Page 84 of The Persistence of Thornes
Although I haven’t missed her once since she was sentenced. I’ve only felt relief in that respect.
“It’s okay to let people in.” He crosses his arms over his chest, the soft heather gray fabric stretching around his biceps in the most perfect way.
He’s so annoyinglyfit.
The thought has just popped into my mind when a grin splits his face. “You’re staring at my arms.”
“I am.” No sense in denying it when I’ve been caught red-handed. “So, you called just to talk to me, or…?”
He sits back, and the stool he’s sitting in scrapes against the floor. “Salem called.”
“Ah.” I lower my focus to the comforter covering my lap. “I see. You’re only calling because of her.”
“No.” The firmness in his tone is a shock, causing me to whip my head up and assess him. “I’ve wanted to call you every day since I left, but I was afraid I’d make you uncomfortable.” Sighing, he runs his fingers through his hair. It flops right back in his eyes. “I don’t—fuck, Halle. I’m afraid of coming on too strong. You can be so skittish, and I don’t want to scare you off.” His shoulders sag like all the windhas been taken out of his sails. “I’m trying to give you space. I don’t want to be overbearing. The kind of guy you can’t shake. Okay? You’re living in my house, and it's fucking killing me not to touch you, but I worry I’ll make you uncomfortable, and—” He drags his hand over his jaw. “Fuck, I’m just really confused, okay?”
I bite down on my lip a little too hard, head bobbing. “I understand.”
This whole thingisconfusing. The day I chose to move to Hawthorne Mills, I couldn’t have imagined meeting a man I’d be interested in, a man who also showed interest in me, let alone a man like Caleb—the kind of person who could absolutely ruin me if I let him. The kind of person who has reminded me again and again that therearegood people in the world.
“I don’t think you do.”
The pain in his voice makes my stomach twist.
“Explain it to me, then.”
He exhales, his whole body sagging and his gaze averted. “I’ve never felt like this before, and it… fuck, Halle. I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone before, but I don’t think you believe me.”
I know I shouldn’t ask, but the words leave my mouth before I can stop them. “Not even her?”
He holds my gaze, his attention never wavering when he says, “Not even her.”
I keep my eyes locked with his for another moment, but eventually, my nerves get the best of me, and I duck my head. I have to let go of the Salem thing. He says he’s over her, and he’s never given me a reason not to believe him.My stupid insecurities are to blame in this situation. I’ve let them get the best of me, so concerned that I’m not the kind of woman a man like him deserves.
He’s gentle, kind-hearted, and caring, but couldn’t I say those things about myself too? So why can’t I be the kind of woman he deserves?
Caleb clears his throat, pulling me from my thoughts.
“The Halloween party slipped my mind. Salem mentioned that they were considering throwing one again this year, but I didn’t realize it was set in stone. Then I left for Boston, and we really haven’t spoken since then.”
I nod. “I understand.”
I really do, and I’m annoyed with myself for jumping to conclusions and performing Olympic-worthy gymnastic stunts in my brain.
He cocks his head to the side. “Do you?”
“Yes.”
“Good girl.”
My core tightens not only in response to the words but the tone in which he says them.
“I’ll be home tomorrow,” he says, stretching his arms above his head.
Here I go again, staring at his biceps and squinting at the tattoo peeking out from beneath the edge of his shirt sleeve, the one I’ve yet to get close enough to in order to identify.
“Okay,” I say softly. “I need to run to the grocery store tomorrow. Want me to pick up anything in particular?”
“If I think of something, I’ll text you.” He leans closer tothe camera, his wide shoulders blocking out the apartment behind him. “And Halle?”
