I snort and raise my eyebrows. “I’m still working on my top crust for the competition on Sunday.”
“The competition is this Sunday? Oh my gosh, I thought it was weeks away.”
“Nope.” I shake my head. “But I’m feeling good about it. Other than that, I helped Noah brainstorm some renovation ideas for his first project, which starts in a few weeks.”
She makes a sweet murmur, then looks up at me. “Wesley? Are we ready for New York?” she asks in a soft voice.
Somehow, we’re already at her building. We stop in front, and I glance at the door, desperate to be invited inside.
“We’re ready. Don’t worry.” I turn to face her and let our eye contact intensify before sliding my hands along her jaw and into her hair. Her lips are so pink and full, and she licks them as I’m watching her. “Calliope.”
She grabs my waist and pulls me toward her, and I take that as an invitation to press my mouth against hers. The kiss is soft and deep and sexy, and she lets me part her lips with my tongue and gently sweep inside her mouth. A soft moan escapes her throat, and my cock responds instantly.
Then Callie gently pulls her mouth away from mine. Hereyes are heated and her lips pinker, but she steps away so my hands fall off her body.
“I’ll see you Thursday,” she says, and with not a small amount of regret on her face, she turns and disappears into her building.
My heart’s racing so hard I can’t bring myself to move from the spot I’m standing in. I touch my lips with my finger and close my eyes.
I am so fucked.
Chapter 28
In the Ring
CALLIE
I’ve been avoiding fight clubs for years, but now I find myself heading to one for the second time in a week. Dad would be so proud.
Wes grips my hand and leads me down street after street, following his brother. New York City is overwhelming. So many people, neighborhoods, cars, buses, everything. I’ve only been a handful of times, and each time, it reminds me of how much I love the rugged beauty of Maine. And Portland. It’s an actual city, but also quiet and cozy with a small-town feel. You can try to get lost in Portland, but it’s more likely to feel like home.
Each turn leads us to a darker spot than the next. A fight club isn’t going to be on a well-lit road with lots of people and a bright neon sign above the entrance. Still, I don’t love descending into the bowels of this city.
“You okay, Calliope?” Wes murmurs, squeezing my hand.
I nod, trying not to think about the fact that I’ll likely be face-to-face with Shane tonight. That he’ll be expecting me. Us. I might get him to sign the divorce papers that are tuckedinside my jacket. I might be able to get my mother’s ring back. I look up at Wes and take in his sharp jawline, thick dark hair, and light blue eyes that meet mine.
“I’m nervous,” I admit, squeezing his hand back. “They’re going to know we’re coming.”
Wes stops in the middle of the empty sidewalk, leans down to cup my jaw with his free hand, and stares deeply into my eyes.
“Yes. For sure.” He brings our mouths together with such tenderness that my insides squeeze. “I got you, Callie. You’re with me and Noah. You have nothing to worry about.”
I think I’m falling for this man.
I can feel it just like I can feel the late winter wind blow around us. Like I feel his hands on my face, his lips on mine. It should be just sex. A distraction while I finish up my life in Portland, just like I told myself last weekend.
But instead, it feels out of control.
I didn’t stop thinking about him all week. When he showed up to walk me home from Lola’s bookstore, the relief and joy I felt when I laid my eyes on his face were too much. I missed him, and it had only been two days. His smile, his touch, his voice. I wanted to invite him into the apartment so badly. Who cares that Jake was home? They met in Boston already. Fuck Jake.
But I couldn’t. I can’t let him into my heart any more than he’s already there. I can’t let myself fall completely for Wes. It just doesn’t work with the vision I have for my life going forward.
I need to stop this before it goes too far.
But when he kisses me—like he does now—my body aches for him. When he makes me laugh and feel safe, all I want to do is be with him. I want more.
It’s getting very confusing.
