Page 62 of Steamy Dreamy Hearts

“Love you,” he replied and then yawned.

A long time later, after Caleb and I had slept and recovered, I cuddled him in my arms as we talked about the coming weekend, made plans. Outside, a storm rumbled, but in bed with Caleb, everything felt safe and warm.

Caleb stroked my arm with one finger. “This was the best day. I’d like to live it all over again.”

“It’s only the beginning.” I pressed a soft kiss to his bare chest.

He sighed in agreement, and we kissed again. I licked at his lips, savoring Caleb’s sweet taste. I groaned as he sucked my tongue. I would never get enough of him. We deepened the kiss, exchanging tiny grunts and sounds of pleasure. When the kiss ended, his eyes shined with love as they locked on mine.

“I’m so lucky to be with you,” I murmured. “I’ll never take it for granted.” I cupped the sides of his face and gave Caleb another slow kiss.

“Me either.” He laid my head on my chest.

Nestling together, his skin warm near mine, the rising and falling of his breath matching mine, I thought how Caleb was right: this was a day to live over again.

EPILOGUE

CALEB

Erin wiggled her toes at me. We were at Lotus Flower Salon in downtown Scottsdale. It was a pretty fancy place, equipped with the biggest pedicure chairs and giant televisions. They had something sweet-smelling in a mist, too, to cover up the smell of polish.

“Pretty color. Is that purple?”

“Thanks! Lavender. I like your clear toes. Smoothies next?”

“Of course!” We high-fived. We’d done our fingernails first so they’d be dry by the time we left. One time, we had the manicures last, and Erin ruined hers five minutes out the door.

The downtown was bustling with people and cars. I held the salon door open for her, and off we went.

It was our routine. The first Saturday of the month, we ditched Sean and went for mani-pedis and smoothies in Scottsdale. Erin and I enjoyed our salon days so much. It had been four years now since I’d begun to date Sean, and I loved her like she was my own kid.

We’d had some bumps, especially when I had to say no to Erin or enforce a rule or two, but nothing was as sweet as whenshe tackled me with a big hug. Sean was her father, not me, but I hoped to officially be her stepdad.

Soon.

I had desire, just not the guts. I kept chickening out.

“I’ll take a mango, please,” Erin ordered her smoothie. She always got mango.

“I’ll do the Blueberry Surprise with kale and coconut,” I said. “Thank you.”

“Kale.” Erin wrinkled her nose.

“You can’t even taste it with all the berries added.”

Erin gave me a doubtful look.

Maybe kale was a little gross, but I’d gotten used to it in my drinks. Somehow, Sean had convinced me to try it one time for him, and pretty soon, I was adding it every time, along with other vegetables.

We sat at our usual booth in the smoothie store, sipping the drinks.

“Caleb, I have a serious favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Dad. He’s such a dinosaur. He still won’t let me get my ears pierced! I’m in middle school!” Erin exclaimed indignantly. She leaned closer, her big blue eyes on mine. “You can convince him?”

“Erin, you know I never go against your dad’s rules…”

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