"You are so welcome, Sophie," she says, then reminds me of aftercare. "Hydrate and rest. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call us."
"I will, have a good night," I say over my shoulder as I walk to the door. My phone buzzes in my hand, and I smile at the text.
Callum Rhodes: Your chariot awaits.
Translation—I'm out front.
Stepping outside, the crisp breeze instantly refreshes me. My smile only widens when I spot Callum's familiar truck idling at the curb, and the gentle giant himself leaning casually against the hood.
His whole face lights up when he sees me, his grin wide and warm as he pushes off the front of the truck and strides toward me.
The closer he gets, the more my neck has to tilt back to look in his eyes. I like how tall he is, how solid he looks. He's dressed in a white Henley today, dark jeans, and his usual boots. His hair looks a little wet, as if he just got out of the shower, and his beard looks freshly trimmed.
Oh… and he smellsreallygood.
"Hi," I say, a little breathless.
"Hey," he replies softly, eyes scanning me top to bottom, not with scrutiny or leering, just with a care that makes my cheeks flush.
Without a word, he reaches out and slides the strap of the tote off my shoulder, grinning when he sees which bag I brought. Heloops it easily over his own broad shoulder and meets my eyes, tilting his head.
"You feeling okay?"
"Y-Yeah—yes. I'm fine. Totally fine. Thank you," I assure him, stumbling over my words, and he looks a little bemused.
I'll just blame chemo brain, it works that fast, right?
Callum nods toward the truck, gently placing his hand on my back to guide me to the passenger side. His touch is light, barely there, but Ireallyhope he didn't feel my spine straighten instantly at the contact.
Like last time, he opens the door for me and helps me in, making sure I'm settled before closing the door.
As he starts the car, I lean my head back against the seat and take deep breaths. I realize that I really do feel fine, maybe a little hungry, and definitely looking forward to crawling into my bed tonight, but I'm okay. Truly.
One down, five to go...
Once we're on the road, Callum clears his throat and catches my attention.
"There's... uh, bags in the back, behind my seat," he says, his voice quiet. "Just in case."
"Worried I'll yak in your truck?" I tease him.
He smiles, flashing those perfect teeth. For a second, the sight makes my mind go blank.
"No," he says, drawing the word out with a quiet chuckle. "I just read that some people get nauseous after. There are mints in the cupholder if you need them. And I grabbed some ginger candies at the store, they're in the glove box. Oh, and I have water—"
"Callum," I interrupt softly, reaching out and laying a hand on his forearm.
His muscles tense under my fingers, and his gaze flicks to mine, just for a heartbeat, before darting quickly back to theroad. I swear my heart does a little somersault in my chest.
"Thank you," I say, meaning it for more than he probably realizes.
"Yeah, well," he shrugs, glancing at me sideways with a grin, "I just got the truck washed, so maybe I'm a little worried about the yak."
"I knew it!”
We both burst out laughing and don't stop until we're parked outside Amma's. Walking inside, Kavi greets me by name and perfectly recites my usual order. This makes Callum raise an eyebrow at me, his face amused.
"Itoldyou they're my comfort food."
