Page 102 of Chasing the Sun

“So, let’s get this straight.” I fought a smile, crossing my arms like I was siding with Cal, but really? I was 1,000 percent on Levi’s side. “You were out late because you were being ... responsible?”

Levi shot me a look, catching on fast. His lips twitched like he wanted to smile but knew better. “That’s right.”

Amusement flickered in his gaze before he leaned against the doorjamb. “And what exactly did Brody teach you?”

Levi’s nerves tittered to the surface, and he shifted his weight before lifting a hand. “A few basic moves. Blocking, wrist escapes. I don’t know ... things that might be useful in a fight.”

Cal hummed, clearly weighing something in his head before nodding once. “Good. We’ll go over what you learned tomorrow.”

Levi blinked. “Wait, really?”

Cal gave his son a soft smile. “You think Brody’s the only one who knows how to throw a punch or defend himself?”

Levi huffed a noise out of his nose, but this time it wasn’t entirely miserable, more ... surprised than anything. His eyes flicked between Cal and me, and I caught the quick spark of something almost pleased. Like maybe he actually liked the idea of his dad giving a damn about what he was up to.

“Great,” he muttered as if the entire conversation wasmortifying. “Does that mean I’ll get a training sessionanda lecture?”

Cal chuckled. “Probably.”

Levi nodded. “Awesome.”

He started to walk away, but then his body shifted back toward us—brows lifting a fraction, like something had just clicked. His arms dropped to his sides, and a slow, knowing horror tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Oh, wait a second,” he said, dragging the words out. “Why are we focusing on me? You’re the one sneaking a woman out of your bedroom.”

Cal cleared his throat, shifting on his feet. “Not sneaking. Just ... escorting.”

Levi rolled his eyes. “Bro, what are you on about?”

A slow grin tugged at my lips as Cal shifted uncomfortably. “Well, son, when you’re with a woman, it’s important to ...”

I didn’t help at all while Cal struggled for the correct, age-appropriate words. The entire interaction was cute, hilarious even.

“Okay, I for sure do not need this mental image.” Levi made a gagging noise and turned away. “Can I please go now?”

Cal clamped a hand on Levi’s shoulder. “Welcome to adulthood,bro.”

Levi groaned, shaking his head as he disappeared down the hall, leaving just the two of us in the quiet hallway of the inn.

I turned to Cal, crossing my arms. “Well, that wasn’t awkward at all.”

“Eh,” he mused, slipping his arms around my waist, tugging me closer. “Could’ve been worse.”

I tilted my head, squinting up at him. “How so?”

Cal’s voice dropped an octave. “It could’ve been your parents who caught us.”

I laughed, playfully shoving at his chest. I may have been a grown woman, but the thought of coming face-to-face with my parents after the things we did made my cheeks flame.

He laughed, then dipped down, brushing a lingering kiss against my lips before leading me out the side door.

Warm night air wrapped around us, the sound of crickets filling the silence. His hand found the small of my back, guiding me toward my cottage, and I let him. I let myself sink into the quiet, into the moment, and into him.

The night air carried the lingering scent of pine and earth, but my skin still held the warmth of his. My lips tingled, my body still humming with the memory of his touch, and yet we walked slow, unhurried, as if neither of us was quite ready to let the night end.

Behind us, the Drifted Spirit stood quiet under the moonlight, the soft glow of a porch light stretching long shadows across the grass. Beside me, Cal’s walk was easy, one hand tucked into his pocket, his body loose in a way that made my chest ache a little—like he was truly comfortable. Like he wasn’t thinking about whatever weight he always seemed to carry.

In the distance, past the tree line behind my cottage, a familiar rustling reached my ears—light, scurrying footsteps, chittering sounds.