Page 208 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

“I think you’re right. The person you’re with can draw things out of you when you least expect it. You always show a side of yourself to someone when you’re comfortable with them.”

Malcolm nods and I tip his chin up with a finger.

“It’s you. You’re that person.”

Chapter 11

Malcom

Monday morning

“I know Screech, I’m hurrying.”

The dang cat meows like he’s not been fed in a week. The truth is Caleb spent the whole day here yesterday and spoiled him rotten with treats. But it’s not a bad thing when the man you’re dating takes a shine to your pet and your pet reciprocates.

The only thing bad about it is my crush on the guy grew tenfold.

The kibble plinks into his dish and Screech dives in with a low rumble. I grab my keys and wallet, and have the door open before remembering I don’t have a lunch.

There’s nothing left in my fridge. Groceries weren’t done because Caleb and I spent all day in bed. And it was fucking glorious. Although, my stomach will regret that later.

My phone chimes, and it’s Caleb.

Caleb: Can I bring you lunch today? It can be our official second date.

The butterflies take flight in my stomach just seeing Caleb mention me and date in the same sentence.

Malcolm: You read my mind. I have no food in my fridge. Sundays are my grocery day.

Caleb: You must have been busy to forget buying food.

I laugh at his subtle humour and play along.

Malcolm: I was. Some guy was distracting me. It slipped my mind.

Distracting is not the right word for what Caleb did to me.

Caleb: Oh? Maybe you could tell me about him over lunch.

Malcolm: Maybe. If he brings me one of those salted caramel brownies, I’ll think about it.

Caleb: You’re going to be late if you don’t leave soon.

Checking the time with a laugh, I realize he’s right and send him a final message to say I’m on my way. With a final goodbye to Screech, I leave for work.

The bells jingle on the front door of the shop and the most dashing sight greets me. Caleb enters with a brown bag and a take out tray of coffee. His blue eyes are bright, even with the dark circles from lack of sleep the night before.

“Ah, there’s my favourite bookstore owner.”

He places the items on my front counter and meets me at the end of the aisle I was working in. Without hesitation, he pulls me into his arms and kisses me. In the middle of my store.

“I needed that,” he murmurs across my lips before releasing me.

“Thanks,” I breathe. “I’m always available to give you what you need.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Mal. But I’m here to give you what you need and that’s lunch. You must be hungry. Come sit.”

His hand on my back leads me to my counter where the stool and chair he sat in only a few days ago still are.

---