Page 6

Chapter Six

Calder

I shouldn’t be this nervous, it’s just pizza. I steady my hands and open the box which arrived a few minutes ago. What was I thinking? I should’ve just asked her out. But what if she’d said no? Told me I should rush off to the early bird special buffet and find a woman my own age.

Not that forty-ish-year-old women are at buffets. They’re not. I’m just feeling my age when I stare at her gorgeous, young face. Her whole life is ahead of her.

I peer out the sliding door. The Tiki torches light the deck. Maybe this was a bad idea. I glance at my phone, noting the time. I could still call it off and save myself the embarrassment.

Ding Dong.

No. I can’t.

I catch a final glimpse in the mirror before answering the door.

So much gray in both my hair and my beard.

But I can’t change who I am, and if she’s not into me, then I’ll just have to convince her that I’m the one she belongs with.

I suck in air and twist the knob, prepared to welcome her into my home.

“Jesus Christ.” These are not the words I meant to utter.

Juno’s baby blue sundress fits her like second skin.

The hem just brushing her knees, haltered up top and showing off her glorious full breasts.

Fuck me I could rip that sweet little number right off her and taste every inch of her soft, sweet body.

“Sorry, I’m a few minutes early.” It takes me this long to realize her brow is furrowed.

“No, no.” I stand aside, letting her pass me. “You’re perfect.” And I fucking mean that.

“If you’re not early you’re late, my dad used to always say.” She turns to face me and a waft of warm amber smacks me senseless. “But I brought wine.”

“Montepulciano.” The soft caress of her hand against mine as she hands me the bottle sends a shiver up my arm. “My favorite.”

“Really? That’s so cool. I figured Italian fare called for Italian wine.”

“You figured?” I step toward her, grateful that the bottle in my hand stops me from wrapping my arm around her waist and pulling her in for a taste of her cherry-red lips.

“Yeah.” She doesn’t back down, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “It’s a good year, too.” Her sandals tap against the hardwood floor as she helps herself to a tour of the living room. “You weren’t kidding, this place is gorgeous. You did it all yourself?”

“Yeah.” I pop into the kitchen and pull out two wine glasses. “A labor of love, but damn if it isn’t home.” Juno’s fingers caress the built-in bookshelves. “And you can read?” A teasing smile plays on her lips.

“I still have to sound some words out.” I shrug, eliciting the cutest giggle from her. “Come get some pizza before it gets cold.”

We sit at my small kitchen nook, our knees consistently brushing. Even the way she eats turns me on. I don’t think there’s anything this woman can do that would turn me off. After a glass of wine each, we’re feeling pretty loose. The conversation, though casual, flows effortlessly.

“You’ve been here your whole life, Calder?” She dabs her chin with the napkin.

“Most of it, yeah. Always doing construction and then when I met your dad I went into construction management and never looked back.” The air tightens at the mention of her father. “We didn’t end our partnership on good terms.”

“I know. I heard all about it.” Juno winces. “What happened?”

“A bunch of different things. Your dad and I were best friends from way back. We roamed the woods together. His was the closest house for miles.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Yeah.” A pang of nostalgia pummels my chest. “We just didn’t work well as a team. Not all friends should go into business together. We’re proof.”

“Then, when your mother left we’d go out to bars and he’d accuse me of cock-blocking him when he tried to rebound.” Juno’s eyes widen. “I’m sorry if this is too much.”

“No, I know my dad’s a player. I guess it makes sense that you are too.”

I nearly drop my wine glass. “Juno, I’m not. I’m the opposite of a player.” I think on it for a moment. “More like a spectator.”

“No.” She eyes me up and down. “You? I bet you’ve been with countless women.”

I can’t help but throw my head back and laugh. “What’s countless? Wait…don’t answer that.”

Juno’s face turns the same shade of purple as the Montepulciano. “I don’t know. You’re just a little older.”

“And a little sluttier?” I raise my brow, feeling comfortable enough to challenge her.

“I didn’t say that.” She crosses her arms over her chest. Damn, I want to kiss her billowing cleavage. “I guess I just assumed.” She stops herself. “So why isn’t a silver fox like you taken? If you’re not a man-whore, what’s wrong with you?”

I press my knee against hers, leaning across the table. “Why does anything have to be wrong with me? Not everyone gets married at the same time.” I picture her in a white dress, walking down the aisle to be mine for the rest of our lives. She nibbles on her lower lip.

“Did you ever come close?”

“Nope.” I shake my head.

“Would you ever…” Her voice a whisper.

“With the right woman?” Her eyes search mine. “Abso-fucking-lutely.”

My heartbeat rattles my ribcage, body heat rising. I mean this. I would absolutely marry Juno and claim her as my wife until one of our hearts stops beating and even after.

“What about you?” I ask.

“Um…get married?” She sucks her bottom lip between her teeth. The silence between us presenting instant regret for the question.

“That’s not fair. You’re probably too young to even be thinking about it.”

“Calder.” God, the way she says my name makes my cock rock hard. “I’m not that young, and I’m certainly old enough to know what I want.”

“And?”

Her face cracks into a smile that’s pure sunshine. “And with the right man?” She pours herself another glass of wine before meeting my eyes. “Abso-fucking-lutely.”