Page 10 of Finding His Fox

From the corner of my eye, I could see a kid, his arms outstretched, running towards Cal. Without a second thought, I stepped between them, shielding the kid.

Who knew what Cal, AKA The Grump, was going to do once the poor child collided with him?

The kid avoided me and flung himself around Cal’s muscular thigh. To my surprise, Cal bent down and returned the hug, his cool expression thawing a little.

I was completely floored. I tried not to look like I was watching them intently as Cal talked to the kid.

Every time Cal cracked a smile, it fascinated me. To be honest, I was also a little jealous.

So far, two things made Cal smile this evening. The food and this kid. I mentally challenged myself to find out what else would make The Grump smile.

A man ran up to us. He had an apologetic look on his face as he placed an arm around the kid’s shoulder. Cal stood up, his expression turning stoic again.

“Sorry about that Cal, Patty just wanted to say hi,” the man, who I assumed was Patty’s father, said.

Cal grunted in acknowledgement. I suppose I should feel lucky. Cal actually gave me a verbal response earlier. Before I could tease him about it, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“Nate and Cal? Could you come with me, please? Owen and Ian need you for some pictures,” a woman said.

She was holding an expensive-looking camera.

I turned to follow her. Before I could think twice about it, I grabbed Cal’s arm and pulled him along with me.

I could feel the tension in his arm, as if he wanted to pull it away, but he didn’t.

We arrived at the gazebo at the center of the square, where Ian and Owen were taking pictures with another group of people.

Once they were done, the photographer quickly positioned me and Cal into place.

She pushed me and Cal so close together. We were practically shoulder to shoulder. I could feel him stiffen up.

I was starting to pity the man. Cal seemed to be really uncomfortable around me and couldn’t seem to relax.

The photographer made a slapping motion above her camera, gesturing for us to move even closer together. I leaned a little towards Cal, making sure to keep a few inches between us.

However, the damned photographer continued to make the same motion with her hand, much faster this time.

I was slowly losing my patience and wanted to throw my empty champagne glass at her.

Just take the damn picture already!

An arm suddenly looped around my waist—Cal's arm. I gasped as he pulled me tightly to his side, as if I belonged there.

Once I was close enough, Cal rested his palm at the small of my back, sending a shiver down my spine. I looked up at him, my eyes wide with surprise.

When he gave me a smile, I felt my breath catch. My heart felt like it would explode. Cal was so warm and he smelled so good, like pine trees in spring.

The photographer finally gave a thumbs-up sign. She looked into her camera and readied to take the shot.

For a moment, my mind went blank, unsure of what was happening. I was only aware of the warm feel of Cal’s body and his firm, strong hand on my back, holding me close.

However, the moment quickly passed. I felt Cal’s breath hitch.

Cal’s face suddenly changed. His eyebrows knitted together and his nose scrunched up. Just as the flash went off, he let out a loud sneeze.

All eyes turned to him. I placed a hand over mouth, desperately trying to suppress my giggles.

Ian shot me a disapproving look. Meanwhile, Owen turned to Cal looking concerned.