Page 7

Chapter Seven

Juno

Did Calder just ask me to marry him? In the bathroom, I press a hand to my mouth, suppressing a laugh.

Of course not, but things did get a little intense.

I give my reflection a final glance and head back into the living room.

Calder’s back is to me, spectacularly broad and muscular.

Even his t-shirt can’t hide his brawn. He’s the sexiest man I’ve ever met.

He turns to me, his arctic eyes finding mine. “I hope you like yacht rock.” He holds up a Hall and Oates album completely unironically.

“Stop.” I rush over to him, taking the LP out of his hands. “Is this a real record?”

“Supposedly physical media is making a comeback.”

“According to the kids?” I regret it the moment I say it. Calder shrugs his massive shoulders. He’s moved our wine glasses to the coffee table near the couch. I kick off my shoes and snuggle up, tucking my feet beneath me while a song about a gal named Sarah plays from the speakers.

Calder sits near me, but not too close. We enjoy the crackling sounds of the record on his state-of-the-art sound system. The record may be old, but his speakers seem brand new. The entire song plays as we sit in silence, enjoying the moment.

“I could get used to this.”

“Hm?”

Oh fuck my life, did I just say that out loud?

“Just this house, this cozy aesthetic. This whole…” I trace circles in the air.

“Vibe.” Maybe it’s the wine, but I’m feeling bold.

“I’ve been on a lot of dates recently since I’ve moved back.

” Calder shifts uncomfortably. “But, none of them have felt this…easy.” I realize my mistake. “Not that I think this is a date.”

“What do you think it is, Juno?” Calder’s baritone voice reverberates through every bone in my body. I’m afraid to look at him. But I came here with a firm objective.

“I don’t know, Calder.” I shift my body to face him. “I feel like we have a connection.” My words arrive slowly, disjointed. “But I’m confused as to if we should act on it.”

“Why?” He moves closer.

“I don’t think you see me as an equal.”

Calder’s eyes widen. “Are you serious?”

“Too serious, maybe. Ever since I ran into you at the hardware store I’ve been confused. Is that crazy?” The base of my glass clinks against the table when I set it down. “Am I being crazy?” Suddenly mortified at my confession, I cover my face with my hands. Maybe I’m not equipped for this.

“Hey.” Warm hands cover my own, moving them gently away from my eyes.

“Open your eyes, Juno.” I didn’t realize they were still closed.

I do as I’m told, gazing into Calder’s beautiful face.

“You’re not crazy. I’ve been trying to figure out what’s going on between us since the moment you fell off that ladder. ”

I laugh. “Don’t remind me.”

“Wondering if I should act on this urge I have to…well, do very dirty things to you.”

“Oh.” My panties dampen. I instinctively move closer to him.

“But you’re young.” Ah, there it is.

“I told you. I’m not that young.”

“What I mean is, I don’t want to dampen your spirit. You only get one life, and I don’t want you to have any regrets.”

“Like what?”

“Like me.” His voice raises. “You’re the most beautiful, spirited, sexy woman I’ve ever laid eyes on and I don’t want to be the one to kill that.”

“Why would you kill that?”

“Because it’s what happens.”

“It doesn’t have to.” I grip his hands in mine, making him pay attention. “Calder, I’m not interested in dating and being wild. I’ve already done that and I’m over it. I moved back here for the job, yes. But also because I want a quiet, stable, peaceful life.” He licks his full lips. “With you.”

“I want to be with you too, Juno. But what will your father say?”

“Honestly, who fucking cares?” My fingertips brush his cheek. Touching him for the first time sends a shock of electricity so familiar it has to stretch back beyond this lifetime. “I think you might be my soulmate. God, I sound so stupid.”

Calder cuts my words off, his lips pressing softly into mine. I breathe him in, slowly at first, with soft kisses that gradually grow hungrier. He pulls away, pressing his forehead against mine.

“You don’t sound stupid, Juno. I feel the same way.” He runs his fingertip down the length of my arm. “And I’ve never felt this kind of connection with anyone.”

“Really?”

He makes an “x” on his chest. “Cross my heart.”

I press my hand against his chest, squeezing his firm pec between my fingers. This man is built like a fucking linebacker. His lips come crashing down on mine again as his words echo through my head. I want to do very dirty things to you. I’m so wet for him. So hot.

“Calder.” I moan into his mouth. He responds by moaning back. “I want you to show me all the dirty things you’ve been thinking of doing to me.”

His eyes flicker up to mine. In them, I find a hunger that wasn’t there before, like a tiger being let loose from its cage.

“Oh, Juno.” He fists the back of my hair, sending chills all over my body.

His tongue parts my lips. I let him in, tasting him, yearning for more.

“I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into. ”

His hand slides beneath my dress, caressing my inner thigh until he finds my cotton panties and cups my mound. “Tell me you’re mine.”

My cunt is aching, pulsing for him. “I’ve never been anyone else’s.”

Calder smiles and pulls the seam of my panties to the side, the pads of his finger dancing in my slick, wet center.