“I don’t think you should.” Kata hugged her and smiled. When she pulled back, her eyes danced with mischief. “You know…I think Caleb is due back in Lafayette tomorrow for the holiday. Maybe you should talk to him.”
No maybe about it. She was no longer the timid woman whom she had allowed Gordon to browbeat. She would not let him rule her life now. She would not remain unhappy because of him, not when Caleb was so wonderful to love.
“Thank you, Mija, for giving me a kick. I will.”
On the pretext of visiting Mari and the boys, Carlotta left Kata’s apartment and headed over to the new house. With only two days before Hunter would surprise Kata with this Christmas gift meant to cement their future, she had a lot to do to finish getting the house ready. Her trunk was packed full of gifts for everyone, as well as all the curtains, throw pillows, area rugs, and other accessories she would need to complete the rooms. Hunter would surprise Kata with a night in Dallas tomorrow, some “couple” time before the holiday started. Everyone else would move the furniture in so that when they returned for the party on Christmas Eve, their new home would be mostly complete.
And somewhere in the midst of all that chaos, she would pull Caleb aside, apologize, and ask if they could start over.
A happy little smile lit her face. Hopefully, everything would come together in her life this holiday season. Family, celebration, joy…and finally a man to love, one who not only made her feel cherished, but like a woman.
Navigating the last curve onto the right street, she arrived at Hunter and Kata’s charming new house on the corner. The porch and trim had been painted, as had the detached garage out back. She frowned. But the door to the little building behind the house stood open. Had squatters barged their way in again?
Parking on the street as dusk gave way to night, she was grateful for the streetlamp that lit the path in front of her. She walked toward the garage carefully to investigate, clutching her phone. When she reached it and peeked into the darkened space, she didn’t see anyone, just a familiar truck.
Caleb’s.
He is here! Nerves suddenly fluttered in her stomach, and she drew in a shaky breath. It was probably a very adolescent reaction, but he often tied her up in so many knots that she behaved like that shy, uncertain girl again. When he kissed her though, all that slid away until she felt only flushed and needy and…like she was in the best hands possible.
Carlotta turned and darted back toward the porch, climbed the steps, then tested the front door. It was unlocked. The latch lifted in her hand. She stepped inside the house and gasped. Everything had been transformed—every surface painted or gleaming, all the light fixtures hung.
She wandered through the bedrooms and bathrooms, marveling at the new tile. Caleb had even replaced the vanity in the master bath with something that looked more custom and high end—and had double sinks. The frosted shower door with brass accents had been replaced with something sleek and frameless. The fiberglass tub had been torn out. A new clawfoot sat in its place. Caleb had done a magnificent job.
But she did not see the man himself. As lovely as everything looked, she yearned to see him, talk to him…touch him.
As she walked into the kitchen, the cabinets all fit perfectly, their countertops glossy and sleek. New appliances sat snugly in their appointed places, ready to cool and heat great food.
Suddenly, she heard a clink behind her and noticed the door ajar, leading to what he’d told her was the attic. A sigh followed, then a soft curse.
Caleb!
Grabbing the knob, she tore the door wide open and scrambled to the steps. Then insecurity hit her. What if his patience had run out? What if he had decided not to give her another chance? She nibbled her lip. She would convince him. She would do whatever she needed to prove that she was ready to move on, open up, and love him with all her heart.
She scampered up the wooden stairs, her heels clicking with each one. About halfway up, Caleb killed the light in the rest of the room and ambled into view. Shadows clung to his rugged face and bare chest as he blocked the top of the stairs. His gaze latched onto her, unreadable. Blue eyes could seem so cold, but never his. They were especially hot tonight, intense as he looked her over thoroughly.
“Lottie, what are you doing here?”
Carlotta didn’t stop running, she merely reached the top of the stairs and launched herself at him, her skirt hiking up her thighs. Caleb caught her with a grunt and held tight, so she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his with a little cry. He was damp with sweat and smelled like musk. Above the faint mustiness of the attic, the scent of leather hung in the air.
He staggered back a step or two until he had his balance again. But he didn’t kiss her in return. Instead, he palmed her waist and set her on her feet, then anchored his hands on his hips. “What’s this?”
“I was wrong and I am sorry. I refuse to let Gordon continue to dictate my life. You were trying to protect me, and I overreacted. And I love you, too.”
Now that she had blurted everything straight from her heart and off her tongue, Caleb watched her in unblinking silence. The seconds ticked on. Anxiety knotted her up again.
She reached out, touched his bare shoulder, ridiculously relieved when he didn’t pull away. With a caress over his taut skin, she reveled in his heat and hardness. “Caleb? Say something.”
His lips pressed into a tense line. “What made you change your mind?”
“I missed you terribly, so much that it stunned me. I tried to shield my heart from you, close myself off, but you still managed to take up all the space inside. I talked to Kata earlier. She pointed out that I was letting my fear lead my actions, not my love. And my love is far bigger. Please tell me I am not too late.”
Even the thought of this beautiful man turning away from her made her eyes swim with tears, her chest buckle. Every time he had tried to forge something with her, she had allowed her doubts and her fright to dictate her actions. She was still scared, but she would rather be brave and take a chance on being happy than be alone and trapped by her past.
“You’ve run out on me twice.”
She had, and he must feel somewhere between angry and hurt, maybe even rejected. “Never again. I promise.”
“I won’t apologize for telling Gordon off.”