Page 79 of Love By The Falls

“I got his autograph. They’ll believe us.”

I turn away from the boys and lock eyes with Caleb. He’s smiling, but it falters when our eyes meet. “Have dinner with me tonight.”

“I have Charlie, and we all planned—”

Austin interrupts me. “We’ll take care of Charlie. You should speak to Caleb alone.”

“Are you sure?”

Austin leans in. “You may not have this opportunity again,” he whispers.

He’s right. Although I’d rather stall right now, I may not get another chance.

“Dinner sounds great.”

Caleb’s eyes roam over my body and instead of feeling self-conscious, it makes me tingle all over. Forget dinner. I’d rather go to bed.

20

Caleb

Charlotte hugs her son and her friends before they wave goodbye to each other. Her friend Jane keeps shooting daggers at me, and I’m unsure why.

Her son looks back at his mother, and Charlotte furiously waves back at him. This appeases him, and he turns back to his little friend.

Once they exit the corridor, Charlotte clasps her hands together. “So.” She looks around and avoids my eyes. This is the first time I’ve seen her nervous. It’s sort of endearing.

“So.”

“Do you know of any good restaurants around here?”

Her face is flush and her lips red. It’s warm down here, but not that warm. Perhaps it’s the jacket she’s wearing or perhaps…

“There’s a place right next door. I have a private room there.”

“A private room?”

“Yes.”

“Fancy,” she says with a smirk.

I smile back. “I know.”

She chuckles, and it feels like we’re back in St. Kitts.

God, I missed this.

I text my driver that I’m on my way out and that there’s a change of plans. I’m not going to my brother’s place for dinner, but Dimitri’s instead, so I won’t be needing his services.

“Do you mind walking? It’s only around the corner.”

“Not at all. I’ve got my sneakers on.”

When we step outside, a gust of wind yanks the door open and whips her hair around. She pulls her jacket across her body, and I use mine to shield her from the worst of it. The wind tunnel ends as soon as we turn the corner. “Geez, that was like being inside a tornado or something.”

“I’m sorry about your hair.” It’s sticking out in all directions, and I try to pull a few strands free from their knots. She watches me and my finger lingers next to her ear. I don’t stop myself when they drop to her collarbone, and neither does she. She inhales sharply and exhales slowly. Her familiar scent stirs something in me, and I want to drop and kiss her, but it’s been months, and I don’t know if she still wants that from me.

“The restaurant is this way,” I say and turn away from her face.

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