Page 86 of Tracing Holland

Callie grins and drops to the seat across from me at the small table.

“Glad you found it.Thanks for coming,” I begin.

“Breakfast with Luke Craven at a local diner?Um, yeah, you dork.”

I smile and shrug.“I don’t know.It’s been a while since we did this.”

“I know.Too long.”

“I already ordered for you.Hope that’s ok.”

She seems surprised, maybe even pleased.“You did?Really?”

I nod.“Pancakes, small stack.Fruit cup, no bacon.Oh, and tea of course.”

Her grin is priceless.“Perfect.What about you?Rye toast with orange marmalade, coffee?”

“Actually, I went with the French toast.I’m curious about the powdered sugar application at this establishment.”

She smirks as the server appears and delivers our drinks.“Your food will be out shortly,” he informs us.

We thank him, and Callie stares me down from across the table.“So, what’s up with the mysterious breakfast invitation?What’s the occasion?”

“No occasion.Just missed this.”She looks skeptical, and I shake my head with a sheepish smile.“Seriously!”

I sigh.“Ok, fine.I have some things I want to say to you without everyone else around.Not even Casey.”

She puts down her mug and leans back.“Hang on, I’m confused.You actually called me here to talk?Like with real words and stuff?”

I roll my eyes.“Hilarious.I talked at Jemma’s.”

“Yeah, as long as you didn’t actually say anything.”

“You kept coming back.”

“I sensed you needed someone to care about your life.Plus you were really hot.”

I laugh.“Oh, is that it?”

She grins and shrugs.“Kinda.But seriously, Luke, Jemma’s changed my life too.”

“You completely blew mine apart.”

She quiets, and I can tell my confession has touched her.“I’ve always wondered what went through your head those first few weeks at Jemma’s.”

I study her for a moment with a mischievous look.“You really want to know?”

She smiles and crosses her arms.“Dying to know.I can take it.Hit me.”

I draw in a deep breath.“Ok, honestly?At first I thought you were a little annoying…”

“Annoying?!”she cries.

“But adorable!”I add quickly with a grin.

“Still!”

“Cal, you kept interrupting my breakfasts.”