The teasing atmosphere turned more serious, and Caleb wished it hadn’t.
“You had a panic attack?”Christy asked, sounding concerned.
“The fire smell brought back some memories,” Caleb said, not wanting to make it into something bigger than it was.“Austin noticed and helped me get my breathing back under control.He was professional about it.”
“But?”Jonathan asked, clearly hearing something Caleb wasn’t saying.That was what happened when someone knew you too well.
Caleb shook his head.“But nothing.He was nice.Professional.Maybe I’ll run into him again sometime.”
“You could ask West for his number,” Daniela suggested.
Caleb might not want to talk about Austin, but it was better than talking about his panic attack.“Or I could mind my own business and let things happen naturally.”
“Where’s the fun in that?”Christy said with a grin.“Come on, when’s the last time you were interested in someone?Reallyinterested.”
Caleb couldn’t argue with that.It had been months since anyone had caught his attention the way Austin had, and Austin was a shifter, too.“He’s West’s best friend,” Caleb said.“And West makes Jonathan happy.Really happy, in a way I haven’t seen in years.”
“So you trust West’s judgment in friends,” Ethan said.
“I guess I do.”The realization surprised Caleb, even though he knew that not all dragons were like Sal.Knowing that and truly believing it were two different things, though.
“Then maybe give Austin a chance to show you who he is,” Jonathan said quietly.“Not who you expect him to be based on someone else’s behavior.”
“Maybe I will,” Caleb said, and he meant it.He wasn’t going to go look for Austin, but if they met again—and they would—he might give him a chance.
“Good,” Jonathan said with a nod.“Because West mentioned that Austin has mentioned you a few times.”
“What?”Caleb’s head snapped up.“We never even talked until today.”
“Yeah, but you’re my best friend.”
“Interesting,” Daniela said, grinning.
“Don’t get any ideas,” Caleb told her, but he was fighting a smile.It was ridiculous.
“Too late,” Christy said cheerfully.“We’re already planning your wedding.”
“I’m leaving,” Caleb announced, heading for the door.
“Think about what I said,” Jonathan called after him.“About being yourself with someone.It might be worth the risk.”
As Caleb headed home, Jonathan’s words twirled in his mind.Trusting Austin was tempting, but also terrifying and risky.
But maybe it was time to find out if Austin was worth that risk.
