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Yes.

The thought barrels out of nowhere, but deep down, I know it’s the truth.

I’ve known Calvin for five years now. And although we haven’t been friends until very recently, I do know him. He’s honest, funny, smart, strong, and has many other attractive qualities, including his looks, although that’s a perk, really.

Calvin’s eyes are on the ocean, no longer on me, which grants me a look at his profile.

He’s wearing his red cap backwards, but moves his hand to steady it as the wind rushes past.

His dark jeans are rolled up, his bare feet slipping through the sand.

A black hooded sweatshirt hugs his enormous frame, making him look cozy.

The wind picks up again, and I shiver on the spot.

“Here,” he says, pulling his sweatshirt off his body and handing it over to me.

“Are you sure?” He only has a long-sleeve shirt remaining.

“I’m sure. I run hot,” he adds.

You sure do.

I accept the sweatshirt without complaint and throw it over my cardigan.

A laugh slips out of me as I glance down at my new look. His sweatshirt is several times too big, hovering just around my knees. However, it’s cozy and smells just like him: sandalwood and…bacon. That’s a new one.

“Looking good.” His gaze drops down my body, and this time, my eyes stay locked on him. I don’t turn away.

I suck in a breath as he takes one step forward toward me.

Just go with it, I pep myself up, but before I make any move, his cellphone blares from his pocket.

“Hello?” He picks up on the second ring. “Yeah. We will be right there.”

He hangs up and turns to me. “That’s the mechanic. He wants us to head over to the garage, a few blocks up.”

Welp. That’s it. Our journey is over. Time to return home and back to reality.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Scarlett

“Do you want to meet at the lobby bar at six?” Calvin asks, standing in the hallway between our two hotel rooms.

The garage, in fact, did not have my car ready. I had to sign some paperwork instead. They are waiting for a part that should be delivered first thing tomorrow morning, and then I will be good to go.

It’s just after three, and we both figured it’s best to stay put for one more night, especially since our rooms were still available at this adorable inn.

“Sure. It’s a date! I mean, not that it’s a date,” I backpedal. “Not that I would know since I’ve never been on one before.”

Calvin’s brown eyes grow wide. “What?”

Shit. This is why I never talk about myself. I either overshare or say things I shouldn’t.

“I mean…”

Should I take my words back or just own them?