Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 38445 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38445 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 154(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
I jerk my chin in a nod, confident she's telling me the truth. She isn't hiding out here because she's in danger. She's safe. Right now, that's all that matters.
"Then you tell me when you're ready," I murmur again.
She smiles at me, flashing those fucking dimples that make my knees weak.
Chapter Six
Sutton
Caleb takes my hand and leads me through the dimly lit Italian restaurant, past tables filled with laughter and clinking glasses, to a cozy corner booth. The scent of garlic, tomatoes, and savory herbs wafts through the air, making my stomach growl. The aroma of fresh bread baking in the kitchen mixes with the tangy smell of red wine and the rich scent of truffle oil.
He helps me into the booth, his hand brushing my shoulder, before he slides in beside me.
If it weren't for him, I would have already gone running back home by now. I feel like everyone is staring at me. But he makes me feel safe. It's strange. I think he's the only person in the world capable of breaking my heart, but he's the one I feel safest with. I wouldn't have ventured out with anyone else, that's for sure.
I've been hiding out at home since I got to town, too afraid to spend much time out and about. I'm nervous as hell about being recognized.
That fear isn't nearly as loud with Caleb distracting me. There's something undeniably captivating about him. The more time I spend with him, the more the thought of returning to Nashville hurts. He feels like home to me in a way nothing ever has. I'm not ready to give that up. I don't know that I will ever be ready.
An overwhelming force pulls me toward him like a magnet to metal. I'm falling in love with him. It's far too fast, but it's happening anyway. Love at first sight shouldn't be possible. Everyone says it isn't real, but I know differently. My mom and dad are living proof that the heart knows. It doesn't need a timeline or a checklist. It just knows. And my heart has been screaming his name for days now.
But I'm still terrified of spilling my secrets. What if I do, and everything changes for us? My whole life has been a whirlwind. Even before I signed my record deal, my family was famous. My parents are freaking legends. Everyone in Nashville knows who we are because of them. I have no privacy. But Caleb loves his quiet life here in Clearwater.
I don't want to strip that away from him. But as soon as the world finds out about him, it will be stripped away. Photographers will show up whether we want them here or not. They'll hound him for photos and interviews. His quiet, bucolic life in the mountains will become a public spectacle…and it'll be my fault.
I'll have to come clean sooner or later. But for now, I want to hold onto every moment we have together like a desperate child clinging to a favorite toy.
Is it so wrong of me to want just a few more days of blissful ignorance?
I know deep down that our bubble will inevitably burst, sending us both crashing back to reality. The thought of it fills me with dread.
Either I tell him the truth and he decides he doesn't want to be with me. Or the world finds out about us, and this peaceful little slice of heaven becomes a madhouse. Either outcome feels bleak and hopeless. I'm not ready for either.
I just found him. I want to keep him for a little longer. If that's selfish, so be it.
"What are you thinking about so hard over there, Sunshine?"
"My plumbing." The lie rolls off my tongue with ease, and I hate the way that feels.
Caleb's eyes twinkle in the candlelight. "You're full of a shit, but I'm going to let you get away with it because I'm thinking about your plumbing too." The way his hand drifts across my thigh makes it clear he isn't talking about the pipes at the house. He's being ridiculous again…and somehow, I still love it. He nuzzles his face into the side of my throat, his beard scratching my skin in the most delicious way. "Are you wearing panties under that skirt, baby?"
"Caleb," I groan, my body temperature rising.
"Answer the question, Sunshine."
"N-no." If he wanted me to wear panties, he shouldn't have stolen them.
His teeth sink into the sensitive spot between my collarbone and shoulder, a hungry growl rumbling in his throat. "Oh, Sunshine," he breathes against my skin. "You're in trouble now."
My stomach turns a flip, bottoming out.
His calloused fingers glide up my inner thigh, raking like wildfire.
"Caleb," I hiss, my gaze darting around the restaurant as a waitress approaches.
"Can I get you something to drink?" she asks, her smile warm and welcoming.