“Wrap it before you tap it!” Gia calls out as we walk out the door, and I am going to string her up later for this.
“Oh my god.” I bury my face in Caleb’s chest. “I am going to die of embarrassment before this day is out!”
Caleb chuckles. “They’re happy for us.”
I lift my head and peer deep into his eyes. “There is nous, Caleb. Just because I’ve broken up with Seb doesn’t mean I’m instantly going to fall into your arms.”
“I know, Lili, but I’m confident in my wooing skills.” He waggles his brows, and it’s so hard to stay mad at him. “Let’s walk and talk,” he says, taking my hand. His large, callused palm is strong and warm in mine as he leads me toward the coat closet, and I already know resisting is futile.
“I know it’s warm, but showers are predicted,” he says, taking my light jacket off a hook and helping me into it. His fingers brush against my body as he pulls the zipper up, and I’m like an inferno, my body doused in heat from my head to my toes. His eyes never leave mine as he puts his black jacket on, and the intensity of his attention is melting the last of my reservations.
The truth is, as embarrassed as I was by his outburst at the table, I can’t deny there’s a part of me swooning at this newer romantic side to Caleb. I’d challenge anyone to deny he’s sincere. For the first time ever, the prospect of loving him and being loved by him in return is a very real possibility. It is something I have prayed and hoped for, for years, and though it’s scary, because he could completely decimate my heart this time if he decides to change his mind, I know I owe it to myself to at least hear him out.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Caleb
“This brings back memories,” I say as we swing side by side in the playground on the grounds of the estate.
“It does.” Elisa looks less troubled out here, kicking her legs out in front of her and grinning as she soars through the air.
“You used to beg me to push you,” I tease.
“You spent ages out here with me,” she remembers with a fond smile. “You were very patient with me when I was a kid.”
“You made it easy, Elisa.” I slow down, figuring she’s relaxed enough now to have the conversation we need to have. “There were times I sought you out because you were the only one who could ever bring a smile to my face.” I plant my feet on the ground as she slows down too. “I didn’t think of you as anything more than a little sister back then, and even when you got old enough, I still wouldn’t, couldn’t, go there.”
She comes to a standstill, and her eyes probe mine.
I reach out and thread my fingers in hers. “But somewhere along the way, that changed. I can’t pinpoint exactly when it was because I was in denial, but the way I love you is nothing new, Lili.” I tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear, silently fist pumping the air when a shiver visibly ghosts over her body.“I was a coward because I didn’t confront my feelings. You have always been the brave, confident one between us.”
Disbelief washes over her face. “You are the most confident, some might say arrogant, person I know, Caleb.” She shoots me a cheeky grin, and I have a sudden urge to toss her over my lap and slap her insolent ass. My dick stirs in my pants, loving that idea.
“In all aspects of my life but this. When it comes to affairs of the heart, I’m the furthest thing from confident.”
“That’s not how it’s coming across.” Her thumb sweeps the underside of my hand, shooting tingles up my arm.
“Because it’s you and loving you is as natural as breathing to me. It’s why I never realized I was already doing it.” I angle my body, and our knees brush. “What I’m trying to say is I know I have no experience of relationships or love, and you have every right to feel hesitant, but I’m telling the truth. I could never lie to you.” I stand and pull her to her feet, gently reeling her into my arms.
Her head tilts back as she looks up at me. Her cheeks are flushed, and her eyes are bright. “I love you, Lili. I love you so much, and I want to be with you. I promise if you give me a chance you won’t regret it. I won’t let you down.” I softly clasp her face in my hands. “I can’t live without you, and our time is now. Haven’t we waited long enough for this?”
“Caleb.” Her voice is choked with emotion as she rests her palms on my chest. “I’m scared.”
“I get that. I’m terrified of failing at the one thing that is most important in my life, but if we don’t try, we won’t ever know.”
“What if I’m not good enough for you?” She bites on her lips in an obvious tell.
“What?” Shock echoes in my tone. “Why would you ever think that? I’m the one who isn’t good enough foryou.”
“I’m not like all those other girls you’ve been with. I don’t look like them, and I…I—” She cuts herself off and lowers her eyes.
“Lili, look at me.” I drop my hands to her back, holding her close as she lifts her gaze to mine. “None of those girls meant anything to me. Harsh, but it’s true. You’re perfect, Lil.” I brush my thumb along her lip. “Every single part of you is perfect. There is nothing I would change. You and I were made to fit together.”
“I’m still a virgin,” she blurts, and her cheeks stain fire-engine red.
“Thank fuck for that.” I rest my brow against hers, and we stare at one another with barely any space between us. “I was praying you hadn’t given it to that piece of shit.”
“I couldn’t do it. I was always waiting for you.”
