Page 45 of Finding His Fox

Cal made me want to see what was on the other side of that wall. He gave me the courage to slowly let go of my fears and doubts. And I wanted him to know that.

I stepped closer to Cal, our eyes locked in a deep connection. My fingers intertwined with his hair, gently guiding his face toward mine.

Our lips met, softly at first. It was a kiss filled with warmth, conveying a silent promise.

I wanted to let Cal know that although I was scared of where we were heading, I wouldn’t run away.

As our kiss deepened, I poured my emotions into that moment. I wanted to reaffirm Cal of our connection, an unspoken vow that we could weather any storm together.

That Cal gave me a sense of security, that he was my sanctuary. I wanted him to know that with every moment I spent with him, my worries and fears slowly melted away.

Our lips parted, and we rested our foreheads gently against each other’s. I could feel Cal’s smile on my lips.

“Do you have to go right now?” Cal asked teasingly.

Cal’s mouth traced along my jawline, leaving a trail of tingling sensations in their wake.

He eventually moved lower, his warm breath caressing the nape of my neck, his lips grazing the sensitive spot.

“I could spare ten minutes,” I replied.

* * *

“You brought Max!” Ian exclaimed as he let me into his home.

“Sorry we’re late. The shoot ran longer than expected,” I explained.

Ian grabbed Max’s carrier and placed it on the floor. He let Max out, who immediately circled Ian’s leg.

He grabbed some treats from the side of my bag and started feeding Max. I chuckled. Seeing as Ian was busy, I let myself in.

“If you need some suggestions for new places to shoot, I have a couple in mind,” Ian said, looking up from Max.

I turned my back to Ian and quickly made my way to the kitchen. I placed my backpack on the counter, pretending to look for something.

Ian knew Cal had been helping me out. He knew Cal and I hung out once, maybe twice this week.

He certainly didn’t know we had been spending almost everyday together. Nor did he know that we were more than just friends.

“I’m all good, actually,” I said, trying to sound casual, and hoped my tone didn’t betray me.

“I know you are. Owen said you and Cal had been hanging out. Everyday,” Ian said.

I cursed under my breath. Owen, a gossipmonger. Who knew?

An image started to form in my mind of the Owen. He was standing with his army of devout little old ladies behind him, who’d tell him of the latest gossip in town.

I knew Cal wouldn’t say anything about us. So it had to be the sheriff and his detective skills. And his network of nanas.

I made a mental note to not go into town for brunch or coffee with Cal after our photoshoots anymore. To keep a low profile in the next few days.

I turned to look at Ian, wanting to find out what else Owen had told him. Before I could say anything, the doorbell rang.

Ian let Cliff in, who was carrying an enormous aluminium tray that smelled like barbecue heaven. My stomach started to rumble.

“Hey. Thanks for inviting me again,” Cliff said to Ian.

Cliff then looked at me and said, “My brother made ribs again. But don’t worry, I asked him to do a Szechuan rub.”