I can’t help but preen under the attention. “Thanks. I built it myself.”
“You're kidding.”
“I told you I was full of surprises, Callie baby.”
After Ryan died, I poured everything I had into building this house. I thought it would fill the void he left behind, but all it did was distract me from the guilt for a time.
“Come on. I’ll show you around.”
I take her through the main living space with its massive stone fireplace and the large kitchen I don’t use nearly enough. I’ve never had occasion to cook for anyone else, and it feels like a waste to make an entire meal for one person. Maybe now I’ll be able to put it to good use.
I lead the way down a narrow hallway that extends from the entry all the way to the back of the house. The first doorway to the right opens up to a decent-sized bathroom, complete with an antique clawfoot tub and a large vanity. Her expression shifts to one of awe as she gazes at the tub, and I add baths to the imaginary list of Callie’s favorite things.
“Feel free to use whatever you need. Towels are in the closet, and I think my sister might’ve left some bubble bath the last time she visited.”
“I can’t remember the last time I had a bath,” she says faintly.
My fists clench at my sides as I think of everything she’s been through. I don’t know the extent of it, but living without basic necessities for as long as she did could not have been easy.
“The laundry room is across the hall.” I point toward the closed door and carry on down the hallway.
I come to a stop between two doors. “This is my room.”
I don’t bother opening the door. I’m not sure if she’d recognize any of it from my videos, but I can’t take that risk.
There's only one room left, hidden behind the last door across the hall from mine. I twist the knob and push it open. She takes one step inside and does a half turn, taking in her surroundings.
There’s an antique queen-size four-poster bed in the middle of the room with two nightstands bracketing it. A set of windows takes up the far wall, with light filtering curtains hanging from floor to ceiling. A large matching dresser sits across from the bed with a mirrored hutch perched on top. It’s nothing special, but it sure as shit is better than sleeping in a car.
I stay in the hallway, aware that if I step into a bedroom with Callie, I won’t want to leave. “The leftovers are on the counter. I’ll let you get settled for the night. Do you need a ride to work in the morning?”
She doesn’t meet my gaze. “No. I have the day off.”
“Alright. I'll send Griffin over to look at your car tomorrow.”
It’s a goddamn feat that I’m able to resist pulling her into my arms. This night couldn't have been easy for her; I’m still keyed up from the ordeal myself. I manage to walk away without doing something reckless, but every atom in my body is begging me to turn back.
Halfway down the hallway, I hear the quiet whisper of my name. “Jax?”
“Yeah?”
“Your jacket.”
“Keep it.”
A small smile tugs at Callie’s lips as she pulls it tighter across her chest. She looks damn good in my clothes. Too good.
“Goodnight, Jax.”
I love the way she says my name. I spent years imagining it, but nothing could ever come close to reality. It takes all of my strength to walk away just then, knowing the woman I’ve been searching for is finally within arm’s reach.
Chapter 10
A Reason to Try
? New For Me - Peytan Porter
Callie
