“You clean up pretty nice yourself,” I say, and he slides his arms around me, pulling my back to his chest. He puts his mouth on my neck and makes a growling sound that vibrates through me and stimulates all my erogenous zones as he kisses me. I’m not one-hundred percent sure what’s going on with him. After exchanging messages with Mason this morning, he seemed upset, maybe even a little spooked, but then his mood shifted, changed…became lighter, like the weight of the world had come off his shoulders. I have no idea what Mason said, but I’m happy to see Callan smiling.
Truthfully, I feel that lightness myself, especially after giving myself a good hard lecture over breakfast this morning. Callan and I don’t want the same things, and we don’t have a future together. I’ve come to accept that fact, and have since decided to enjoy the rest of the summer with him and when it’s over, it’s over. I’m simply going to enjoy it while I can and deal with my feelings when all is said and done. Brad might be a complete jerk, but he was right. Callan will never get over past hurts and move on, and the sooner I accept it, the better it will be for my head and my stupid heart. Who am I kidding? My heart will never heal after Callan.
“Keep that up and we’ll never get out of here,” I say as he slides his hands down my sides and grips my hips. I lean back, pressing against his growing erection, and he moans. The sweet sound vibrates through me, settles deep between my legs.
“We don’t have to go,” he says. “We could stay here instead, and I can ravish you.”
“Yes, we do. I’ve been looking forward to getting out with my sister, and enjoying a nice meal.”
“Yeah, me too actually.” He steps back and I grin as he adjusts his pants.
“We can take care of that little problem later,” I say.
He grins at my use of the word little and checks his watch. “We better get going.”
He puts his hand on the small of my back and leads me downstairs. I relax into the passenger seat as he backs out onto the road. I’m glad whatever illness I had this morning is long gone. I really am looking forward to spending time with Amanda, even if she is a troublemaker.
Callan reaches across the seat and takes my hand in his. He gives it a squeeze, the way he’s done so many times before, and it wraps around my heart. My throat tightens, but I smile, not wanting him to know how much I’ve fallen for him. My God, when this started, we were both so sure what we wanted, and what we didn’t. Things have changed drastically for me, but he’s not giving me any indication that they’ve changed for him.
I reach for the radio and turn it up, wanting to drown out the sound of my heart crashing against my ribs. I hum along as he drives and less than fifteen minutes later, we reach the seafood restaurant Amanda picked. Inside, Callan gives his name, but I spot Amanda and David waving us over. I follow the hostess and she seats us across from them.
“Hey guys,” I say, greeting Amanda and David as I set my purse on the back of my chair.
“Wow, you two look great,” Amanda says and I grin at her.
“Thanks. It was nice to get out of sweats for a change.”
Amanda laughs and nudges David. “Hear that?” she teases.
“What’s so funny?”
“I thought you two would still be in the honeymoon stage, not the sweatpants stage. That’s for old married couples like us.”
“Hey, I take offence to that,” David says.
We all laugh at that. “I’m around kids all day too, and we have Kaitlyn at night.”
“Oh right, I forgot my little sister is all domesticated now.” She opens the wine menu, but her gaze is riveted on me. I touch my mouth. Did I smear my lipstick or something? As David and Callan talk about the big fire two weeks ago, I eye my sister.
“Why are you staring at me?”
“I don’t know.” She purses her lips in thought. “There’s something different about you.”
“Different good or different bad?”
“Good. Definitely good.” She reaches across the table and takes my hand. “It’s just so nice to see you happy again.” My thoughts instantly go to Brad and his threat, and my sister is far too good at reading me. “What?”
“I ran into Brad at the fireworks last night,” I say, my voice low.
“More like he stalked her,” Callan pipes in.
Amanda’s eyes go wide. “Are you serious? Why is he still bothering you?”
“Because he’s an asshole,” Callan says and puts a protective arm around my shoulder. “Don’t worry, though. I don’t plan to let her out of my sight for a minute.”
“Maybe you should talk to Mom and Dad.” Amanda toys with her napkin and continues with, “Maybe they could talk to his parents or something. He shouldn’t be stalking you, Gemma. I never liked the way he always seemed controlling with you, but that’s a bit scary.”
I hold my hands up, palms out. “I’m not dragging Mom and Dad into my problems, and potentially ruin their relationship with their best friends, and honestly, the last person I want to talk about tonight is Brad.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Amanda says. “Now let me have a look at that wine list.” She winks at us. “Since we beat your sorry asses and the bill is on you two tonight…”
I laugh at that as the server comes over to take our drink orders. Amanda picks a nice bottle of wine for the table and we open our food menus. My stomach takes that moment to growl and I chuckle.
“I haven’t eaten since breakfast,” I say. After pancakes, I lost my appetite again, but it’s back full force now.
“When have you ever missed a meal?” Amanda teases.
“She wasn’t feeling great,” Callan says. “I think it might have been the candy apple followed by the cotton candy.”
“That’ll do it,” David says with a chuckle. “You always were one for sweets, Gemma.”
The waiter returns with bread and with little finesse, I dive in, eating like I’ve been lost in the desert and living off rations.
We fall into easy conversation and soon enough our meals are served. I smile. I love being out with my sister like this. Love spending couples time together. My stomach squeezes tight. Soon enough this is going to come to an end too.
Stop!
I refuse to let those unhappy thoughts infiltrate my brain tonight. I just want to enjoy the time I have left with Callan and not ruin it with thoughts that sadden me. I take a sip of my wine, and for some unknown reason tears prick my eyes. What the hell is wrong with me? I guess I can try to pretend a future without him won’t bother me, but deep inside, I’m an emotional mess.
I twist my napkin between my hands, and try to think happy thoughts when the server returns to clear our plates and take our dessert orders. My sister is watching me carefully when I place my napkin on the table and force a smile
“I have to go to the little girl’s room,” I say.
“I’ll join you,” Amanda says. “I need to freshen up my lipstick.”
Our heels click as we make our way through the restaurant, and once we’re inside the ladies’ room Amanda puts her hands on my shoulders.
“What’s wrong?” she asks. “You looked like you were about to cry at least ten times tonight.”