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It was this city. When I was here, this is what I did. She deserved better.

“Cal?”

Her soft voice broke into my tormented thoughts, as I turned to see her rubbing her eyes sleepily.

“Go back to sleep baby, it’s early,” I made my way over to the bed as she yawned, looking at me with those beautiful eyes.

She still gave me those damn butterflies in my stomach, and that’s how I had known she wasThe One. Many girls were beautiful, and kind. Most are great in bed too, and eager to please.

But Gretchen was different. She made me want to be a better man.

“I’m hungry,” she pouted, and I laughed.

“At three am?” I couldn’t hide the disbelief in my voice as she nodded enthusiastically.

“Yup. Bean must be hungry.”

I leaned over her, my lips brushing against the soft skin of her tummy as I addressed said Bean.

“What would Bean like? Waking mommy up for food and all.”

“Bacon,” she declared, her hands on my hair as I looked at her in surprise.

“Bacon at three a.m. Okay, Bean, I’m going to cook some bacon. Anything mommy wants, mommy gets,” I pushed up onto my forearms as she held her hands out, pulling me into an embrace.

“Thank you.”

I kissed her tenderly as her tummy rumbled.

Our eyes met and I did a mock salute before climbing off the bed, pulling my thin hoodie over my head as she watched me hungrily.

“Then can I have you for dessert?” She bit her lip as I winked at her.

“As I said, anything you want.”

Part Two: Chapter Twenty-Eight

GRETCHEN

The craving for coffee was ridiculous.

I pushed open the doors of Starbucks, my nostrils inhaling the intoxicating scent.

Cal wouldn’t approve, but I’d done my research.

I can have a small coffee.

I almost ran to the barista who blinked at me in surprise as my order tumbled from my mouth hungrily. I spied the lemon muffin and demanded one of those, too. I paid and went to sit at a table by the window, feeling giddy that I was finally going to get my caffeine fix. The nausea was starting to fade now, but cravings were kicking in big time.

My phone vibrated on the table and I saw Cal's name with a message asking where I was. I considered lying for a moment as I wondered where I could say I was. The barista called my name and I stood eagerly, only to see someone standing in my way.

Someone heavenly. Who smelled amazing.

“You didn’t reply to my text,” he said softly as he turned to get the coffee and muffin from the gazing barista.

“Cal,” I squeaked as he examined my cup.

“Decaf?”