Cal’s car comes to a slow stop in the driveway of the beach house, and we make eye contact.
I flash a small smile. “Thank you for tonight. It was nice catching up.”
Cal returns my smile, kicking the gear into park. “Sure.”
Do I let him down easy?
Just bolt out of the car and hope he won’t ask me out again?
Cal’s a smart guy, which is why I’m sure he’s noticed that I’m not feeling it, but I’m afraid not saying anything might create ambiguity.
My courage is drained from my body when he zeroes in on my lips. “I’m really glad you came back for the summer.”
Please don’t go in for the kiss.
“Same. Anyway, it’s getting late. See you,” I blurt out before climbing out of his car.
I make a beeline for the front door, expecting him to drive off, but he doesn’t, following me instead. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
I give a small nod, speed walking to the porch.
Cal joins me the next second, doubt plastered all over his face. “Hey, um… is everything okay? You’re acting different.”
I blow out a sigh. “I know. I’m so sorry. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t think this is going to work out.”
God, I feel like such an asshole.
Cal’s a good guy. A great guy, even. But I don’t want to lead him on and pretend like I’m not ridiculously drawn to Kane.
I’m not even sure what this stupid attraction means—and I have no intention of finding out—but it wouldn’t be fair to keep dating Cal when I know there’s no way he could make me feel half the things Kane does.
His features twist with disappointment and irritation. “Can I ask why?”
“I just… I’m not in the headspace to date right now.”
Lame answer, I know.
I couldn’t bring myself to tell him that there’s no spark between us. Let alone that I feel that spark for someone else, even though I’d rather die than give myself over to those feelings.
He nods, failing to hide the drop of sadness melting through his voice. “All right. Thanks for telling me.”
I cringe. “I’m so sorry. Are we good?”
He doesn’t look me in the eyes as he says, “Yeah, we’re good.”
“You sure?”
My phone chimes before he can answer.
“Just a second,” I whisper and pull my phone out of my pocket.
Unknown Number
Hate to interrupt, but we’re going to have a serious fucking problem if you let him kiss you.
My throat dries at Kane’s warning.
“Sorry about that… I guess I’ll see you around, then.”