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We’d finished the painting the living room, and Daniel’s bedroom two hours ago, and then had pizza delivered for dinner. We camped out in the kitchen, and once we were done eating, Daniel got cleaned up for bed. I had him crashing on the sofa until the smell in his room subsided.
Staci and Callie had just finished washing the dishes when I walked back into the kitchen.
Aiden called Staci, leaving me alone with Callie. I suspected he did it on purpose, so that I could talk to her.
“Hey.” She smiled, and I walked over to her, leaning against the counter. “I’m almost ready to leave.”
“I’m not rushing you,” I replied. “Thanks for helping today. I know it means a lot to Daniel, and Staci too.”
Callie dropped the dishtowel on to the counter, and mirrored my stance. “Just them?”
My lips curved, and I had to stop myself from rubbing the back of my neck. This girl made me nervous, and I hadn’t felt that in a long time. A little over a year to be exact.
“Me too.” I swallowed. “It means a lot to me too.”
“Then you’re welcome.”
We stared at each other, and when it became a little too intense, Callie closed the gap. She was taller than…no, not doing that. I wasn’t going to compare her to Kenzi.
Don’t overthink it.
“I know what ever happened between you and your ex has left you a little gun-shy,” Callie titled her head so that she could look me in the eye. I thought it was kind of sexy, the way she used her eyes to challenge me, “But, you need to know that I like you, Vaughan.”
Don’t overthink it.
I inhaled. I wanted this.
Don’t overthink it.
“I like you too.”
“I am pretty awesome,” she sighed, making me grin.
“Hmmmm.”
“I’d like to get to know you better.” Her voice quieted, and if I wasn’t mistaken, she was nervous too. “But you have to tell me that you’re okay with that.”
Don’t overthink it.
“I’m not sure I can do serious right now.”
If I was going to do this with Callie, I had to do it starting with honesty. I had no intention of making false promises, especially if it meant she wouldn’t get hurt.
“That’s fine. I don’t want more than you’re willing to give me.”
I stepped closer. “Then what do you want?”
“To spend time with you. And your family.” I liked that, my family. That’s what we were now. A family.
With tentative care, and maybe a little hesitancy, I rested my hand on Callie’s hip. “Anything else?”
“Hmm-hmm.” She nodded. “I really want you to kiss me.”
Don’t overthink it.
“I think I want to kiss you too.”
And I did. I wanted to let go of the feelings holding me back, and give myself the chance at something new. It wasn’t just Daniel who needed a fresh start.
So I lowered my head, and when my mouth met Callie’s I stopped thinking altogether.
