“That right? Guess I’ll have to test your limits then.”
“Guess you will,” I say, my voice steady despite the way my heart is pounding. Two can play this game, but with Callan, I’m starting to think winning might mean losing, and I’m not mad about it.
Just as he reaches for me, a loud knock at the door shatters the moment, making us both jump.
“Bree? Are you there? It’s Zoey. I brought soup!”
I groan, dropping my head to the table in defeat. “Of course she did.”
He chuckles, leaning back and running a hand through his hair. “Your friend has impeccable timing. Can’t wait to meet her.”
“Bree?” Zoey’s voice calls again, more insistent this time.
I sigh, dragging myself up from the chair. I crack the door open before Zoey barrels inside, a giant container in her hands and concern radiating off her.
“Hey, Zo. You didn’t have to do this, but I do appreciate it.”
“Of course I did,” she says, already making a beeline for the kitchen. “You fainted at work yesterday for Christ’s sake. It’s the least I could?—”
She cuts off mid-sentence, stopping dead in her tracks as her eyes land on Callan. He’s at the sink, sleeves rolled up, hands soapy as he washes the dishes like some kind of domestic god.
For a moment, the only sound is the faint clinking of plates against the sink. Then Zoey whips her head toward me, her eyebrows practically hitting her hairline. “Uh, Bree? Who’s the dishwasher?”
Callan looks up, and of course, he hits her withthatsmile. The one that’s practically designed to make people forget how to function. I roll my eyes so hard I’m surprised they don’t get stuck.
“You must be Bree’s wonderful friend, Zoey,” he says smoothly, stepping forward and pulling her into a hug like they’re old pals.
He’s laying it on thick, but the look on Zoey’s face is absolutely priceless. I’m pretty sure she’s seconds away from fanning herself.
“Shut the fuck up,” she blurts, eyes darting between us. “Thisis Callan? You literally fainted yesterday, and now he’s here, looking like…that?”
Callan laughs, the sound rich and velvety as he leans back against the counter. “I was already on my way for a surprise visit when I heard the news. Thought I’d better stick around and make sure she doesn’t pull another stunt like that.”
“Well, aren’t you just Prince Charming?” Zoey quips,turning to me with a wicked grin. “Bree, you’ve been holding out on me. He’s even hotter in person.”
“Hush, don’t feed his ego.”
Callan smirks, thoroughly enjoying himself. “I assure you, Bree keeps me humble.”
Zoey snorts, plopping the container of soup down on the counter. “Uh huh. I bet she does.” Her eyes sparkle with playfulness as she glances between the two of us, clearly storing ammunition for later.
He clears his throat, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. “Actually, I was just about to take Bree out for some fresh air. Doctor’s orders and all that.”
“I’ll get out of your hair. Here I was, thinking Bree was sitting here all alone, but I see I have nothing to worry about.”
I huff out a laugh. “Yeah, yeah. Thank you, though, for bringing this by,” I say, nodding toward the soup container.
She waves me off like it’s nothing. “Of course. Text me later?”
“You bet,” I reply as I walk her to the door. Once I’ve shut it behind her, I turn around to find Callan leaning against the counter, arms crossed.
“I can see why you two are friends.”
I roll my eyes, crossing my arms as I lean back against the door. “Oh, really? And what’s that supposed to mean?”
He shrugs. “Just that she’s every bit as feisty as you are. Makes perfect sense.”
I smirk, pushing off the door and closing the distance between us. “Feisty, huh? Is that your polite way of sayinghandful?”
