Page 59 of Better When Shared
The confession hung between us, loaded with implications neither of us was quite ready to voice. Instead, I stepped back, reaching for my purse and coat.
"Well, we've got six hours, and I know exactly where to shop," I said, trying to lighten the moment. "Nordstrom has some watches Julian's been eyeing."
Caleb helped me into my coat, his hands lingering on my shoulders. "Lead the way, darling. Julian is going to pick us up in three hours for dinner, then you’ll give me a ride back to the airport.”
We left my office standing a little ways apart, though there was nothing I wanted more than to hold his hand. The elevator ride down was silent, and he reached out to grab my hand, his thumb tracing patterns on my palm, my head resting against his shoulder. Outside, the December rain had slowed to a gentle mist that kissed our faces as we walked the six blocks to the department store.
"I like your city in the winter," Caleb said, his breath forming small clouds in the chilly air. "All moody skies and cozy interiors."
"Says the man from London," I teased, leaning into his side. “Talk about moody weather.”
"True. But your coffee is better."
We fell into easy conversation as we walked, his arm around my shoulders, mine around his waist. He told me about his latest hotel project, I updated him on my sister's pregnancy, and for those few blocks, it felt normal—like we were any couple out Christmas shopping, rather than two-thirds of something far more complex.
When Nordstrom's grand entrance came into view, its holiday decorations twinkling against the gray afternoon, Caleb pulled me closer for a quick kiss.
"Ready to spoil your husband rotten?" he asked.
"Ours," I corrected without thinking, then froze, shocked at my own words.
Caleb's eyes widened, then a slow smile spread across his face—not mocking, not alarmed, but filled with something that looked suspiciously like hope.
"Ours," he repeated. "Fuck, why does the impossible have to sound so perfect?"
I kissed him on the cheek, smiling. “Maybe it’s not impossible.”
My heart pounding, I led him through the revolving doors, into the bright warmth of holiday commerce and possibility.
The watch gleamed under the display case lights, its elegant chronograph face nestled against black velvet. I watched Caleb's long fingers tap thoughtfully on the glass as he considered it, his reflection showing the same contemplative expression Julian wore when making important decisions. The similarity between my two men sometimes caught me off guard—not in their appearances, but in the small mannerisms they shared, the quiet intensity they both brought to even simple tasks like selecting a Christmas gift.
"This one," I said, pointing to the Swiss timepiece with the sapphire-blue face. "It's his style—understated but exceptional."
Caleb's eyes crinkled at the corners. "You know him well."
"So do you," I countered, nudging his shoulder. "Don't pretend you didn't immediately eliminate that gaudy gold one."
"That was for my own dignity. I couldn’t be seen with a man wearing that," he laughed, catching the saleswoman's attention with a discreet gesture. "Julian would sooner wear a plastic Swatch than something that ostentatious."
As the saleswoman removed the watch from the display, Caleb slipped his arm around my waist, his lips brushing my ear. "You're damn sexy today.” His hand slid lower to squeeze my ass when the saleswoman turned away.
After completing the purchase—Caleb insisting on splitting the cost—we wandered through the store's festive aisles. Holiday music drifted through the air, mixing with the scent of pine andcinnamon from some nearby display. His hand remained at the small of my back, guiding me through the crowds of shoppers.
As we walked, I wondered what I’d say if someone we knew saw us. Would they think I was cheating on Julian? I wondered if there would ever be a time when we could be like my friend Lila, who was in a triad. What would it be like to be open and public about our relationship?
"Where to next?" he asked as we passed the jewelry section. "Home to wrap this so Julian doesn’t see it?"
I checked my watch—still two hours until Julian would pick us up.
"Actually," I said, steering us toward the escalator, "I had something else in mind."
His eyebrow arched, curiosity mixed with anticipation. "Do tell."
"Second floor. Intimate apparel."
His pupils dilated, darkening those green eyes to forest shadows. "Lead the way."
The lingerie department was quiet midday. I browsed through the racks of delicate fabrics, aware of Caleb watching my every move, his gaze heavy with promise.
