Have you seen yourself?”
Caleb kisses me again.“It was weird sleeping in my apartment again.I didn’t like it.I might just move in with you.”
His words make my stomach twist.“I—Do what you want.”I wish I could be as expressive with my emotions as he is, but it’s still hard for me.I’m so used to having a defense mechanism, my sharp tongue keeping everyone at a distance.
He shifts me in his lap, so that my back is pressed against his chest, and he rests his chin on my shoulder.“Does that mean you’re asking me to move in with you?So bold, Eve.”
His voice is teasing, and I make a face.“You’re the one saying you don’t like staying at your own apartment.”
“I didn’t know you’d ask me to move in.”
“Caleb!”
“Eve.”His lips press against my nape.“How did it go with your mother?”
I shiver, but I answer him.“She cooked for me.We talked.”
“So things are going to be okay?”
I hesitate.“I don’t know.I don’t want to walk away from her, Caleb.She’s not been the best mother, but she’s not exactly a monster either.And I do love her in my own way.”
“It’ll take some time.And that’s okay,” he murmurs.“She reached out first.That’s important to you?”
