“Hello?” He sounded like he had run across the room.
“Caleb…it’s…Ryleigh.” I don’t know why all the sudden I felt shy.
“Hey! Sorry, I was just getting out of the shower. What’s up?”
“Um…well…I’m kinda downstairs…” I began before he interrupted me.
“Come on up! You don’t have to call. Ever.” He sounded so firm, it was very sexy.
“Oh, okay, well I will be up in a minute.” I hung the phone up and headed towards the elevators. I looked down at my watch. I had just a little over an hour until I had to meet Ava. The elevator yesterday seemed to move at the pace of sloth, but today it seemed to move at light speed, I got up there in no time. I fidgeted down the hallway to his door; I got ready to knock when he opened the door.
He had yet to put any clothes on. I think my jaw hit the floor! He was wearing a longer cotton towel, but from the way I was looking at him, it was as if he was wearing nothing at all!
“So all I have to do is wear a towel around you for you to stare at me that way?” He laughed.
Man, I felt silly for staring like a damn idiot.
“Oh! Sorry. I’m not used to be greeted at the door by a buff guy wearing nothing but a towel!” I could have been drooling and wouldn’t have noticed.
“I am pretty buff, huh?” He joked and grabbed my arm and yanked me into the room.
“Smart ass.” I said smacking his chest.
He pulled my arm into the room and I quickly averted my eyes to the other parts of the room.
“Let me just grab some clothes. Make yourself at home. What are you doing down this way?” He asked as he shut the bathroom door. “I was out bumming around, just taking a drive and thought I would come down and say hi. I took today off of work and am finding I’m actually bored out of my mind!” I leaned back on to the bed, but quickly sat back up when he came out of the bathroom. He was wearing some faded jeans that just sat so right on him and still had yet to put on a shirt. I felt a little nervous around him.
“Can I get you anything?” He asked running his fingers through his spikey hair. “So what are you doing today? He asked as he came and plopped down on thebed next to me.
“No. I am good. I am supposed to meet a friend of mine for lunch, which…Shit, what time is it?” I leaned up on my elbow to check the clock on the nightstand. “Okay, I have like 20 minutes until I have to meet Ava for lunch, so I should probably go.”
“You just got here!” He said shocked.
“I know, I’m sorry. I was just out driving around and I thought that I would come by and say hi since I was in the neighborhood.”
“You just wanted to see me in my towel, huh?” He playfully asked.
“You are such an ass!” I went to hit and he leaned in for a kiss to my cheek.
“So, tomorrow. What time?” He asked as he grabbed a t-shirt from the drawer.
“What?” I asked confused.
“You said in your text, you were going to the spa and then after we could meet up for a late lunch, right?”
“Oh, right, well our appointment is at 10:30 and we are going to eat a brunch there, but I could meet you at 2? Maybe for a beer?”
“You had me at beer.” He chuckled. “Do you want me to pick you up from somewhere or meet you?”
“Let’s meet. I will be down this way, so we can just meet at a local bar. I will give you a call you when I am leaving there?” I started heading towards the door when he grabbed my arm.
“Sounds great. I can’t wait to see you again. I wish you didn’t have to leave so fast, I really do miss hanging out.” He said sorrowfully.
“I am really sorry…” I tried.
“Don’t apologize. You already had plans.” He winked at me. We both started for the door.
“I should go bum around for a while. I will walk you down to your car, where did you park?” He opened the door for me and followed me out.
“I used valet. I had no idea where to park besides at my work, but since I took the day off; I probably shouldn’t use the parking lot and them see me.”
“Yeah, if you are playing hooky, not a good idea to park at work. I will put the valet charge on my room.” “Oh no, I already paid. I am sure that you have enough charges from me, like dinner, on your room tab already. Why are you staying in a hotel, anyway? Your parents don’t have an extra room for you to crash at?”
“Well, as much as I would LOVE to spend the time with my parents...” He laughed. I laughed back with him. I always remember his parents being really lenient with him, but always wanted to know everything he was going to do.
“Besides, my job is actually putting me up here because I haven’t found a place yet. I transferred up here and so work said they would cover my moving costs and hotel costs. I should probably find some place before they think I am taking advantage of them, huh?”
“Wow! I kinda feel stupid asking this now, but what are you doing?” I actually did feel my cheeks blush a little after asking. “Well, I got into computers and technology when I was in the military. They offered me a job with the government right after I got out. I should’ve taken it, but I went with this civilian company. They have amazing benefits and the owner is a good buddy of mine, who that I met over in the U.K. He heard I was getting out and he said that he a job for me, he is a good guy and so I couldn’t say no.”
We hit the lobby and walked over to the valet stand and I dug my ticket out of my purse. While we waited, I could tell Caleb was leaning in and taking small whiffs of my hair. It made me chuckle inside.
“So you really got a great job, then! That’s awesome. Where are you looking for houses?”
“I was thinking out towards the old neighborhood. I’ve seen a couple of homes out that way and I will be close to mom and dad too, so it will be nice.”
Just then my car rolled up to the curb. I never wanted valet to be so slow in my entire life.
“Well, this is me. So I guess I will just talk to you later?” I felt bad that I had to leave so soon.
“Yes, I will text you later. We will also see each other tomorrow afternoon, beers remember.” He grabbed my hand and led me to my car and opened my door.
“Alright. Bye.” With that I got in my car and shut the door. I started to drive to meet Ava. I quickly grabbed my phone out of my purse to give her a quick call to let her know I was on my way.
I realized I had a missed call from Liam! He didn’t leave a voicemail, so I quickly returned his call.
“Hey, where are ya?” He asked annoyed. “Oh I’m out, bummin’ around, I’m meeting Ava for lunch now. Daytime television and I didn’t seem to agree so I had to get out of the house for a bit. I guess I just didn’t hear my phone, I’m sorry. How’s your day?”
“Well it was going good until I was told I might have to fly out to New York next week to meet some of their team members.” He didn’t sound very happy at all with this; I mean understandably he was not the one that enjoyed traveling for work.
“Oh honey, I’m so sorry. How long do you have to gofor?” I tried to ask sweetly. “Just a couple of days. I haven’t been home much lately and I didn’t want to have to leave you anymore than I already have.”
“We’ll have to just make up for it when you get home then, won’t we?” I said flirtatiously. I could tell that brought a smile to his face. “That’s what I love about you! You can make a horrible situation turned into the best ever. I’m still going to work all night, I should be home mid-morning tomorrow and then we’ll do dinner, just you and me. We’re still on for that? You aren’t going to leave me for working so much?” He joked.
“Of course not! And dinner just you and me is going to be great! Should I make any reservations at any place particular?”
“You pick. I’ve gotta run, but I will try and call you around dinner time. I love you!” He didn’t even wait for me to respond. Not really like him, but obviously we took up some work time.
I put my cell in the cup holder and flew down the highwa
y so I could meet Ava on time.
Chapter Seven
I pulled into the parking lot at 12:57 ;I thought that my timing was perfect. I quickly grabbed my stuff and saw Ava waiting by the entrance. She always seemed to be so happy, she was a great person to have around to brighten the mood.
“Hey Ava!” I met her at the door, she was so cute. She was just this petite brunette that could just light up the room with her big smile and her big doe eyes. “Hi Ryleigh! I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed this day off! Thanks again. Let’s eat I am STARVING!” At first look, you would think that the poor girl hasn’t eaten in months. She and I got along the best over eating; we could out eat half the guys in the office, which I always thought we should put some money on the line for it. I laughed to myself.
“Yes! I’m starving too!” I followed her inside. The Tavern was always a nice place to listen to great music and get some delicious food. The night life was pretty fun too; Liam and I had been down here a couple of times. Dancing and drinks without having to go downtown.
We sat down and quickly browsed the menu; I could eat everything on the menu, but decided to get a burger and fries. Ava decided that sounded just asgood. “So, Ryleigh, how are things? We don’t really get to gossip as much anymore during the day, so I’ve gotta get caught up. How is that handsome husband?” Ava asked anxiously awaiting some sort of intriguing news.
I laughed, Ava, she was currently single and she seemed to live vicariously through my marriage. She was only 26 but thought she was pushing the limit to walk down the aisle. She tended to share that she was looking for someone to get married, but she would share that one the first date, she didn’t seem to realize that bringing up marriage on the first date was a total mood killer.
“Things are good. Liam is great; he has been working a lot more lately which kinda sucks. We used to spend every evening together and the last couple of nights I haven’t seen much of him at all. He just called me when I was on my way here and he told me that they are sending him to New York for a couple of days.” I think that was the moment that it hit me; he was going to be gone for a couple of nights. In the time we have been together, he had only been gone a total of 3 nights total and now I hadn’t really seen much of him and then he was going to be gone.
“That sucks big time! You okay?” She asked as she reached for my arm. “Yeah, just thinking about how much he and I have been apart.” I bit my lip trying not to let this upset me. I know he had been really busy with work lately.
“I hate to be THAT person, but you are certain he is working, right? I mean, you don’t think he is having an affair? Do you?”
“Oh, you aren’t being that person at all. I’m sure that there would be tons of people thinking the same thing. I really don’t think that he is having an affair. There is a big project that he is working on. But thank you, Ava, for listening.” After saying it out loud, I actually started to question the thought myself.
“Of course! That’s what I’m here for! Oh look, here comes our food! I can’t wait to tear into that burger!” She had her big bright smile on her face; she was only girl that I knew that would get this excited about food. I laughed and shook my head at her.
We devoured our meals; we both were so full by the last few fries. I couldn’t help letting our previous conversation fog up my head. I tried to not let it show by joking with her about hooking her up with some random guy in the restaurant. We had a lot of fun giggling and rating the guys, it definitely took mind off of everything.
After fighting over the bill for several minutes, I paid for our lunch. We said our goodbyes in the parking lot and agreed that she would be bringing in the coffee on Monday; it was going to be a long day of playing catch up.
I got in my car and headed home, but the drive made me start to question what was going on with Liam. Was it possible or was it me just feeling guilty of my own infidelities? I was beginning to think it was my fault. This feeling was really going to eat me alive.
I pulled up in my driveway and my phone buzzed.
Hey beautiful, how was lunch?
It was Caleb. He definitely knew how to bring a smile to my face, even when it was him that I was feeling horrible about.
Hey, it was fun. I am so full though…ate too much! Have fun today? I headed up into the house and found a bouquet of flowers on the counter. The card read To My Loving (and forgiving) Wife. I love you, truly. He must have been in flower shop when he was on the phone with me and that was why he had to let me go so fast. That means that he must have come home to surprise me while I was having my little rendezvous with Caleb! I sent Caleb another message.
OMG! I think while I was visiting you, Liam was trying to come home and surprise me here! Why do I feel completely horrible???
He quickly responded.
I don’t know…You shouldn’t feel bad, though. Just as I finished reading his text he was calling me. “Look, I know you are feeling bad. He probably just dropped them off and quickly headed back to work. Ry, we aren’t doing anything that is bad. We are just hanging out. Friends. I don’t want to get in the way of anything so let me know if I am getting in the way of anything.” He said seriously.
“You’re right; he probably had just dropped them off. He has been super busy lately; he probably wouldn’t even have time to talk to me if he were coming home.” I paused. “You are right, we are just friends.”
“Ryleigh, I’m serious when I do tell you this.” Hepaused for a moment. “I do love you and you’re my best friend, I don’t want to lose you again but if you need me to step back you need to let me know.”
“Caleb, we’re fine.” I smiled. “I just got a little worried cause he is leaving for New York and I…I don’t know. I guess I was missing out on seeing him.” “I will see you tomorrow though. We can still do beers, right?” He asked like an overexcited kid. I laughed at him. “When does he leave for New York? We can maybe do dinner, so you aren’t dining alone.”
“Mind if I take a rein check on the beers?” I asked softly. “I believe he leaves on Monday morning, so we can do dinner, okay?”
“Yeah that’s fine. Dinner would be perfect.” He agreed. “Awesome. I’m going to go, I need to get some laundry done and clean up. I’m really glad that you understand about tomorrow. I hate not being able to see you, but I should probably spend time with him before he leaves.”
“I understand Ryleigh, I really do. I’ll see you for sure on Monday night though. You definitely owe me a beer.” I could tell he was smiling.
“I’ll make it two beers now.” I said smiling back. “I will text you later, okay?”
“Alright. Bye, Ryleigh.” My breath hitched as he said my name.
“Bye, Caleb.” With that we both clicked off. I checked my phone once more to see if I had received anything from Liam while I was on the phone. Nothing.
Afterwards, I put my phone up on the charger and decided to leave it upstairs. If Liam wanted to get a hold of me I am sure that he could call the house phone. I kept myself busy the rest of the night; doing laundry, cleaning the place up, watching some evening television. Comedy Central was the best when I needed an easy laugh. While putting clothes away, I walked over to my phone. No missed calls and not one text.
Since it was nearing seven and I still hadn’t heard from Liam, I began to worry so I decided I would give him a quick call to see how everything was going.
“Hi you have reached Liam Andrews; I am not able to accept your call at the moment. Please leave me a message after the tone and I will return it as soon as possible.”
I didn’t feel like leaving a voicemail, but since it straight to voicemail, I wanted him to know I tried calling. “Hey honey, I was just calling to see how things were going. I got the flowers! You need to stop spoiling me. Well, it’s almost seven …I am going to try and go for a run and then grab a shower and head to bed. I have a long day of pampering ahead of me. Umm… give me a call if you can later. I love you.” I hung up thinking that I sounded
like an idiot in my message. I hated leaving voicemails that weren’t for professional reasons.
I hadn’t thought of running until I said it, but now it sounded like the perfect idea. I quickly changed clothes and laced up my running shoes. I grabbed my phone and put it in my arm band and began to blast the tunes as I walked out the door.
I always enjoyed the occasional run; it really cleared my head of everything swarming through it. I didn’t think it was helping until I hit my third mile, all my energy was concentrating on how much farther I could push myself.
When I got home, my legs felt like Jell-O, but it was a welcomed feeling. I headed up the stairs, dreaming of the hot shower that awaited me. I connected my phone to my speakers so I could keep the tunes going. Headed into the bathroom and blasted the water onto me. I stood there just letting the water hit my shoulders, my hair and my back. I stayed in until I could tell I was running out of hot water. When I got out, I felt like a whole new woman.
I quickly dried my hair and threw on some of my sleep shorts and a cami. Tonight, I definitely deserved a glass of wine. I headed into the kitchen; I pulled out one of my favorite wine glasses. I grabbed the chilled bottle out of fridge, poured a glass of cold wine and took a quick sip and replaced it before placing the bottle back into the fridge. I had thought about grabbing a snack but I was still full from lunch.
I noticed that the house phone was blinking, which meant that I had at some point missed a call. I was hoping that it was Liam, just to make sure that he was okay, but it turned out to be my mom. She would get a kick out of hearing who was back in town. I cringed; I hadn’t spoken to my mom in over a week.
I quickly dialed her number.
“Hey Mom! How are ya?” “Hey sweetie! You forget how to call your mom?” Sheasked playfully. “I’m doing okay, just relaxing out on the porch having a glass of wine. How are you, honey?”
“I’m good. I took the day off and had a ‘me’ day; it was desperately needed. I’m actually sorry; I really should have come by to say hi, though.” I paused to take a sip of my wine. “How’s Avery?” He may have been good to my mom, but since they got married; I got the feeling that I was in his way. I didn’t go over there as much when he was around, so usually I would meet my mom for dinner once a month.
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