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I needed to be busy.
I flicked the light switch, but it did nothing. Testing it a couple more times only failed further in determining the issue.
“There’s no power. The whole town is out,” Callum informed from behind me.
“Oh,” is all I could say.
It appeared we were to be stranded here in our little lavender-scented solitude for a little longer. Just Callum and me.
Just the two of us and a whole lane of memories to navigate through.
ChapterTwenty-Four
Callum
It was not the perfect plan, but I wasn’t complaining about how we were stuck here together. In an ideal world, Alina and I would be here together by her own choice, not because the stubborn force of Mother Nature had forced her hand with no options for escape.
“The bridge to town is blocked as well, so Charlie won’t be able to get here before sunup.”
“So, we’re stuck here?”
Her tone had me curious and confused. Was the news disappointing, or was she feeling opportunistic, like me? A blessing in disguise, of sorts.
“With no power, just the two of us in the dark?”
“You don’t have to sound so appalled, darlin’.”
“I didn’t mean to offend you. I just meant…” She left her words to waiver.
“You’re stuck here withme,” I finished for her.
If I knew anything about Alina, she’d feel cornered because our situation was beyond her control. She’d always hated relinquishing control, even to a force greater than her. Like the mean weather snap we were in the middle of.
“Not what I meant either.” Alina released a heavy sigh, her chin pointing to the ground and her long eyelashes brushing her cheeks as she cast her eyes to the floor. “I kind of prefer sleeping with a light on.”
“You’re scared of the dark?” I stepped closer to her, overwhelmed by the need to be close and prove there was nothing to be feared in the night. Not when so many appealing activities could happen under the cloak of darkness. There were so many things I wanted to do with her to distract her from her vulnerability.
“It’s not uncommon, Callum,” she snapped and went to push past me, but instead of letting her retreat, I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her into me.
“There is no need to get your panties in a bunch, darlin’. I was merely asking you a question… no judgment.”
Her body stilled in my arms as I moved my mouth within millimeters of her ear.
“I’m more than willing to guide you through as many nights as we’re together, here in the dark, as needed,” I whispered.
She realized her mistake almost immediately as she turned her face, our lips so close to brushing against the other in an unintentional caress. I smiled when her eyes went wide, and her jaw went slack in surprise. Had I been a split second quicker, I could’ve claimed her mouth, plunging my tongue between her parted lips.
“It isn’t a joke.”
Her breathing was jagged as she stayed pressed against me. She was right. To turn this situation to my advantage would be insensitive, but her response to our proximity couldn’t be denied, and it took all my willpower to talk my libido down from the edge.Hewanted to dive right in and consume her.
To hell with the expense. I felt like I had the devil resting on my shoulder in his plush recliner chair with manipulation strings directed to my groin.
“I’m sorry.”
Feeling the remorse did nothing to ease the need for her surging through my blood at the continual contact. It wouldn’t be long until she realized the effect she was having on me being so close. I didn’t want to release her, not while the desire to kiss her was the driving force, but it was because of that reason I needed to let her go.
“I’ll, uh, fix us something to eat.” In a fleeting glance, I cast my eyes past her to the pantry door.
