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Caleb’s lips part in shock. “Why the hell would anyone think that?”
Now it’s my turn to shrug because I really don’t know. “Probably just because I haven’t dated anyone since they went public. People love to speculate.”
“They should mind their own business,” he grunts.
I agree but I also don’t stress over it. It’s never going to change and if you dwell on the bad shit, none of the good shit feels as good. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for, and when you’re a fortunate public figure, there tend to be downsides. I wouldn’t trade it though.
I hum, nodding along with his point. “Are you out?”
“Out of the closet?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Yeah,” he replies quietly. “I’m just private around here.”
“I get that,” I tell him seriously. “This is where you work, it makes sense to have personal stuff you prefer to have to yourself.”
The cowboy seems to soften, understanding my lack of judgment. Everybody has their own way of being themselves and who am I to evaluate his?
“Yeah,” he murmurs absently.
“So since you’re out,” I start, rubbing my hands together as we maneuver around a sizable fallen tree. “And it’s against the rules to fraternize with guests, would you let me take you out after my reservation expires?”
Caleb stops in his tracks, eyes widening at me. “W-what?”
Okay, that was adorable. But why is he so shocked?
“When I leave,” I repeat, still smiling. “Would you let me take you on a date? Dinner, maybe? Or lunch, if you’re the kind of guy who thinks dinner is somehow more intense than lunch for a first date.”
“You want… you want to go on a date?” He gapes, jaw hanging open. “With me?”
Scrunching my eyebrows together, I give him a bewildered look. “Of course I do. I’d love to go out with you.”
He’s struck silent. All I can hear is him breathing for several moments.
“Seriously?”
“What do you think I’ve been doing this whole time?” I ask. “I thought I’ve been pretty clear about being really fucking into you.”
Caleb shakes his head. “I thought… I thought you were just looking for a hookup.”
Oh, bless his heart.
“Maybe when I first saw you, yeah,” I admit. “But most of that thought process was just me being struck by how seriously fucking gorgeous you are. I’d take a no strings thing if that’s what you’re looking for, but it’s not all I want.”
“I—” his voice trails off and he looks at me. Really fucking looks at me. “Why would you want that? You can have anyone you want.”
Licking my lips, I counter, “I’m looking at exactly who I want.”
It’s like it finally hits him and before I can say another word, he’s pressing me firmly against a tree and attacking my mouth with his.
Fuck. Yes.
Chapter 6
Caleb
I shiver on first contact like a damn electric bolt just shot down my spine. Kissing Elias is absolutely reckless on my part, but fuuuck it feels good. Tastes good too—all manly and minty. It’s been way too long since I let myself indulge in anything, let alone a kiss like this. Shit, have I ever had a kiss like this?
