It’s not meant to be inappropriate, I just need to touch him. He presses further into me, maybe closing the gap so no one can see my hand on his leg. Maybe just getting closer. Either way, I soak it up.
Creed, Ethan, and Jakub join us half an hour later, and we hang around until our respective flights begin boarding. Thankfully, Noah starts hugging everyone, so it’s reason enough for me to wrap my arms around Caulder.
I want to say something while I have him there, but there are too many words and yet none. None are big enough. None can express anything I want to say, especially since I’m not sure what I want to say.
I’m surprised when he places a peck on my cheek and then gives me a cheeky grin when he backs away. I don’t have time to respond before I’m getting other bro-hugs and we’re walking in different directions.
My phone pings almost right away, and I pull it out to find my messaging app has a new notification. I grin when I see Caulder’s name.
Caulder Haines
Thank you for this weekend. Everything about it was perfect.
My gut twists because I want to yell that this isn’t over. I won’t let it be over. I’m not ready for it to be over!
But itisover. This weekend is done. I hate it.
Laurent Duval
Perfect.
I chew the inside of my lip, debating whether or not to send the words yelling in my head. In the end, I decide I want him to know how much I enjoyed it. How much I want to do it again. Again and again and again.
Laurent Duval
I hope we can do it again.
There’s no answer. He hasn’t read it. He’s no longer showing as online.
Since it was his flight that was called first, I imagine he’s probably boarding. This isn’t personal. He’s not ignoring me.
Jesus, am I really thinking that right now?! What have I become?
“You good, Lo?” Noah asks.
I look at him and nod. “Yep. Just tired.” Not even a lie. Now that Caulder isn’t here and I’m not running on lust, the sleepless nights are catching up.
Noah smirks. “Not used to sharing a bed, huh?”
“Don’t let him lie; Caulder snores,” I say, rolling my eyes.
He laughs.
Once again, we part ways as we head to different gates. There’s another brief exchange of goodbyes. I pull up my boarding pass on my phone and refuse to use it for anything else until I’m seated.
When I open the messenger app, my stomach jumps.
Caulder Haines
So do I. Like, next weekend. Talk to you soon, Lo.
He ends it with a little kiss emoji. I close the app, unable to keep my smile off my fucking face.
CHAPTER 19
CAULDER
Leg day.Never miss a leg day. My muscles already burn, and I’ve only done a few reps. My body acts like it’s been months since I’ve hit the gym, though it’s only been a few days. Besides, it’s not like I was leisurely laying around. I don’t care what anyone says—a constant state of arousal leaves your muscles exhausted.
