Chapter 15 - Nora
I woke up to my phone alarm going off. I rolled over, turning it off, and paused. Everything from last night came flashing back, and I felt my face grow hot. I remembered his tongue against mine and just moments later, over my clit. I’d given myself orgasms before, but nothing like what Kaleb pulled out of me.
I squeezed my thighs together, feeling sore, and swallowed. I was a little embarrassed now in the daytime, knowing how quickly it all went down. Kaleb had made me come apart several times. He’d been careful but also giving me what I wanted.
I crawled out of bed and threw my robe on. I slipped out of my room and into the hallway. I peeked into Kaleb’s room, finding it empty, which meant he was downstairs.
I straightened my shoulders as I made my way down, thinking of how last night meant something. We both admitted that not everything was fake. Maybe he was ready to admit that this was real. Maybe we could talk about it.
I made it down the stairs and paused. The main floor was silent—not silent like someone was reading or on their phone, but silent like no one was around.
I walked into the living room, finding it empty. Both of the couches were bare, and the TV was off.
I turned, heading into the kitchen, and found it empty. The coffee pot was half empty, and a used mug was sitting by the sink. I turned, looking toward the front door, and found his shoes and keys gone. My shoulders sank.
A part of me knew something had shifted. Kaleb was always up when I left. I walked over toward the coffee, pouring myself a mug, and sat down. I stared at my coffee, unsure of how I should even feel.
I knew deep in my bones that last night meant something. You couldn’t fake that look he had in his eyes. You couldn’t fake emotions like that.
“It wasn’t fake,” I said softly, not sure who I was trying to remind.
Even if they were real, what difference did it make? Kaleb made it clear that we weren’t anything. So, why was I letting myself get hopeful?
I shook my head, not wanting to let myself cry about this. It was like the rejection all over again. I was looking into things too closely and overthinking it again.
“Just have fun,” I said, taking a sip of my coffee. There’s nothing wrong with having fun. Maybe I should just take Jade’s advice.” If Kaleb didn’t want this to be serious, that didn’t mean I couldn’t get anything out of it. Maybe I should treat this like a stepping stone for my future. The more I learned now, the more I would know what I wanted. I should just have fun and enjoy myself.
But even I knew that it wasn’t that simple. You couldn’t walk away from something like this without someone getting hurt. It wasn’t going to be Kaleb. He didn’t seem like he wanted a future like that. He’d stated that in the very beginning. He didn’t want a wife, and he didn’t want any kids.
I was the one looking too deeply into everything. I was the only one letting her emotions take the reins.
My phone rang, and I glanced over to see it was Kaleb. I pulled it up and answered, “Hello?”
“You are awake.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I woke up a few minutes ago. I’m just having a cup of coffee.”
“Good. I just wanted to see how you’re feeling this morning. Last night was fun.”
I frowned at his wording. Fun. Was that what it was? I chewed on my cheek, feeling my heart sink. “I’m okay. It was fun. I didn’t hear you leave this morning.”
“I was out early this morning. We had a training session. I didn’t want to wake you.”
I rubbed my thumb along the rim of my mug. “When are you going to be home?”
“Late, I think. I was also calling because I don’t think we can go for another date tonight. We will need to reschedule.”
I bit hard onto my cheek, tasting blood. I nodded. “Sure. That’s okay. I understand things come up.”
“Great. Talk to you later.” The line ended before I could respond.
***
I arrived at the shelter, and as soon as I got to the back area where the dogs were, they erupted in barks. I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Alright, you guys. I’m here. Give me a moment.” I unlocked the back door, propping it open with our doorstopper. I then went to each of the kennels and let the dogs out. All of them jumped on me eagerly, and I bent down, giving each of them kisses and pats before they finally made their way outside.
Once they were all outside, I swept each of their kennels and gave them fresh water in their bowls. I was pouring them some dog food when I spotted Charlie sitting in the hallway, watching me.
“Hi, Charlie,” I patted his head as I placed the food in Spot’s kennel. “Are you watching me again today?”
