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“The way you look at him is the way I look at your father. It’s beautiful to see. He adores you, Gretchen.”

Her voice was soft as my dad walked in, swinging the keys around his finger.

We both looked at him and smiled knowingly as Cal jogged back down the stairs, aware of the awkward silence.

He laughed, shooting me a curious look as my dad said,“I have a feeling they were talking about us, Cal.”

He raised his eyebrows as my mother let out a girlish giggle.

Maybe me moving out had allowed them to rekindle their marriage in ways they probably didn’t realize they needed.

“Ah, good things, I hope.”

Our eyes met, and he walked over to me, his fingers lacing with mine. His very touch made me weak, and I leaned against him as my dad cleared his throat.

“There’s an event downtown tonight, if you feel up to it,” he furrowed his brow as he rifled through the drawer in the dresser by the door. He let out a triumphant sound as he found a leaflet, which he thrust in my direction.

I cast my eyes over it and saw it was some sort of mini festival, with food stands and live music. I shrugged as I handed it to Cal, who nodded.

“Sounds good, but as always, it’s up to you.”

My father grinned as I nodded, causing him to clap his hands together. “Okay, well, we have some time to freshen up before it starts, so shall we be ready around seven?”

“Okay,” I yawned as Cal kissed the top of my head, whispering in my ear.

“Let’s go lie down for a bit. Don’t get any funny ideas, I need a nap.”

I swatted his chest as he caught my hand, pulling it up to his lips.

“I said no, I’m tired.”

I laughed as I walked past him, pulling him up the stairs behind me.

“Stop begging, Gretchen, I said no,” he teased as we made it to my old bedroom, sinking onto the bed as I buried my face in his neck.

“Shut up, you absolute perv.”

He held his hands up, and his top rose slightly, showing the tanned skin beneath it. I caught my breath slightly as a smirk played on his lips.

“Now who’s the perv?”

I leaned down and kissed his stomach, trailing kisses down to his waistband.

“That would be me.”

Part Two: Chapter Fourteen

GRETCHEN

“What are you planning for your birthday, lovely?” Mom asked as we got into the car.

I scrunch my nose up as I shrugged. “I haven’t thought about it, to be honest.”

“Well, you’ll be back in New York, maybe we could come and see you?” her voice was excited as I glanced at Cal who was gazing out of the window, his fingers rubbing his chin.

“Yeah, maybe.” I smiled at my mom, wondering why Cal looked so lost in thought.

My eyes still watered with how handsome he was, especially with what he was wearing tonight. He had a crisp white shirt on with the sleeves rolled up, dark jeans, and boots with his dirty blond hair slicked back roughly.