Every instinct in him cried out to close the distance, to claim her mouth with his, to show her exactly how he felt. His bear was practically howling with impatience.What are you waiting for? Kiss her!
But Caleb saw the slight tremble in her lower lip, the hint of exhaustion around her eyes. She’d had a long, emotional day, and he wanted—needed—their first kiss to be something she was absolutely certain about.
With hard-won restraint, Caleb lifted his hand and brushed his thumb across her cheek, then leaned forward and pressed his lips to her forehead instead.
“It’s getting late,” he said softly, pulling back to look into her eyes. “And it’s been a long day.”
Hannah blinked, confusion and a hint of hurt flashing across her face before understanding dawned. “You’re right,” she said, offering him a small smile. “I am tired.”
What are you doing?his bear demanded, incredulous.She wanted to kiss us!
I want her to be sure,Caleb replied firmly.I want her to have a clear head when we first kiss. When she chooses us.
His bear grumbled but subsided, unable to argue with the logic. After all, their mate deserved nothing but their absolute respect and care.
Hannah tucked the blanket more securely around her shoulders, a slight flush coloring her cheeks. “I should probably get some sleep,” she said, rising to her feet.
Caleb stood as well, gathering their plates. “I’ll clean up. You go ahead.”
She hesitated at the foot of the stairs, looking back at him with an expression he couldn’t quite decipher. “Caleb?”
“Yes?”
“I’m glad I took that wrong turn,” she said quietly. “I’m glad I met you.”
His bear hummed with contentment.See? She’s already choosing us.
“I’m glad too,” Caleb replied, his voice rough with emotion.
Hannah smiled, but sadness tinged her lips. “Goodnight, Caleb.”
“Goodnight, Hannah. Sleep well.”
He watched her go upstairs, each step taking her further from him. Only when she disappeared from view did he allow himselfto breathe properly, to feel the full weight of what had just happened—and what hadn’t.
She almost kissed us, and you stopped it,his bear said, still slightly accusatory.
Caleb sighed, gathering the dishes and carrying them to the kitchen.When we kiss her for the first time, I want it to be perfect. I want her to be absolutely certain.
She seemed pretty certain to me,his bear grumbled.
Maybe,Caleb conceded.But she deserves more than a tired, impulsive decision at the end of an emotional day.
His bear considered this, then nodded reluctantly.You’re right. Our mate deserves the best of everything. Including the best first kiss.
Caleb smiled as he rinsed the plates, listening to the soft sounds of Hannah moving around upstairs.
Tomorrow her car would be ready. She would have decisions to make. But tonight, she was here, under his roof, having chosen to wait up for him when she didn’t have to.
And that, Caleb thought as he dried his hands and turned out the kitchen light, was already more than he’d dared hope for.
Chapter Thirteen – Hannah
Hannah climbed the stairs with leaden feet, each step heavier than the last.
The guest room waited for her, just as she’d left it. The bed was still neatly made, her few possessions still arranged with careful precision on the nightstand. Nothing had changed since this morning.
Except her.
