Screw it, she decided. If things got awkward, then they did. Reaching up on her tiptoes, she pressed her lips to his.
CHAPTER 8
Caleb slidhis hands up to cup her cheeks and let her set the pace at first. When her lips parted, he took full advantage and deepened the kiss.
He’d thought of doing this since he’d met her at The Diner. Her lips were just so kissable, so ripe and ready.
She didn’t hesitate to let him in, her hands wrapped around his neck, holding him in place. Her little moan was all it took to encourage him.
Lifting her up to sit her on the counter, she wrapped her legs around him, clinging to him, and he enjoyed every second. His hands cupped her ass and stayed there, squeezing, firmly holding her to him.
He pulled back for a breath and to explore her neck with his lips. She leaned back, arching into him, and that’s when it happened.
The makings of the sandwiches squished under her palm, and he heard it happen. Grace yanked her hand out of the mess quickly, smacking against him as she did.
“Oh my God,” she shouted. “I’m yo sorry.”
Caleb took a deep breath. He wasn’t upset by any stretch, but the mood was gone as Grace started to panic.
“Caleb, oh, no. I’m such a mess.” She tried to squirm away.
“Stop,” he said to get her attention. “Nothing is wrong. It’s just a bit of food.” To prove his point, he reached over for a towel and wiped her hand clean and then the side of his face. “See? All taken care of.”
“I ruined it, as usual. Thanks for helping me clean up, but I’m still so sor?—”
He cut her off with a quick kiss. “Stop apologizing.”
“But it’s my fault. I do something stupid, then I drag others into the mess.”
“Grace,” he soothed. “Do I look upset or put out?” He held her gaze, hoping it would show her that he wasn’t concerned.
She shook her head.
“Then there’s no need to apologize or be upset. If anything, it’s my fault for not putting the food away in the first place.” He was trying to calm her down and take some of the blame because that much was completely true.
“Yeah, okay.” She didn’t sound convincing.
Caleb backed away so she could get down.
“I’ll just…” She pointed toward the bedroom and promptly disappeared into it.
He put the lunch stuff away and paced a bit before knocking on the door. “Grace?”
“One second.” He heard some movement and then the door opened. “Sorry, I just needed a minute.”
He pinned her with a glare.
“Sorry, I, shoot.” She stammered.
Caleb let out a small laugh. “Let me ask you a question.” He leaned against the doorjamb. “Are you hiding in here because of where that was leading or because of the mishap?”
“What?” She blinked up at him a few times. “I, umm…”
“Can I kiss you again?” He just went for it, thinking this was the best way to get them back where they were headed, if she even wanted to.
She blushed and ducked her head. “Why would you want to?”
“Why wouldn’t I want to? Over some food?”
