Page 97 of Love Me Stalk Me
"So...why'd you stay?" I ask, taking another sip of coffee. The rich liquid warms me from the inside, helping to clear some of the fog from my brain.
Callahan shrugs, as if it's no big deal. "Didn't have a car. Didn't want to leave you alone in case you got sick."
I feel instantly guilty. "I'm so sorry. You didn't have to do that."
He tilts his head slightly, watching me. "You really don't need to apologize."
"But—"
"I made the decision," he cuts in. "I wouldn't have done what I did if I didn't want to."
I stare at him, digesting that.
The way he says it—so matter-of-fact, so solid—makes my chest tighten in a way I don't fully understand. There's something about his certainty that's both intimidating and incredibly attractive.
I clear my throat, needing to shift gears.
"How did you even get me home?" I ask, setting my coffee down. The mug makes a soft thud against the wooden table. "I probably wasn't capable of giving directions."
"Nope. You were a little busy mumbling about how much you wanted tacos."
I groan. "Kill me."
"Nah," he says. "Figured it out. Pulled up your address from the company directory."
"Oh. That was...smart."
He just shrugs. We eat in companionable silence for a while, and I have to admit—his food is good. The eggs are perfectly cooked, the bacon crispy but not burnt, the toast lightly buttered and golden.
"This is really good," I say, gesturing to my plate. "Where'd you learn to cook likethis?"
Callahan lifts a shoulder. "When you're alone long enough, you learn a thing or two."
I pause, fork halfway to my mouth. There's something about the way he says it. Something that makes me wonder just how long he's been alone. The casualness of his tone can't quite hide the hint of loneliness beneath. I take another bite, chewing slowly, then set my fork down.
"I don't think I properly thanked you for yesterday," I say quietly. "For everything with Evan."
Callahan shakes his head immediately. "You don't have to thank me for being decent to you."
I press my lips together, fingers fidgeting with my napkin. "I don't know...I guess I feel like I do."
His eyes lock onto mine. "Well, that's something we can work on."
I huff a small laugh, picking up my coffee. "Now you sound like Evan."
The mood shifts instantly.
The teasing drains out of his expression.
His eyes darken as his entire demeanor changes. "I'm nothing like that scumbag," he says, voice dangerously low.
I freeze, mug halfway to my lips, suddenly realizing my mistake.
He leans in slightly. "He wants to 'work on you’ to tear you down, Izzy. I want to build you up." He tilts his head. "There's a big difference."
I feel my throat tighten, an unexpected emotion washing over me.
I don't know what to say.
