I watch as he slides into one side of the bed, resting his hands behind his head. He looks ridiculous compared to the size of the mattress as the sheets pool at his waist, making him look like a king.
Caleb’s eyes flick to me, and he pats the spot beside him. “Come here.”
My throat tightens at his words.
“I don’t bite.”
He does, in fact, look like he bites.
It takes me a while to work my way over to the bed before I kneel down and sit on the edge.
“Don’t you want to get comfortable?”
My wrists start to itch, and there is no chance in hell I’m letting him see my scars. “I am comfortable,” I lie.
Caleb narrows his eyes at me. “Alright.”
I remove my trousers and tie, but keep my shirt on. I know I must look stupid, but I need to protect my own sanity.
Once I’ve slipped beneath the sheets, I force myself to try and get comfortable.
“Do you normally go to bed in a shirt?”
My brows dip, and I fold my arms over my chest. “No.”
“No?”
“Leave it.”
“Are you embarrassed?”
“No.”
“Hey.” He clasps my chin between his thumb and finger. “Look at me.”
I don’t. I can’t.
“Evan—”
My chest quivers at the sound of my name on his lips. Caleb sighs when I don’t meet his eyes; instead, he strokes my chin, leaving me shuddering.
“Let’s sleep,” he murmurs.
I nod because I want nothing more than to leave this conversation alone.
He drops my face and turns off his bedside table lamp, and I press my face deep into the pillow. My eyes close, but I’m very much awake.
I’m extremely aware of Caleb’s presence. We’re sleeping in the same bed. And this is the last thing I expected of tonight.
22
CALEB
The moon lights up the midnight sky—dark yet starless.
I glance around at the trees gently blowing in the chilling breeze. The sound of branches and leaves crunching echoes in my ears. I whip my head to the sound, only for it to change direction. I exhale a breath through my nose at the shudder that rushes down my spine.
When I turn around again, I spot a figure standing in the distance, their back facing me. I frown as I inch closer, recognising those blond curls from anywhere. His entire body is shaking, and I pause a few meters away.
