It was the third time he’d referred to her as a woman. Did this guy actually see her as an adult, rather than a kid? She had to admit, she didn't exactly hate the idea.
“Is that a good thing?” she asked with a half-smile, her lame attempt at flirting back.
“Oh, yeah.” Caleb grinned. “That's definitely a good thing.”
The two stood there for a few more awkward seconds before he spoke up again. “Listen. I was going to wait until I got home to eat, but it's an hour drive yet, and I'm starving. Please, put me out of my misery and have dinner with me. You can follow me back into town. Or, better yet, I'll follow you. You can even pick the restaurant.”
This made Charlie laugh. “There's only one real restaurant in Parish Point, and it's nothing fancy.”
“Don't need fancy. Just food. And, of course,”—he winked—“good company.”
Damn, if she didn't feel flushed again. She had to admit it felt nice to have this sort of attention from a guy. No, not a guy...aman.
He’d gone out of his way to stop and help her when he just as easily could've driven right by. Not to mention, dinner with Caleb sounded way better than going back home and driving herself crazy with thoughts of Derek and his new girlfriend.
Renewed emotions over that whole situation began to bubble to the surface again. Somewhere deep down, she knew it was wrong. But Charlie couldn’t keep from feeling the need to get back at him, somehow.
Derek may not have intentionally hurt her, but she was hurt, all the same. He’d flirted with her. Made her think there could be something special between them. Then he crushed those dreams by bringing another woman home to stay with him.
Her teenage heart felt jaded, allowing her emotions, rather than logic, to control her thinking. Suddenly, Charlie found herself liking the idea of spending more time with this man.
Maybe that’s why this all happened. Maybe it was the universe’s way of telling her it was time to finally let go of her years-long crush and move on. A crush that was clearly leading to nothing but disappointment and heartache.
Caleb’s a stranger. He could be an ax murderer, for all you know.
Feeling let down by the one person she thought she could always count on, Charlie ignored the tiny voice in her head and heard herself saying, “Follow me.”
****
Chapter 2
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Present-day...
“I got the two tangos guarding the door. Both carrying. D, you see anyone else outside?”
