Page 115 of Keepsakes and Kismet

“Yeah?”

“Can I run into you later?”

She winks at me. “My place.”

Chapter 26

Peyton

Iwake up gradually, in a soft, Callum-induced, sleepy haze. His front is pressed against my back, and I’m swathed in his scent—fresh laundry and a hint of something citrusy. I breathe it in, lying completely still, unsure if he’s awake yet.

I don’t have to wonder for long. Lips dally at the top of my spine, making me shiver.

“Morning, honey,” he says lazily, dotting the top of my shoulder with another kiss.

I sigh happily. “Morning.”

Callum’s hand wraps around me, gently resting on my exposed lower stomach. He starts drawing gentle, slow circles on my belly and yawns. “I love you, Pey.”

Bliss rushes through me when I remember that’s something we say to each other now. I turn my head to the side, and he gently kisses my eyelid. His lips drag down my temple, pausing only to kiss my cheekbone.

“I love you, Callum.”

Ever since he introduced himself as Callum Galvin, Toledo-Lucas County Health Inspector, his full name stuck. I’m the only person that calls him Callum, and I love the soft, lyrical way it rolls off my tongue.

Last night, we crashed as soon as he got to my place. He had to stop home to feed Zebra and grab some clothes after the restaurant inspection. By the time he arrived, I was already half-asleep.

But now, with his hands on me, I can’t help but feel greedy again. “I love waking up with you. I love the way you’re touching me.”

He moves his hand up higher against my skin. I threw on a tank top and a pair of boyshorts before bed yesterday, not wanting to bother with anything sexier. But when he reaches my breast and his breath stutters, I don’t think he cares what I’m wearing.

Callum brushes a piece of hair back from my face and murmurs in my ear. “How can I take care of you this morning, Pey?”

I arch my back against him. “I need to shower. Want to come with?”

“I’ve actually never…”

I turn my head so I can study his expression. “You’ve never… in a shower before?”

He shakes his head, a wry grin tugging at his lips. “Parents’ houses and dorm rooms. Not ideal.”

I breathe out a laugh. “Do you want…”

Heat flares in his eyes. “I want everything with you.”

Callum’s gaze flits to my lips before he looks away, like if he stared at me a second longer we wouldn’t make it to the shower. “Are the towels in the hallway closet? I can get them.”

“I’ll start the water, then.” I head to the bathroom and turn on the shower. I’m about to take off my clothes, but my gaze snags on my morning pills. Usually, I’d wash them down without a second thought, but given our conversation last night, I wait for Callum.

“Hey, honey.” His voice sounds low behind me.

I lock eyes with him in the mirror. “Hey. I have to take my morning pills. Want to watch?”

Callum nods against my shoulder, saying nothing, but I can tell by his slow exhale that he’s relieved.

I swallow the pills guilt-free, thinking about how far we’ve come. How good it feels that there aren’t any secrets left between us.

He kisses my cheek and reaches for the bottom of my tank top. “Lift your arms for me?”