“And now?” She asks.
“Now I feel like I never even really knew you.”
“Wow. Okay. You know what, Calder. I was there for you when you lost your sister. I tried to give you space, but I was tired of being second place to her ghost. I was lonely, and Rog was there for me in ways you couldn’t be. I’m not going to be sorry for that.”
“You shouldn’t be because I finally have realized you did me a favor. What we had wasn’t love, Carly. It was familiar and comfortable and marrying you felt like the right thing to do.”
She steps out of the way and I slam my car door shut and back out of the parking lot feeling refreshed. Unburdened. I’ve needed to have that conversation with Carly for some time. I just never realized it until now. She’s put everything into perspective for me.
Chapter 4
I knew if I turned Calder down for dinner it would seem suspicious after discovering he’s a cop. It shook me for a minute, but this could be a good thing. If I earn his trust it could either work in my favor or blow up in my face. He did look cute in his uniform. Sexy even. And his smile. He has this smile that makes me feel like it’s meant only for me which is weird considering we only just met, but I feel like we share a connection. Here I am getting ready to go over to his place hoping this dinner goes well. I have no idea if it is supposed to be a date. I bought a dress and a tube of lipstick along with some perfume in case. I grab the dessert I bought and take a deep breath.
An older woman was going around selling desserts. She was so tiny and wrinkly. I felt so bad for her. No one was buying them. I just had to buy something, so I got a chocolate cake and figured we can have it after dinner.
His police cruiser sitting right outside should make me feel uneasy but, in a way, it makes me feel safe. I knock lightly while balancing the cake. Calder answers the door looking handsome and smelling so good. He’s wearing a white tee and dark jeans. But that shirt hugs his biceps and his chest. My hormones are going crazy. Because right now all I want to do is kiss the guy when he looks at me with such adoration.
His moonlit grey eyes linger on my face and not my chest. That fact alone makes him a winner in my book.
“What’s this?” he takes the cake box from my hand. I put it in a carryout box from the diner.
“You’re cooking so I thought I would handle dessert.”
“That’s really thoughtful.”
I shrug and wave him off. “It’s no big deal.”
“Well, please come in.” He turns to go to the kitchen, and I have to say the man looks as good going as he does coming. His apartment is a mirror image of mine. Same furniture even. I bet it came from when this place was a resort.
His apartment is much more personal than mine. He has photos and sports memorabilia on display giving it the personal touch.
I follow him into the kitchen where he has a fold-out table and two chairs set up with our food served and our glasses ready to be filled.
“What would you like to drink? I’m a beer man myself but I got wine for you.”
“Yeah sure. Wine is good.” I’ve never drank wine a day in my life. Wine coolers maybe but not the real deal. He gets a bottle out of the fridge that says Moscato on the label. Filling my glass, he sits the bottle on the table then he says, “Oh. I’m sorry.” A true gentleman, he pulls my chair out for me. A wave of his cologne hits me again as he helps me scoot my chair forward. Why does he have to smell so damn good?
“Thank you. You didn’t have to go to so much trouble. This,” I point my fork at the food, “smells incredible.” There’s baked chicken parmesan, a small salad, and garlic bread on my plate. “I’m impressed.” I smile over the brim of my wine glass as I go to take a sip.
“I’m glad you like it.” Popping the cap off his beer he tells me to dig in.
I take the first bite and it’s better than I expected. “Where did you find the time to do all this after your shift?” I arch a brow as I take another bite.
“I’ve got my ways.” He winks, and I blush.
Over the course of our meal I discover he is hugely into baseball. His favorite team is the Dodgers. We do share some common interest in TV and movies. We both enjoy comedies. Things are going well. The conversation is light and fun. He hasn’t asked me anything too personal about my life before, and I feel comfortable with him and the fact that he is a cop isn’t bothering me like I had imagined it would.
I ask about his day and he tells me a hilarious story about a naked old guy in a fountain. For a small town it has its share of characters. Once we are both finished eating, I help clean up our plates. When I open the trash can I see the takeout bag for our dinner.
I clear my throat and look at Calder pointedly.
His face reddens, and he rubs the back of his neck. “You caught me. I can’t cook. I’m terrible in the kitchen, I just wanted to impress you,” he confesses with a sheepish smile.
“Are you even a cop or do you just like wearing the uniform,” I tease and we both laugh.
“Ha. You got jokes.” He takes a step toward me and I bite my bottom lip. He’s got this concentrated look on his face like he’s deciding where or not to kiss me.
I’m nervous about it the whole situation so I pick up my cake and thrust it toward him. “Dessert?”