Page 102 of The Persistence of Thornes
Long ago, my grandmother told me that when I found the right one, I’d know. Thatjust seeing him would bring a smile to my face. That I’d want to tell him everything. That my heart would race just thinking about him.
I never believed her before now. My mom acted like that with every man she brought into my life. Yet one after another, they turned out to be assholes, and none of them lasted. So how could love be anything but pain and disappointment?
Eventually, I realized that she was chasing the high and not the person, but she’d been fooled over and over again, so how could I be sure the same wouldn’t happen to me?
Once I’ve finished the water, I dump the ice in the sink and put the glass in the dishwasher—which I’m still not used to having.
This dreaded corset, while perfect for a pirate costume, is massively uncomfortable. But I need Caleb’s help to get out of it.
That thought sends a new round of jitters through me. His hands on my body, his breath on my neck…
This feels like my first time all over again—all nerves and anticipation and fear that I’ll do something wrong or stupid, and Caleb isn’t even here yet.
The longer I wait, the more heat rises inside me. Panting, I lift my hair off my neck and pace the room.
“Stop it,” I scold myself two or three laps in. Stopping, I bury my face in my hands. “You’re being ridiculous. It’s just Caleb.”
Once he’s here, all my nerves will melt away. But there’s no tempering the anxiety while I wait.
I can’t stay still. Now that I’m not pacing, my handshave taken over the nervous movements, fluttering around my body, searching for ways to be useful.
With an audible groan, I drag myself upstairs. Rather than going to my room, I go to his. Caleb has been beyond patient with me thus far. If he senses any reservations, I worry he won’t sleep with me tonight. The man is frustratingly perfect. Seriously, can’t he haveoneflaw? I’m full of them.
I flick one of the bedside lights on, casting the room in a warm glow, then ease onto the end of his bed, crossing my legs. Instantly, I fidget again, crossing and recrossing and smoothing my hair back from my face.
For what feels like hours, I wait there. And when the front door opens and closes, my heart rate ratchets up once more.
Each beat sounds likeCa-lebin my ears, his footsteps on the stairs reverberating through me.
I hold my breath, like that will help this situation at all. Over my thundering heart, I can just make out the creak of a door down the hall. He’s peeking into my room, finding it empty.
I didn’t think my heart could beat any faster, but there it goes, proving the impossible possible.
My breathing is ragged when the door I left unlatched lets out the tiniest of squeaks as he eases it open.
He doesn’t startle when he sees me. If anything, he sags a little, relieved. He closes the door behind him—but doesn’t lock it—and leans against it, arms crossed, sizing me up.
“What are you waiting for, Halle?” His voice sounds deeper, huskier than normal.
My heart leaps into my throat. “You.”
His lips tip up into a smirk. “And what are you going to do with me?”
The question instills a confidence within me. One I’ve never possessed when it comes to men.
Carefully, I stand. Then I pad across the room.
His Adam’s apple bobs as he takes me in, the only sign that maybe he’s a little nervous too. Eyes raking over my face, he drinks me in, the look full of desire but also concern, as if he’s searching for any hint of unease. He’ll find none.
My instinct is to press up on my tiptoes and kiss him. Instead, I tug my hair over my shoulder and turn around, giving him my back.
“I can’t get this off on my own.” I peer back at him, and when the need in his eyes registers, my knees nearly buckle.
His fingers tremble as he grips the knot, working it loose. When the ribbon falls to the ground at my feet, the entire corset goes with it. Though he can’t see my chest from where he stands, I instinctively reach up to cover myself, but before I can, his hands are there, cupping my breasts.
The heat of his body radiates through me, but despite the warmth, a shiver makes its way down my spine. In response to my shudder, he holds me a little tighter and places a delicate kiss on my bare shoulder, his thumbs moving in slow circles over and around my nipples until they’re sharp peaks.
“Caleb,” I whimper, begging for more.
