Second Chance Love
It was the most intense feeling I had ever felt. As if I was standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down, ready to jump. Not giving a shit if there would be land or water beneath me.
I was ready to take the plunge.
For her.
I couldn’t control, label, or even understand it.
Which was a terrifying thing for a man like me. The walls were caving in on me, and my emotions were suffocating as she slept in my arms.
I gave into it.
I gave into her.
Closing my eyes, I relaxed in her embrace.
For once in my life, I was along for the ride.
Ready to see where we’d end up on the other side.
Chapter 6
Evie
Caleb’s eyes fluttered open. I was still in his arms, staring up at him with my chin on his chest.
“Mmm,” he groaned, stirring awake while our gazes connected. “Are you watching me sleep?”
Even his raspy morning voice was sexy.
Smiling, I shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Are you plotting on how you intend to kill me?”
“I decided to let you live.”
“That’s nice of you.”
“I do what I can.”
He chuckled. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better. Whatever medication you gave me did the trick.”
“My friend called it in for you. My assistant brought it over shortly after.” Sweeping a piece of hair out of my face, he asked, “What time is it?”
I loved the adoring expression on his face. No one had ever looked at me the way he was. Despite not wanting to break our connection, I grabbed his wrist and read his watch.
“It’s almost noon.”
“I don’t remember the last time I slept in this late.”
Bringing my attention back to him, I questioned, “Are you an early riser?”
“Mmm hmm.”
“How early?”
“Usually by five A.M.”
“Five in the morning? That’s crazy! Who wakes up at five A.M.?”
“I get a workout in before I head to my office.”
“Are you trying to tell me you’re a workaholic?”
He smiled, rubbing my back. “That’s what happens when you own your own agency.”
“That’s pretty admirable. You’re still so young.”
“I thought I was ancient?”
“You might still have a few good years left.”
“Do I get to spend them with you?”
“If you play your cards right.”
“Well, what do you know, I’m actually holding four of a kind.”
“I’ll see your four of a kind and raise you a royal flush.”
He smiled, big and wide. “My girl knows how to play poker.”
Again with my girl.
I didn’t call him out on it. Instead, I changed the subject. “Do you know your body temperature runs hot?”
He arched an eyebrow. “What?”
“You’re very warm. Almost like a heated blanket.”
“Good to know.”
“No other girl has told you that before?”
“You’re the first girl I’ve ever woken up with.”
I eyed him skeptically. “Oh, come on. You expect me to believe that?”
“I told you. I’m a lot of things, but I’m not a liar.”
“So you’re telling me you’ve never had a woman spend the night?”
“Why is that so hard to believe?”
“Because you’re an almost twenty-six-year-old successful entrepreneur who is easy on the eyes.”
“I said I’ve never woken up with a woman, not that I’ve never fucked one.”
“Oh…” I nodded. “I get it. You’re that guy.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“You know, the one who never settles down. Sleeps around. My guess is that you have deep rooted issues.”
“And what issues would those be, Dr. Monroe?”
“Smart ass.” I grinned. “It’s actually a textbook case. Who was she?”
He arched an eyebrow again, looking at me confused.
“Who was the woman who broke your heart?”
He laughed, big and throaty. “Never had my heart broken, darlin’.”
“Really?”
He shook his head. “I’ve never been in a relationship.”
“What?!” I sat up, staring deep into his eyes. “You’ve never had a girlfriend?”
“That shocks you?”
“Of course! That’s insane.”
“How about you?”
“I don’t really swing that way, but I have kissed a girl.”
Now that got his attention. He crossed his arms behind his head which only accentuated his defined, muscular arms. Doing all sorts of things to my core.
Grinning like a fool, he demanded, “Tell me more.”
“You’re such a guy.” I blushed. “Does this mean you’re not mad at me anymore?”
“I’m livid.”
“What if I told you her lips were soft and she tasted like Juicy Fruit bubble gum.”
“I’m listening.”
I rolled my eyes, smirking. “It was a high school party. We were playing truth or dare in the woods.”
“I’m enjoying this mental picture. Did she make you wet?”
“Caleb! I was fifteen. I didn’t know what wet was.”
“And who was the boy who showed you what wet was, Evie?”
“Considering I’ve only had one boyfriend. His name was Kyle, and I don’t think he knew what wet was either.”
He laughed, enjoying my response. “That’s what happens when you fuck with a boy, darlin’.”
“Oh yeah? Are you up for the challenge, old man?”
“Trust me, Evie. If I had my hands on you, you’d know what wet was.”
My thighs clenched.
“Does that mean you’ve only been with one boy?”
I nodded. “We were together on and off all through high school, but it wasn’t meant to be.”