Chapter Three
This was it, the moment I’d about given up on: a real shot at getting up close and personal with the one and only man who’d ever summoned a deep need inside me.
But as I tucked my compact away, I suddenly felt queasy, wondering if I’d even be able to talk to him if given the chance. Caleb had been gorgeous, mysterious, and even sweet at times back then, but what would he be like now? Was I building myself up for a massive disappointment, especially since we were nothing more than passing acquaintances?
“Ready?” Cassandra asked, turning off the ignition and shifting in her seat to face me.
We sat in the parking lot of the town’s newest (and only) hotspot, Haven—at least, it was promised to be, after tonight’s opening. I’d fussed all week, finding the perfect dress and redoing my hair twice, and now I just felt foolish that nerves were preventing my hands from being still.
I nodded slowly, forcing a smile. “Why do I feel like I’m walking into a firing squad?”
My head dropped at my own conflicted words, cheeks blazing. I dug for another layer of lip gloss from the clutch on my lap, then muttered, “Sorry. I don’t know what the hell’s happening to me.”
“It’s fine,” Cassandra replied with a laugh, doing a quick check in her visor mirror before snapping it back up and tossing the car keys in her bag. “I’ve grown used to your Caleb-induced freak fests. I was beginning to miss them.”
I rolled my eyes at the term she’d coined when we were barely teens that I never thought I’d hear again. Still, I was kind of hoping she’d forgotten how ass-backwards Caleb made me feel. I peered up, glancing her way with a heavy retort ready on my tongue, when I caught her teasing smile. My anxiety instantly began to simmer, and for the first time all night, I actually laughed.
“I can do this,” I said to myself, sighing at my own childish behavior. I wasn’t the shy girl who watched him from afar anymore. This was the night I’d finally make him see me.
We climbed out of her shabby red Volkswagen Beetle, which I didn’t mind tonight. I rarely let her take us anywhere in it—not because I was embarrassed when it stalled out, which it did often, but because I knew I could have no better. Had I not swallowed my pride, I’d be driving something far worse, or riding the one bus Harmony had to offer. But after I returned my—or actually, Rafe’s—Mustang to him tomorrow, I’d be doing just that.
I shut the door as if it were made of glass and felt myself waiting for the hinges to snap, which I knew would happen one day soon.
“I got this,” I whispered, again to myself, adjusting my body-hugging black dress. It highlighted the best features of my body, and the short length showcased my long legs that I was thrilled were still tan. The fit left no room for a bra, but I tucked my girls in tight and smiled down at the perfect amount of cleavage peeking out.
Still, my confidence struggled to dig itself from the shallow grave I’d buried it in after the long day. I looked good, so why did I feel less than? As we walked through the parking lot, bursting with vehicles from everyone I grew up around, it only set my mind racing faster.
“Make me a promise?” Cassandra stepped around me suddenly, blocking my path just as we hit the sidewalk in front of Haven, which was booming with soft-rock music. I stepped back, retreating from the cloudiness in her expression and tension in her smile.
“No matter what happens with Caleb—”
I rolled my eyes again, but smiled. “I know, I know. I’m still gorgeous and perfect and deserve better if he can’t see that. I got it already. I love you, but I’ll be fine, really.”
Her brows rose, a smile creeping over her lips. “Actually, I was going to say I don’t want to hear you moping around for the next week if nothing happens, but yeah, let’s go with yours.”
My nerves began to sputter but a beat of laughter flew out of my mouth. “Funny.”
She looped her arm through mine and, together, we entered through the open doors.
No matter how much Cassandra attempted to remind me that Caleb was just a normal guy and that his opinion wasn’t the end-all, my heart refused to believe it, let alone calm the hell down. She didn’t get it—to her, he was nothing more than a boy she grew up across the street from. But he was the man of my dreams—the only one who’d ever made it to my heart, with nothing more than a peck on the lips. But he probably didn’t remember that. Why would he?
The space was crammed with bodies—some dancing, others mingling, but all dressed in their finest, and I recognized nearly everyone. It took just one full sweep of the room for my eyes to connect with his face, which was now harder and aged but somehow even more captivating.
He was everything I remembered him being and more. With a glass of amber liquid in one hand, he stood tall, unaffected by the parade of appreciation that was being showered over him. Despite the dense group surrounding him, his attention was on the room.
My heart slammed against my ribcage, daring to break free. I’d only ever seen him in blue jeans growing up but tonight, as he stood in black trousers and a simple untucked white dress shirt, unbuttoned at the top, I was reminded he was no longer in high school. The black tie he wore was carelessly draped around his neck, loosened and untidy. His caramel-colored hair was a sexy mess of unruly pieces that begged for my hands to rifle through them.
I swallowed, needing to get a closer look and unable to crush the burgeoning heat heaving deep in my belly—a place where nothing but icy insignificance had been at home for far too long.
“There he is,” I barely managed to whisper, my excitement brewing to life.
Fully entranced, I maneuvered through the crowd, drawn toward him, wondering when or if he’d look in my direction—not that it mattered, since he wouldn’t remember me. And once I reached him, I had no clue what I’d even say. We barely knew each other. We were strangers who passed in the school halls or around the neighborhood, never anything more. Still, the look of pride on his face pulled me closer.
The man had taken the filthy, rundown diner I’d eaten at as a child and created a high-class masterpiece, and that alone gave me something to say. He deserved the utmost of praises. The place was completely remodeled and stunning, including a gorgeous bar and massive dance floor, on which we now stood.
I smiled to myself, a flurry of questions buzzing through my mind. I wondered where he’d been all this time as my eyes gazed back around and collided with a clear green stare that froze my chest.
Instinct swiveled me around, and I crashed into Cassandra. “Oh my God,” I gasped, leaning in on suddenly weak knees and gripping her arm for stability.
“Is he looking at us?” I whisper-shouted over the music that, moments ago, had felt distant and detached but was now blaring in my ears.
My entire body trembled. I waited as she stared past my shoulder before giving her answer via the slightest smile that, abruptly, looked pained. Her eyes shot down, staring at my biting grip on her arm where my nails were digging in more firmly than I’d intended. Before I could apologize, she was grinning, her head nodding in amusement.
What the hell would I do without her? Anyone else would’ve called me crazy or run away screaming, but not Cassandra. She put up with my every insecurity and fault. I loved her for that.
To my relief, she clutched my hand and took the lead, weaving us through the rest of the congested room. My feet faltered with every step that carried us closer until we were standing directly in front of him.
“Hey, Cassie.” A genuine smile formed around his words. “You made it.”
While Caleb greeted Cassandra, I welcomed the shadowy background in which they’d unconsciously placed me, as my eyes could roam freely over him, unnoticed. At nearly 25 years old, he held an air of refined sophistication that suited him well. His voice was deeper, stronger, and more thoughtful, with years of knowledge that piqued my curiosity.
Where has he been? What has he seen…done?
“Surprised you remember me,” I heard Cassandra r
eply.
Was she serious? The girl was a blonde ray of sunshine. He couldn’t not remember her, and she knew it.
It was the familiar rise of his crooked, conspiring grin that sent my mind spiraling. Not even time could morph what I knew to be rooted in his core: Caleb Townsend was always one step ahead of everyone.
“How could I forget?” His teasing expression shifted to one of almost confusion, his brows knitting together for only the briefest second when his attention turned to me.
Whatever it was fell away just as quickly, replaced by a kind smile as he continued. “Cassie here once left the light on in her room after dark, and from across the street I could see her singing into her hairbrush, dancing on her bed.”
If it’d been anyone else, I’d have tossed back a quick, witty retort effortlessly. But another thing untouched by time? The way Caleb could reach out and tie my tongue with just a glance. All I could manage was a giggle—a pathetic giggle—as I dared to let my eyes peer up gradually and lock with his mesmerizing, emerald pair.
“She had moves.” Caleb chuckled, looking at Cassandra and taking a swig of his drink.
But just as his glass came down, he was looking past her…and the evident stiffness in her body language told me that she knew at what.
The mysteriously sexy new neighbor of hers whom my best friend was doing a terrible job of pretending she didn’t feel standing behind her was, in fact, standing behind her, murmuring in her ear, too low for me to hear.
Her widening eyes and the twitching pulse in her neck told me enough: Whatever he whispered was as sexy as the man himself.
Caleb turned to better face me. “Hilary, right?”
He knew my name? Holy shit! Caleb knew my name, and it was the first time that he’d said it to me. In all my life I’d never felt my blood pump harder or louder than it did then, at the excitement ripping through my entire quivering body.
“Or not?” His brow rose, as did his challenging grin.
I moved, pleading for my stammering brain to find and use actual words. “Yes. Sorry, that’s me.”
“Why apologize?” His voice was smoother than the sweetest honey, tingling its way down my spine.
“What?” I felt confusion scrunch my face.
“Not worth saying sorry for needing a minute to speak. Far worse things than that.” He leaned in, eyes glittering. “And personally, I enjoy a woman who takes her time.”
Was this really happening? Was he…flirting with me?
I threw a sidelong glance at Cassandra, as if she’d be able to clue me in, but her focus was still on Logan, their words muffled in the background.
“I see some things never change.”
Like a fumbling idiot unable to keep up, I smiled and took a leap, assuming he was speaking about Cassandra. “She’s not an easy one to crack.”
“No, because she’s too good for the guys around here.”
My gaze dropped to my feet and I felt my smile falter, stomach sinking. Did he have feelings for her?
“But that’s not what I was talking about. This…” His hand reached up, knuckles brushing gently across my enflamed cheek. I felt myself go breathless; my entire world stood still.
“You and Cassandra were damn near connected at the hip every time I saw her, and when I did, your cheeks would always glow this bright, vibrant pink.”
He took a drink, still staring at me above the rim with a cool smile. I blinked once, twice. It was all I could do until I finally released a languid breath.
I was contemplating whether I’d imagined the entire exchange when he added, “Always thought it was cute.”
And just like that, my chest exploded with something stronger than any orgasm could ever deliver. He remembered me, knew my name, and thought something about me was cute when I was just a scrawny kid. Hope filled my veins.
I swallowed hard, fidgeting with my hands to contain the grin tugging at my lips. I allowed my eyes to wander around the glittery room. “You did an incredible job here,” I said, changing the subject. “Haven is officially the hottest place in Harmony. Congratulations.”
“Not sure about hot. My definition may differ.”
This time, there was no denying the seductive tone. Seriously, was this all a dream, or was I finally cashing in some karma points?
Caleb grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing server and handed it to me.
“Thanks,” I said softly, bringing the flute to my lips where his eyes caught, watching me.
He dropped his head and smiled, almost laughing under his breath at what seemed to be some inside joke before looking at me again. “So, tell me, why’d you stick around after high school?”
I shrugged a shoulder. “Just graduated here with my teaching degree a couple months back. I’ll be the new second-grade teacher when the school year begins.”
“Second-grade teacher,” he repeated slowly, seeming surprised. “Really? Lucky kids.”
I felt the scorch of my uncontrollable blush and escaped his playful scrutiny by looking down at my drink. “I have to admit, I was surprised to hear you were back in town, and that you bought this place.”
“Wasn’t my plan, to be honest. This place practically fell into my hands, and I decided why not go back to my roots for a while?”
I peered back up just in time to catch his smile.
“So you won’t be staying long?” I asked, hoping to hide my disappointment.
“You never know. I was thinking about finding a good manager to take care of things here once it’s running smoothly.” He paused a moment as he stepped closer—or so it felt. “But then again, I might find a reason to hang around a while.”
Was I imagining a hint of deeper meaning and hunger in his eyes? Was I dreaming while awake, right in front of him?
I took a huge swallow of champagne and declared, “There’s not really much in Harmony worth sticking around for.”
I frowned, determined he’d leave before I ever saw him again and entertaining the enormous possibility that the entire conversation was being overly dissected in my head. He’s just being nice, I reminded myself—or I was, in fact, still dreaming. Either way, I was positive disappointment was coming.
Caleb chuckled, watching me closely as though he had VIP access to my internal debate. “I have a feeling Harmony has a lot to offer this time around.”
“Well, we um…got the end-of-summer parade in a couple of weeks. If that being the highlight of the town’s year doesn’t depress you, then you’ll be right at home.”
I caught Logan walking away from Cassandra just as I heard Caleb’s next unfathomable words.
“You should come with me,” he said, to which I replied by not replying and instead standing motionless, further convinced most of this conversation was of my imaginative making.
My eyes flitted to Cassandra, her smile telling me she’d heard the plea for help contained therein and her curt nod the encouragement needed for me to finally find words.
“Um…yeah,” Calm, deep breaths. “I would love that. I mean…if you want…um…” Any poise I clung to was slipping, and quickly. It was time to retreat before I humiliated myself.
And timed precisely in accordance with the unwritten laws of being a best friend, Cassandra threw out the lifeline. “We should go say hi to some friends,” she said, hooking her arm through mine. “Congratulations again, Caleb. I’m sure you’ll see us back often.”
“It was good seeing you again, dancing queen.” He released the shortest of chuckles, then returned his gaze to me, his expression soft. “I’ll be in touch with you soon.”
I could only nod, a giant grin spreading across my face as Cassandra pulled me through the crowd.
Holy crap! No freaking way that just happened! Caleb Townsend asked me out—or more so asked me to a parade, but same thing, right?
We stopped at the end of the bar. I struggled to settle my wayward thoughts and rocketing nerves as Cassandra asked for two glasses of wine.
“
Can you believe it?” I wondered aloud.
“Hmmm?” Cassandra responded on instinct, not purpose, shooting scathing looks at her hottie neighbor.
I was floating on a heavenly cloud, so I continued. “Caleb invited me to go see the end-of-summer parade with him,” I said, unsure if she was even listening but happy just the same saying it out loud, making it real.
When she didn’t reply, a storm of thoughts brewing in her distant gaze, I decided it best to change the subject to one that’d get her attention.
“I think he has a thing for you.” I jerked my head toward Logan.
She snorted. “Not happening,” she said, then turned back to the bartender impatiently.
“Come on! He’s cute, single, and he lives a few steps away from you. Why not just take a chance?”
“The list is too long,” she muttered, fooling no one, least of all me.
I suddenly felt like I’d missed something between them. He’d only been there a few days and after she’d found out he had a sister, not a wife, who was helping him unpack, you’d have thought she’d have been a little excited. But I knew her better than anyone, so she couldn’t hide it from me. She was fighting to keep it cool but there was something about Logan that got to her, and we both knew it.
Maybe he was what she needed—a rebound distraction from her heartbreak. It was something she’d refused before, despite it being over a year since she and Mark split. It was why, after only one real relationship, she was done with men. Because he was an asshole, she was convinced they all were. She was too soft and too nice, yet those were the very things I loved most about her.
It was I who’d always been the skeptical one, but she’d pushed me to take chances growing up and give people the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it was time to return the favor.
The glasses were placed in front of us but I didn’t touch mine, not wanting anything to dilute my memory of tonight, of Caleb.
Cassandra still wasn’t meeting my eyes and tossed back her glass of wine with speed, so I gave up and dropped the subject just as a few friends from high school came up behind me.
Inferno (A Harmony Love Story) Page 3