Sometimes, if you love someone, you have to set them free,Caleb said.
Oh, no, we do not,his bear insisted.Not when it’s our mate.
“I’m sorry it’s taking so long,” he said evenly. “I know this delay must feel frustrating.”
“It is,” Hannah agreed, her focus returning to the dishwasher as she added detergent and pressed start. “But there’s nothing I can do about it...”
Caleb nodded, watching the careful way she avoided his eyes. “As I said, my guest room is yours for as long as you need it.”
Her hand stilled, and she turned to face him. “Are you sure? I mean, when you offered, it was for two nights. Now it’s turned into a possible four nights.”
“Of course I’m sure.” Caleb paused, considering his next words. “And anyway, I have a lot going on. Some errands to run. So I won’t be around as much.”
“Oh.” Her gaze met his directly for the first time that day. Something flickered in her eyes... but it was too fleeting for him to read.
It was disappointment,his bear insisted.She wants to spend time with you.
His bear might be right. Damn, Caleb hoped he was right. But even so, he resolved to stick to his plan.
Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like this plan of yours?his bear grumbled.
Because you’re not,Caleb replied.But I need you to trust me.
His bear huffed.I’d better not regret it.
“It’s been a long shift. I’m sure you’d like to get back to the cabin and rest.” He nodded and smiled at her, trying to hide his intense longing in his eyes.
Yes, let’s take her home!His bear growled softly.If this is your idea, I like it!
That’s not my idea,Caleb told his bear.
“So, here are my keys,” Caleb said, reaching into his pocket. He slipped two keys from the ring and held them out. “My car key. And my house key.”
What!his bear roared.
He held them out to her, but Hannah simply stared at them, her brow furrowing slightly.
“You want me to drive your truck?” she finally asked.
“I do,” Caleb replied. “As I said, I’ve got some errands to run.”
Hannah didn’t reach for them immediately. “I can’t take your truck. You’ll need it.”
“You can,” he countered. “I can borrow a vehicle.”
She hesitated, and Caleb saw the internal struggle playing across her face. As if accepting the keys to his truck and hishouse were a step too far. However, finally, she reached out and took the keys, her fingers carefully avoiding contact with his palm.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “I’ll take good care of it.”
“I know you will.” He nodded once, his voice steady despite everything. “I trust you.”
Three simple words, but they carried weight. Hannah’s eyes widened slightly before she tucked the keys into her pocket.
“I’ll see you later then,” she said, and backed away. “If you are sure.”
“I am.”
She gave a brief nod and a small smile before she turned and walked away.
