5:00 A.M.
The alarm on Caleb's phone jolted him awake and he blindly reached for it on his nightstand to turn it off while I cursed it in my head. He glanced next to him, smiling as he looked at me blinking my eyes open.
"Morning." I smiled and then curled up against his chest, nuzzling my head against him.
He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me closer. "Hey." He kissed the top of my head and closed his eyes for a second, only waking up again when his second alarm went off 15 minutes later. I didn't move, didn't make a sound either, I just enjoyed staying into his arms a little longer.
"I guess we should get up." I smirked and he sighed dramatically. "I thought you were a morning person." I laughed, sitting up and looking down at him.
"I am but lately I don't really want to get out of bed." He confessed.
I grinned, because I was just the same and I knew the reason. "I wonder why that is?"
He shrugged. "Maybe it's the new sheets I got? Or it's just the holidays are busy and I'm a little more tired?" He offered and I narrowed my eyes. "Probably though it's the pretty girl who's all soft and warm and naked....." He trailed off, switching our positions and running his hands up my thighs.
"I'm not naked." I laughed and he fake pouted down at me.
"Why not?" He asked, leaning down to kiss the spot on my neck that he'd learned made me crazy.
I shivered, tangling my fingers with his hair as a wave of desire made me feel very awake all of a sudden. "Because we have to get up." I protested weakly, opening my legs and allowing him to position himself between of them.
"Already?" He asked in a low groggy voice, his mouth travelling down until the fabric of the t-shirt I was wearing stopped him.
The alarm on Caleb's phone jolted him awake and he blindly reached for it on his nightstand to turn it off while I cursed it in my head. He glanced next to him, smiling as he looked at me blinking my eyes open.
"Morning." I smiled and then curled up against his chest, nuzzling my head against him.
He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me closer. "Hey." He kissed the top of my head and closed his eyes for a second, only waking up again when his second alarm went off 15 minutes later. I didn't move, didn't make a sound either, I just enjoyed staying into his arms a little longer.
"I guess we should get up." I smirked and he sighed dramatically. "I thought you were a morning person." I laughed, sitting up and looking down at him.
"I am but lately I don't really want to get out of bed." He confessed.
I grinned, because I was just the same and I knew the reason. "I wonder why that is?"
He shrugged. "Maybe it's the new sheets I got? Or it's just the holidays are busy and I'm a little more tired?" He offered and I narrowed my eyes. "Probably though it's the pretty girl who's all soft and warm and naked....." He trailed off, switching our positions and running his hands up my thighs.
"I'm not naked." I laughed and he fake pouted down at me.
"Why not?" He asked, leaning down to kiss the spot on my neck that he'd learned made me crazy.
I shivered, tangling my fingers with his hair as a wave of desire made me feel very awake all of a sudden. "Because we have to get up." I protested weakly, opening my legs and allowing him to position himself between of them.
"Already?" He asked in a low groggy voice, his mouth travelling down until the fabric of the t-shirt I was wearing stopped him.
"Yes." I breathed out then let out a soft moan when he ground his hips against me, making me feel how hard he was already. Dear god, I couldn't remember the last time morning sex had been so tempting. "Caleb." I breathed out.
His hands moved up my body and slipped under my t-shirt, tracing my ribs then cupping my breasts gently. "You're so soft and warm." He looked up at me with lust filled eyes as his teeth sunk into the tender flesh of my neck, his erection pressing harder against my center and making me gasp.
I swallowed and closed my eyes, I loved having his weight on me, his hands on me, feeling that I was his. "We don't have time." I reminded both of us, but I was too weak not to give in and my own hands slid into his boxers to grab his perfect ass and keep him pressed against me.
"I know." He groaned and moved one his hands to my panties, pushing them aside and baring me enough for him to feel how wet I was for him already. "I don't care." He added lowly.
My breath quickened immediately and before I could realize it I was pushing his boxers down and spreading my legs open for him. "I don't either." I confessed as I looked up at him.
"Mhm." He let out a deep sound before entering me swiftly, "Fuck."
I gasped again, clutching around him as the sweetest pleasure filled me. "Oh god." Was all I could say as my legs wrappped around his hips.
He looked down at me with a small smirk on his lips, his eyes shining as he started moving inside of me, deep and slowly at first. "Hi baby." He told me sweetly before sealing his lips with mine.
I kissed him back, my tongue sliding into his mouth and playing with his as my hips moved with his. For a moment I was forgetting we had a whole day ahead of us, a busy tiring one, all that mattered was him. "Hi." I muttered against him mouth and I could already feel my orgasm building. There we were, half dressed, too much in a hurry to care about clothes or anything else really.
He changed his pace dramatically, his thrusts becoming faster and harder, his dick pounded inside of me mercilessly as the expression on his face changed too. The sweet Caleb was barely there, the sex machine took his place. "You're so sexy in the mornings." He said between clenched teeth, his hands setting by each side of my shoulders to prop his weight against the mattress and give more room to his hips to move.
"You are always." I moaned loudly as I spread my legs open, moving with him and nearly dying for the friction of him against me plus the head of his dick hitting that spot inside of me was making me see stars. I tightened around him, my toes curling and my nails sinking into his shoulders.
"Baby." He roared, the term of endearment clashing with the way he was fucking me. I cupped his face and kissed him hard, pouring all myself into the kiss as he kept pounding inside of me until we were both coming hard, moans and groans mixing in the air until we were both breathless.
"Mhm all I want to do now is stay in bed." I muttered as I pouted. God I wished we had time for us, it was never enough and it was always very little. I anchored myself against Caleb, squeezing him tight against me to feel him as much as possible as a part of me I didn't want to ever leave. Then I turned my head and glanced at the alarm clock. Fuck we were late.
7:36 AM
I turned to Denis and narrowed my eyes on him. "Can you please stop coughing? Or at least you could do it where there's nothing edible around? What are we going to serve today, cookies and flu?" I spat and I knew I was being unfair but I was already tired and nervous. I loved the Christmas holidays, the atmosphere, all the sweets and cakes and cookies I got to make and my bakery was selling very well...but it was exhausting. And all the happiness and excitement I had to start the day with because of Caleb had dissipated when we both had to run to our jobs, late for the first time ever probably. It wasn't okay and it had only stressed me even more than I already was.
"Sorry if I don't feel good." He said in a nasal voice that barely sounded like his own, it still had its sarcastic tone though.
I ran my hands through my hair as I stared at the one zillion cookies I had to decorate. No matter how many I made, they were never enough. Also Caleb hadn't showed up for his usual morning coffee and even though my original plan was to go bring it to him now I knew I didn't have time for that, which was really too bad because one of his hugs would help a lot. But he was always in my thoughts, always. "Take a break, go get some medicine and bring a coffee with some chocolate-espresso snowcaps to Caleb please." I told him, trying to stay calm.
"Fine." He said flatly and turned around to head out of the kitchen.
"Wait." I stopped him and grabbed a piece of paper to scribble a message for my handsome boyfriend. I kept it simple, it said: I miss you. I folded it and handed it to Denis. "Don't peek." I grinned at him.
"You're so predictable I already know what you wrote." He teased me and looked at me with those dark eyes that were all puffy. God I hoped he didn't have a temperature or I'd have to send him home and I didn't know how to survive without him.
I chuckled, urging him out. "Go! I have cookies to decorate!"
8:50 AM
Denis walked back into the back of the bakery holding a few bottles of wine and I raised one eyebrow at him. "What's that?" I asked slowly, getting distracted for a moment and taking a break from packing the christmas boxes.
He grinned at me, "They're not for you don't even think about it." He set them in a corner next to his backpack, "Payment for messenget boy services. Caleb's words not mine."
I chuckled and shook my head, my chest getting tighter at the thought alone of my boyfriend being so nice not only to me but to the people I loved too. "God, he's silly."
"I would've settled for anothey kind of payment...but I don't think he's into that." He gave me an obvious face that made me roll my eyes.
"Nope. And even if he was, he's mine so keep your hands off of him." I stuck my tongue out at him.
That small moment of playfulness got interrupted by one of the girls bursting into the kitchen and looking desperate. "We ran out of snowflake cookies. Again."
I sighed and looked at Denis, "Come on, you know what you have to do." I told him before I read Caleb's new note, blushing immediately.
11:00 AM
I snuck out of the bakery holding my phone, needing to catch a break before I'd go crazy. I called Caleb immediately, needing to hear his voice, but what I got was his assistent Blair so I waited patiently.
"Caleb Mara." HE finally said in a groan.
"I didn't really say I wanted naked pictures." I told him playfully, referring to his note from earlier, wishing we could be together and naked now. "But if you're offering I'm not going to turn them down."
"No?" He laughed.
"Are these like tinder dick pics or are you posing Playgirl style?" I asked him in a teasing tone.
He laughed again, this time louder. "I've never seen a playgirl I wouldn't know what that entailed."
I chuckled and then sighed. "I'm having a long day." I admitted.
"Me too."
"Can you have lunch?" I asked hopefully.
"Are you free around 1:30?" He asked back after a long pause that had me holding my breath.
"For like 30 minutes." I replied after a moment of me mentally going through a checklist in my mind.
"If you remember correctly I can do a lot in 30 minutes." He reminded me.
I sighed. "Don't tempt me Caleb. We actually need to eat today."
"I'll see you then." He said in a soft voice. I wish I could see him and kiss him now, two hours and a half were going to be a lont time to wait.
I hung up and sighed, going back to reality which kind of sucked right now. I walked into the cafeteria area, it was crowded and that was good, only the two girls I had hired for the Christmas holidays looked this close to get crazy. Their problem, not mine.
"Tara!" Came Denis voice from the kitchen and I ran to him again. "Fuck!!! Fuck!!!!" He screamed.
I glanced at the pan he was holding. The salty caramel was burned, as if we needed to lose more time making it again. "For gods sake Denis, don't scream!" I massaged my temples and took a deep breath, doing my best not to flip. "It's just caramel, you can do it again." I reasoned out loud.
"I was supposed to finish the chocolate rolls now." He shot me a guilty look.
"I'm going to think about those." I sighed then I watched him more closely. He looked...green. "Are you okay?" I asked.
He leaned against the counter, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I've been better. I'm kind of lightheaded."
I touched him and almost started crying. He was burning. I knew what that meant for me. "I think you got a fever...go home." I undid my ponytail and then did it again, pulling it tighter because I was getting in my super woman mode.
He shook his head. "I can't leave you alone right now." He protested like I knew he would.
"You can't stay here...I'll survive. And no arguing because I don't want to get sick." I told him seriously.
"I feel like shit right now." He ran a hand through his dark hair, looking guilty.
I forced a smile. "Get better as soon as possible, I need you back here."
12:36 AM
"GOD!" I yelled as soon as my finger accidentally dipped into the sizzling oil where the churros were frying, the pain so intense I felt like fainting. I ran to the sink and opened the water, starting to panic because I didn't need that too today. Cooking with a burn on your finger was painful and uncomfortable. I grabbed my phone and snapped a picture of it next to my face as I pouted, sending it to Caleb along with a text:
I got burned, can you cure me please?
He didn't answer.
1:09 PM
I stared at the amount of food on the table in the middle of my kitchen. It was insane. But what was even more insane was how behind I still was and how close I was to feel overwhelmed. This day was never ending. My phone vibrated against my ass and I slid it out of my pocket, reading a text from Denis who told me he forgot to tell me he had seen Caleb with a slutty woman whose name was Selene. Perfect. I texted him back then texted Caleb, while I realized that I didn't have time to have lunch with him, unfortunately.
"I have too much to do I can't get a break for lunch I'm sorry. Oh and a bird told me you saw Selene." I hit send and went back to my...what was I even doing? Going crazy.
1:43 PM
I slid the ginger cupcakes into the oven, my body functioning like a machine and doing everything almost automatically but my mind wasn't there. I was too tired and I kept thinking about Selene...while I trusted Caleb, I didn't trust her and what was she even doing there? And why hadn't he told me? So many questions, zero answers. I set the timer on 12 minutes and decided I needed to do something to catch a tiny break so I reached for a packet of cigarettes I kept hidden and used for emergencies only, like this one. Walking out the back of my bakery, I lit a cigarette and almost moaned because even if smoking was bad and I didn't really smoke anymore it was nice to indulge in that vice from time to time.
"Hi Tara." A low male voice said and I nearly jumped before noticing it was just Ryan, the delivery guy.
"Oh my god you scared me." I breathed out.
He chuckled, "Sorry I didn't mean to."
I nodded and offered a smile as I tried to remember if I was supposed to get something form him. Or if I was supposed to give him something instead. "It's okay. Are you here for me?" I asked slowly.
"Well, yeah or why would I be here?" He teased me, shooting me his best smirk that I had to admit was a sexy one. Only it didn't work for me and not just because I had Caleb.
"Help me because I'm lost." I confessed.
"I think it was 50 boxes of cookies or something? I'm supposed to deliver them across the city by the end of the day." He explained.
Oh good lord. I had forgotten. "Shit." I cussed, "They're not ready. Can't you wait...I don't know 30 minutes? Or come back later? Please?" I nearly begged him.
He gave me a glance over. "Sure, no problem. But I might want something in change..."
"Tara." Caleb voice broke out of nowhere and I just blinked.
"Hi." I replied, looking back to Ryan because work came fist and I had to solve this before jumping Caleb's bones. "Um. When can you come back?"
He grinned widely at me, "How about I come by in a few hours for the cookies and on Friday for dinner?" He offered.
"She's busy." Caleb replied, his tone harsh and I didn't like it. I could speak for myself.
"I don't think you speak for her." Ryan replied but Caleb took a few steps towards him and narrowed his eyes. Great.
"Caleb. Stop." I groaned. "A few hours would be perfect Ryan but I'm not available for dates."
He shrugged. "Too bad." He winked at me before heading off and I ran my fingers through my hair. God this day could only got worse and worse.
"You're smoking." Caleb pointed out.
I nodded. "I told you. It's been a long day."
"I brought you some burn cream for your finger."
I smiled softly. "Thank you."
"Denis told you Selene stopped by." He added.
"You should have told me." I answered, sighing as I took a long drag from the cigarette.
"I would have but you cancelled lunch." He said back but that wasn't enough for me.
"And yet you're still here." I pointed out. Any other day I'd fight him about this, but maybe I was too tired for that today.
"I wanted to see you." He replied. "Instead I find you smoking and flirting with the mailman."
I rolled my eyes. "I wasn't flirting." I said with a shrug because it was no big deal. "He was a little."
"Huh."
"Why did Selene stop by?" I asked instead.
"She wanted me to go to her family christmas party." He said seriously.
"Are you still close to her family?" I asked questioningly.
He shook his head. "No."
"Are you going to tell me more about it?" I asked slowly while I waited before jumping to conclusion or get flat annoyed.
"Yes." He nodded.
I stomped on what was left of my cigarette, inhaling deeply. "You're giving me one word answers Caleb." I pointed out, giving him another chance to say something more.
He shrugged nonchalantly, "It's irrelevant for me Tara, really."
This time I rolled my eyes. "Are you going?" I went on and when he shook his head I decided that it was enough. "Fine, don't tell me anything. I have to go back to work, thank you for the cream." I said as I did my best to keep my emotions in check no matter how hard it was right now. Apparently I wasn't too tired to get upset.
"Hey don't run away!" He protested, grabbing my arm. "I came here for you you know." He said softly.
I sighed, because he was right. I was just so nervous and this Selene thing made me see red. I wanted to know every single word she'd said to him. "I know. I'm sorry I'm so busy today but I'm sure you can understand me." I told him in a softer tone.
He groaned. "And yet you found time for that idiot." He said under his breath.
I narrowed my eyes on him. "And you found time to talk to your slutty ex wife." I retorted because two could play this game.
"I-" He cut himself off, running a hand through his hair. "Fair enough. What's wrong Tara talk to me."
"I want to know everything she said. But we don't have time now." I confessed, even pouting a little.
"I'll tell you tonight okay?" He offered then grabbed my hand. "Let me see your finger."
I watched him as he kissed it softly. "It hurts."
He put on some cream then applied a big bandaid that he produced out of nowhere. "No more." He smiled.
I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him before I let him hug me. God how much I needed this. "I can't wait for this day to end." I confessed against his chest then pulled back. "Did you eat?" I asked and he shook his head. "Wait here." I ran back inside, grabbed a salmon cream cheese sandwich and a pomegranate smoothie, getting back to him at the speed of sound. "Here, your lunch."
"Thank you baby." He smiled brightly and my heart skipped a beat. I...I was falling for him.
I kissed him one last time before letting him go. "You're welcome. I'll see you later."
9:50 PM
I walked into Caleb's office, finding him asleep on his chair. "Caleb?"
He jolted awake, his eyes putting me on focus. "Hi. Fuck sorry I must have fallen asleep."
"It's okay. I brought you some dinner." I smiled at him. The day was over. We had survived.
"You're an angel." He said seriously, He rolled the sleeves to his white button down up to his elbows and looked at me. "An exhausted angel."
"Guilty." I sighed. "Today started off so well too." I smirked and my cheeks went a little pink.
"Did your day get better?" He asked.
I just shook my head. "Not even a little." I handed him a to go box from my bakery and pulled out some silverwear for both of us before serving him his dinner.
"She told her family we were getting back together." Caleb told me out of the blue.
"What?" I asked him back, it taking me a minute to realise what he was talking about.
"Sorry." He shook his head. "My mind is going faster than my mouth. Selene. She wants me to go with her to her families Christmas so they think we're getting back together."
"Didn't she leave you?!" I exclaimed, feeling disgusted.
"Yes. But it was more my fault than hers." He shrugged. I didn't believe that for even a second. "She doesn't like not being the perfect daughter."
"She isn't your problem anymore." I reminded him.
"I told her I was seeing someone." He assured me. "I told her no. I have no desire to see her at all much less go out with her."
"I'm sure she really took that to heart." I laughed sarcastically.
"Like the mail man did?" I questioned.
"Oh come on Caleb. There's a bit of a difference between a random guy hitting on me and your ex-wife wanting you back." I retorted.
He shook his head. "She doesn't really want me back." He thought about it. "At least I don't think she does."
I grabbed my fork and I sank it into a shrimp that was lucky to be already dead or I would have killed it. "Yes she does instead." I spat bitterly, stuffing my mouth before I could say things I'd regret later.
"Tara you don't even know her..." He trailed off quietly.
"And I'd like to keep it that way thank you." I replied as I kept my eyes on our food which I could barely taste.
He set his hand on my leg and I nearly jumped. He blinked at my reaction. "You seem...I've never seen you like this." He pointed out slowly.
"I'm just tired." I said back before bringing a forkful of peas to my mouth.
"No you're mad instead." He said in a quiet tone before he started eating again. Was this the beginning of an argument? We had fought before but never as a couple.
I swallowed then licked my top lip as I took a full minute to organize my thoughts. "You're right. You've never seen me like this because I've never had a reason to be mad or annoyed before. Now I am and you have to know that when something really annoys me I become completely irrational to the point I can't see things clear and I'd kick people's faces." I explained simply.
He seemed surprised at least. "You're mad at me?" He asked.
"No I'm mad at that bitch for daring to ask you to be your date. That wouldn't be okay even if you weren't with me, you're divorced...divorced. Does she even know the meaning of that word? Maybe I should get her a damn vocabulary for Christmas." I muttered before opening the water and taking a long sip straight from the bottle.
He laughed but was still taken aback, it was written on his face and he was being awfully slow at eating which was odd for him. He usually devoured my food. "I told her no, that must count for something."
"Uh. No." I rolled my eyes. "I mean yes, a little, but if she's being telling her family you could get back together? Maybe she didn't get the message and here's where I could be annoyed at you. You need to tell her loud and clear that you two are never going to happen ever again and she has to stay out of your life." I took a deep breath, realizing I needed air because I was fuming. "I don't want her in your life Caleb, I know I don't know her but I don't need to. A glance was enough for me to get she's not someone you can trust and I don't want her around you ever. It's a deal breaker for me."
"That's not really fair." Caleb said seriously.
I glared at him. "What the hell do you mean?"
"We were married Tara. She was a big part of my life for a long time. That doesn't just go away. I don't want to be with her anymore, and yes, maybe I do need to spell it out a little more clearly, but we're still friends."
"No." I said firmly. NO more like it.
"See that's where it becomes unfair." He replied.
"You're going to see me start kicking faces soon." I replied in a monotone, my fork ready to stab him it was true.
"It's just that I can't ask the same of you." He replied. "I can't tell you that John has to be out of your life, because he's part of my life." I was about to argue but he was faster and went on. "Beyond that, I'm not sure that you can be telling me what and what isn't a deal breaker when we're not even openly together. I'm having to tell everyone I know I'm seeing someone, not that I'm seeing you and you're amazing and I'm crazy about you."
I sighed, trying to be reasonable. "I can see where you're coming from but-"
"Besides, John was friends with his ex and it never bothered you."
I blinked back at him. "What?"
"Michelle."
I set down my fork and crossed one leg over the other. "I didn't know that John ever dated Michelle." I said with a voice that was so calm it was almost frightening. He widened his eyes. "Tara they dated for like 3 years in high school." He said seriously.
"You're talking about Michelle the girl from his firm Michele?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I can't believe you didn't know they were high school sweethearts."
I was about ready to flip out. "Trust me when I say that if I HAD known that? I would have had a problem with it." I replied through clenched teeth.
He held up his hands. "Fair enough." He reached for my hand and I jumped but he squeezed it. "Don't pull away from me." He said in an authoritative voice that he very rarely used. I blinked and stopped resisting. "I'll tell Selene point blank that I don't want anymore unplanned visits and that there is no way in hell we're ever getting back together. But if we're being honest I don't think she's going to take it very well."
"Then that's when she'll get to know me." I replied.
"Baby." He used the pet name and I softened a bit. "You're too tired to be so angry."
I sighed and then climbed into his lap. "You're right about that."
"Though I'm now looking forward to our first official fight."
"What?!" I glared at him as I pulled back and he laughed.
"You're fierce Tara. It doesn't fit you but it does. And every new facet I find out about you fucking thrills me. I love watching you get passionate." He kissed me softly. "I love watching you passionate about me." He growled, the word almost inaudible it was so low.
"Caleb.....this is happening so fast...at all the wrong times." I said, looking deep into his eyes.
He set his forehead against mine because he knew just what I meant. Today had been long but it wasn't much different from any other day. We were busy, super busy, and there was drama from our pasts with both of us, and neither one of us planned to fall together like this. "It's worth it." He said finally, meaning every word.
I nodded my head as I kept my eyes on him, my mind going to one million places, I had so much to think about and now this Selene thing was just awful no matter what Caleb said.
He cupped my face and studied my expression. "Why you're not talking anymore?" He asked quietly.
I took a deep breath. "There's another thing you need to know about me. After getting mad I usually close up if things don't go like I want." I explained, telling him what could be seen like a flaw but I didn't care, I wanted to be honest with him.
He blinked then chuckled, looking vaguely amused. "How would you like things to go for this specific circumstance."
"I don't want you to see your ex, I told you. I know you were married and she was a big part of your past but I don't believe for even a second you two could be friends. And I even told you this same thing when you and I were just friends so it's not like I changed my mind just because we're together now." I started, speaking my mind freely. "I know I can't actually stop you from seeing her again but I'm warning you now, if and when that will happen I'll get upset."
"Did I already say it's unfair?" He questioned in a teasing voice to make the moment lighter, only it wasn't happening and I rolled my eyes. I was dead serious. "So let's say John is not my cousin. Would you stop seeing him if I asked you to?"
"Uhm he is your cousin and I stopped anyway." I pointed out stubbornly.
"Okay but you two weren't married and it's not the right example." He said hurriedly, furrowing his brows and making his thoughtful face that was actually pretty cute.
I shifted on his lap to get more comfortable, undoing his tie to make him more comfortable too. "If we had been we wouldn't be together now." I shrugged casually, just wanting to push a few buttons of his.
As I expected, he glared at me. "John wasn't right for you." He groaned.
I bit back a smile and didn't say that Caleb was right instead, even if I thought that. "Okay let's pick another one. Andy. Ten years of on an off relationship. I think this one could compare to your marriage...do you want me to keep seeing him?" I asked with an eyebrow raised. Truth was, I didn't want to see Andy. We had never been just friends and now I honestly didn't know what we could be, I wasn't interested in finding out either. When a door was closed, was closed.
"Now you're just trying to annoy me." He muttered and looked beyond annoyed.
"I just want you to know how I feel." I played innocent, shrugging my shoulders and sliding my hands down his chest.
"Okay, point made." He sighed, looking exhausted.
I decided that it was enough for tonight and I hoped he'd think about it and change his mind eventually. "Now, let's get to the fun part. There's a party on Friday, will you come with me?" I asked, smiling at him and already dying to go with him. I needed to just go out and have some fun, mostly with him.
He made a face, "I can't, I'm seeing my brother." He answered with a sigh.
I pouted but recovered quickly because I couldn't really argue about that. It was a family thing, I had a sister too so I got that. "I guess I'll go with Denis. What about Christmas? And Christmas Eve?" I went on, excited to spend the holidays with him. It was my favorite part of the year.
"I'm not sure but I'll probably be with my family just like every year..." He trailed off.
This time I sighed. "Yeah, me too. I'd tell you to come with me at least to one dinner but maybe it's too soon...I don't know." I paused and hid my face against his chest. "I told my sister about you though. She says I did the right thing. Mostly because you're hotter than John." I chuckled.
"What?! She didn't even see me once!" He pointed out.
"I showed her pictures." I confessed and was thankful he couldn't see my face because I was blushing. Then my thoughts got more serious. "You're right, we should start telling people we're together...I don't want to keep you a secret. But I'm not sure if this is good timing, I don't want to ruin Christmas to anyone."
"Ugh." Caleb groaned and set his forhead against mine.
"What's wrong?" My fingers tangled in the hair at the nape of his neck and I looked into his eyes with concern.
"I hate that it could."
"What?"
"Ruin Christmas." He admitted. "I hate that something that makes him so happy is also something that could create massive drama."
"Me too." I agreed.
He pushed my hair back. "I wish I had met you first." He said softly.
I smiled and nodded sadly. "Me too." I looked down.
He reached for my chin to tilt my head up. "My mom would have loved you." He said seriously, making me widen my eyes.
"You think so?"
He smiled and nodded, looking both happy and sad. "She loved to bake. And she was always hoping I'd fall for the right girl."
I blinked. "Have you?" I whispered.
He leaned in and kissed me, keeping it sweet but then sinking into it, into me. Showing me how much he felt without having to locate the words. "What do you think?" He whispered against my lips once we were both breathless.
"I think I would have loved her too." I replied seriously.
"What about New Years?" He asked, backtracking a little.
I blinked. "What about it?"
"I'm hoping you'll be my date." He grinned.
"Your date for what?"
He shrugged. "Big fancy party in L.A." He answered and I scrunched up my face as he laughed. "You know that's not the reation I'd get from most women."
"I'm not most women."
"Aren't fancy parties just a reason to get dressed up and buy new shoes?"
"I can dress up any day I want. And I don't need new shoes."
He rolled his eyes a little atme and sighed. "Fine. But there will be good food, dancing....you in a little dress and whatever shoes you want."
I smiled. "Dancing huh?"
He nodded. "Yup."
"Will you kiss him at midnight?" I smirked and he shrugged.
"If you want. Though you think parties are bad I'd assume you'd think that's too cliche." He teased.
I bit back a grin, indulging in the thought of having Caleb all for me for one night and for once I wouldn't have to keep him a secret either. "I can make an exception for you..." I trailed off.
He grinned wide, holding me against him as he looked into my eyes. "Is that a yes?" He asked, not hiding his enthusiasm.
I nodded and kissed him, as excited as he seemed. "I'm coming to that fancy party, but I'm doing it for you only. We could be anywhere and I'd just be happy to start the new year with you."
"Careful...you're sounding cheesy." He teased.
"I'm honest." I shrugged it off because yes maybe I was being a little cheesy but it wasn't my fault if the truth was so sweet sometimes. Then I went back to earth and thought about real life. "But what about the winery? And the bakery? Did you plan to close for New Year's Eve?"
He shot me a one million watt smile that was as unexpected as gorgeous. "I really like when you're so practical."
I laughed lightly, his words unexpected. "I'm a businesswoman, don't forget that." I told him, "I'll talk to Denis and see if he can survive a few hours without me and I'll keep close for the rest of the time." I paused once again, my mind already thinking ahead. "Is it just a one night away thing or do you want to stay away longer?"
It was his turn to chuckle, "This is another part of you I didn't know." He pointed out.
"What?" I blinked at him, completely clueless.
"Crazy planner." He answered, grinning wide. I smacked his chest and faked a pout. "It's not bad!"
"I know it's not." I retorted as I sighed, leaning against his strong chest and wishing we were in his bed already. Or my bed. Any bed where I could glue myself to him and fall asleep against his hard body.
He ran his hand up and down my back, "But you smacked my chest."
I snuggled against him, tempted to close my eyes already and then it hit me. When I was into his arms...it felt like home. "I need to know things in order to organize as much as I can, so that everything goes smoothly and we can enjoy our time away." I explained simply, offering him my vision. Okay maybe he was right, but just a little and I wasn't going to tell him.
"Mmm okay." Caleb smiled and ran his arms down my back, pulling me harder into his body. "Tara?"
"Mhmm?" I asked, nuzzling into him like a sleepy kitten.
"We should go to bed."
"Okay." I nodded just as someone started scratching at his door. Or more specifically something.
"I think Nero is here." He smirked and I smiled and let the tiny dog inside. He jumped into my arms and licked my face yipping excitedly and then yawning.
"He's tired too." I smiled, kissing his face.
"He was at obedience school all day." He explained, shaking his head.
"Aww were you a good boy?" I asked him. He yawned again.
"Bedtime?" I turned to him and he nodded.
"Let's go."
His hands moved up my body and slipped under my t-shirt, tracing my ribs then cupping my breasts gently. "You're so soft and warm." He looked up at me with lust filled eyes as his teeth sunk into the tender flesh of my neck, his erection pressing harder against my center and making me gasp.
I swallowed and closed my eyes, I loved having his weight on me, his hands on me, feeling that I was his. "We don't have time." I reminded both of us, but I was too weak not to give in and my own hands slid into his boxers to grab his perfect ass and keep him pressed against me.
"I know." He groaned and moved one his hands to my panties, pushing them aside and baring me enough for him to feel how wet I was for him already. "I don't care." He added lowly.
My breath quickened immediately and before I could realize it I was pushing his boxers down and spreading my legs open for him. "I don't either." I confessed as I looked up at him.
"Mhm." He let out a deep sound before entering me swiftly, "Fuck."
I gasped again, clutching around him as the sweetest pleasure filled me. "Oh god." Was all I could say as my legs wrappped around his hips.
He looked down at me with a small smirk on his lips, his eyes shining as he started moving inside of me, deep and slowly at first. "Hi baby." He told me sweetly before sealing his lips with mine.
I kissed him back, my tongue sliding into his mouth and playing with his as my hips moved with his. For a moment I was forgetting we had a whole day ahead of us, a busy tiring one, all that mattered was him. "Hi." I muttered against him mouth and I could already feel my orgasm building. There we were, half dressed, too much in a hurry to care about clothes or anything else really.
He changed his pace dramatically, his thrusts becoming faster and harder, his dick pounded inside of me mercilessly as the expression on his face changed too. The sweet Caleb was barely there, the sex machine took his place. "You're so sexy in the mornings." He said between clenched teeth, his hands setting by each side of my shoulders to prop his weight against the mattress and give more room to his hips to move.
"You are always." I moaned loudly as I spread my legs open, moving with him and nearly dying for the friction of him against me plus the head of his dick hitting that spot inside of me was making me see stars. I tightened around him, my toes curling and my nails sinking into his shoulders.
"Baby." He roared, the term of endearment clashing with the way he was fucking me. I cupped his face and kissed him hard, pouring all myself into the kiss as he kept pounding inside of me until we were both coming hard, moans and groans mixing in the air until we were both breathless.
"Mhm all I want to do now is stay in bed." I muttered as I pouted. God I wished we had time for us, it was never enough and it was always very little. I anchored myself against Caleb, squeezing him tight against me to feel him as much as possible as a part of me I didn't want to ever leave. Then I turned my head and glanced at the alarm clock. Fuck we were late.
7:36 AM
I turned to Denis and narrowed my eyes on him. "Can you please stop coughing? Or at least you could do it where there's nothing edible around? What are we going to serve today, cookies and flu?" I spat and I knew I was being unfair but I was already tired and nervous. I loved the Christmas holidays, the atmosphere, all the sweets and cakes and cookies I got to make and my bakery was selling very well...but it was exhausting. And all the happiness and excitement I had to start the day with because of Caleb had dissipated when we both had to run to our jobs, late for the first time ever probably. It wasn't okay and it had only stressed me even more than I already was.
"Sorry if I don't feel good." He said in a nasal voice that barely sounded like his own, it still had its sarcastic tone though.
I ran my hands through my hair as I stared at the one zillion cookies I had to decorate. No matter how many I made, they were never enough. Also Caleb hadn't showed up for his usual morning coffee and even though my original plan was to go bring it to him now I knew I didn't have time for that, which was really too bad because one of his hugs would help a lot. But he was always in my thoughts, always. "Take a break, go get some medicine and bring a coffee with some chocolate-espresso snowcaps to Caleb please." I told him, trying to stay calm.
"Fine." He said flatly and turned around to head out of the kitchen.
"Wait." I stopped him and grabbed a piece of paper to scribble a message for my handsome boyfriend. I kept it simple, it said: I miss you. I folded it and handed it to Denis. "Don't peek." I grinned at him.
"You're so predictable I already know what you wrote." He teased me and looked at me with those dark eyes that were all puffy. God I hoped he didn't have a temperature or I'd have to send him home and I didn't know how to survive without him.
I chuckled, urging him out. "Go! I have cookies to decorate!"
8:50 AM
Denis walked back into the back of the bakery holding a few bottles of wine and I raised one eyebrow at him. "What's that?" I asked slowly, getting distracted for a moment and taking a break from packing the christmas boxes.
He grinned at me, "They're not for you don't even think about it." He set them in a corner next to his backpack, "Payment for messenget boy services. Caleb's words not mine."
I chuckled and shook my head, my chest getting tighter at the thought alone of my boyfriend being so nice not only to me but to the people I loved too. "God, he's silly."
"I would've settled for anothey kind of payment...but I don't think he's into that." He gave me an obvious face that made me roll my eyes.
"Nope. And even if he was, he's mine so keep your hands off of him." I stuck my tongue out at him.
That small moment of playfulness got interrupted by one of the girls bursting into the kitchen and looking desperate. "We ran out of snowflake cookies. Again."
I sighed and looked at Denis, "Come on, you know what you have to do." I told him before I read Caleb's new note, blushing immediately.
11:00 AM
I snuck out of the bakery holding my phone, needing to catch a break before I'd go crazy. I called Caleb immediately, needing to hear his voice, but what I got was his assistent Blair so I waited patiently.
"Caleb Mara." HE finally said in a groan.
"I didn't really say I wanted naked pictures." I told him playfully, referring to his note from earlier, wishing we could be together and naked now. "But if you're offering I'm not going to turn them down."
"No?" He laughed.
"Are these like tinder dick pics or are you posing Playgirl style?" I asked him in a teasing tone.
He laughed again, this time louder. "I've never seen a playgirl I wouldn't know what that entailed."
I chuckled and then sighed. "I'm having a long day." I admitted.
"Me too."
"Can you have lunch?" I asked hopefully.
"Are you free around 1:30?" He asked back after a long pause that had me holding my breath.
"For like 30 minutes." I replied after a moment of me mentally going through a checklist in my mind.
"If you remember correctly I can do a lot in 30 minutes." He reminded me.
I sighed. "Don't tempt me Caleb. We actually need to eat today."
"I'll see you then." He said in a soft voice. I wish I could see him and kiss him now, two hours and a half were going to be a lont time to wait.
I hung up and sighed, going back to reality which kind of sucked right now. I walked into the cafeteria area, it was crowded and that was good, only the two girls I had hired for the Christmas holidays looked this close to get crazy. Their problem, not mine.
"Tara!" Came Denis voice from the kitchen and I ran to him again. "Fuck!!! Fuck!!!!" He screamed.
I glanced at the pan he was holding. The salty caramel was burned, as if we needed to lose more time making it again. "For gods sake Denis, don't scream!" I massaged my temples and took a deep breath, doing my best not to flip. "It's just caramel, you can do it again." I reasoned out loud.
"I was supposed to finish the chocolate rolls now." He shot me a guilty look.
"I'm going to think about those." I sighed then I watched him more closely. He looked...green. "Are you okay?" I asked.
He leaned against the counter, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I've been better. I'm kind of lightheaded."
I touched him and almost started crying. He was burning. I knew what that meant for me. "I think you got a fever...go home." I undid my ponytail and then did it again, pulling it tighter because I was getting in my super woman mode.
He shook his head. "I can't leave you alone right now." He protested like I knew he would.
"You can't stay here...I'll survive. And no arguing because I don't want to get sick." I told him seriously.
"I feel like shit right now." He ran a hand through his dark hair, looking guilty.
I forced a smile. "Get better as soon as possible, I need you back here."
12:36 AM
"GOD!" I yelled as soon as my finger accidentally dipped into the sizzling oil where the churros were frying, the pain so intense I felt like fainting. I ran to the sink and opened the water, starting to panic because I didn't need that too today. Cooking with a burn on your finger was painful and uncomfortable. I grabbed my phone and snapped a picture of it next to my face as I pouted, sending it to Caleb along with a text:
I got burned, can you cure me please?
He didn't answer.
1:09 PM
I stared at the amount of food on the table in the middle of my kitchen. It was insane. But what was even more insane was how behind I still was and how close I was to feel overwhelmed. This day was never ending. My phone vibrated against my ass and I slid it out of my pocket, reading a text from Denis who told me he forgot to tell me he had seen Caleb with a slutty woman whose name was Selene. Perfect. I texted him back then texted Caleb, while I realized that I didn't have time to have lunch with him, unfortunately.
"I have too much to do I can't get a break for lunch I'm sorry. Oh and a bird told me you saw Selene." I hit send and went back to my...what was I even doing? Going crazy.
1:43 PM
I slid the ginger cupcakes into the oven, my body functioning like a machine and doing everything almost automatically but my mind wasn't there. I was too tired and I kept thinking about Selene...while I trusted Caleb, I didn't trust her and what was she even doing there? And why hadn't he told me? So many questions, zero answers. I set the timer on 12 minutes and decided I needed to do something to catch a tiny break so I reached for a packet of cigarettes I kept hidden and used for emergencies only, like this one. Walking out the back of my bakery, I lit a cigarette and almost moaned because even if smoking was bad and I didn't really smoke anymore it was nice to indulge in that vice from time to time.
"Hi Tara." A low male voice said and I nearly jumped before noticing it was just Ryan, the delivery guy.
"Oh my god you scared me." I breathed out.
He chuckled, "Sorry I didn't mean to."
I nodded and offered a smile as I tried to remember if I was supposed to get something form him. Or if I was supposed to give him something instead. "It's okay. Are you here for me?" I asked slowly.
"Well, yeah or why would I be here?" He teased me, shooting me his best smirk that I had to admit was a sexy one. Only it didn't work for me and not just because I had Caleb.
"Help me because I'm lost." I confessed.
"I think it was 50 boxes of cookies or something? I'm supposed to deliver them across the city by the end of the day." He explained.
Oh good lord. I had forgotten. "Shit." I cussed, "They're not ready. Can't you wait...I don't know 30 minutes? Or come back later? Please?" I nearly begged him.
He gave me a glance over. "Sure, no problem. But I might want something in change..."
"Tara." Caleb voice broke out of nowhere and I just blinked.
"Hi." I replied, looking back to Ryan because work came fist and I had to solve this before jumping Caleb's bones. "Um. When can you come back?"
He grinned widely at me, "How about I come by in a few hours for the cookies and on Friday for dinner?" He offered.
"She's busy." Caleb replied, his tone harsh and I didn't like it. I could speak for myself.
"I don't think you speak for her." Ryan replied but Caleb took a few steps towards him and narrowed his eyes. Great.
"Caleb. Stop." I groaned. "A few hours would be perfect Ryan but I'm not available for dates."
He shrugged. "Too bad." He winked at me before heading off and I ran my fingers through my hair. God this day could only got worse and worse.
"You're smoking." Caleb pointed out.
I nodded. "I told you. It's been a long day."
"I brought you some burn cream for your finger."
I smiled softly. "Thank you."
"Denis told you Selene stopped by." He added.
"You should have told me." I answered, sighing as I took a long drag from the cigarette.
"I would have but you cancelled lunch." He said back but that wasn't enough for me.
"And yet you're still here." I pointed out. Any other day I'd fight him about this, but maybe I was too tired for that today.
"I wanted to see you." He replied. "Instead I find you smoking and flirting with the mailman."
I rolled my eyes. "I wasn't flirting." I said with a shrug because it was no big deal. "He was a little."
"Huh."
"Why did Selene stop by?" I asked instead.
"She wanted me to go to her family christmas party." He said seriously.
"Are you still close to her family?" I asked questioningly.
He shook his head. "No."
"Are you going to tell me more about it?" I asked slowly while I waited before jumping to conclusion or get flat annoyed.
"Yes." He nodded.
I stomped on what was left of my cigarette, inhaling deeply. "You're giving me one word answers Caleb." I pointed out, giving him another chance to say something more.
He shrugged nonchalantly, "It's irrelevant for me Tara, really."
This time I rolled my eyes. "Are you going?" I went on and when he shook his head I decided that it was enough. "Fine, don't tell me anything. I have to go back to work, thank you for the cream." I said as I did my best to keep my emotions in check no matter how hard it was right now. Apparently I wasn't too tired to get upset.
"Hey don't run away!" He protested, grabbing my arm. "I came here for you you know." He said softly.
I sighed, because he was right. I was just so nervous and this Selene thing made me see red. I wanted to know every single word she'd said to him. "I know. I'm sorry I'm so busy today but I'm sure you can understand me." I told him in a softer tone.
He groaned. "And yet you found time for that idiot." He said under his breath.
I narrowed my eyes on him. "And you found time to talk to your slutty ex wife." I retorted because two could play this game.
"I-" He cut himself off, running a hand through his hair. "Fair enough. What's wrong Tara talk to me."
"I want to know everything she said. But we don't have time now." I confessed, even pouting a little.
"I'll tell you tonight okay?" He offered then grabbed my hand. "Let me see your finger."
I watched him as he kissed it softly. "It hurts."
He put on some cream then applied a big bandaid that he produced out of nowhere. "No more." He smiled.
I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him before I let him hug me. God how much I needed this. "I can't wait for this day to end." I confessed against his chest then pulled back. "Did you eat?" I asked and he shook his head. "Wait here." I ran back inside, grabbed a salmon cream cheese sandwich and a pomegranate smoothie, getting back to him at the speed of sound. "Here, your lunch."
"Thank you baby." He smiled brightly and my heart skipped a beat. I...I was falling for him.
I kissed him one last time before letting him go. "You're welcome. I'll see you later."
9:50 PM
I walked into Caleb's office, finding him asleep on his chair. "Caleb?"
He jolted awake, his eyes putting me on focus. "Hi. Fuck sorry I must have fallen asleep."
"It's okay. I brought you some dinner." I smiled at him. The day was over. We had survived.
"You're an angel." He said seriously, He rolled the sleeves to his white button down up to his elbows and looked at me. "An exhausted angel."
"Guilty." I sighed. "Today started off so well too." I smirked and my cheeks went a little pink.
"Did your day get better?" He asked.
I just shook my head. "Not even a little." I handed him a to go box from my bakery and pulled out some silverwear for both of us before serving him his dinner.
"She told her family we were getting back together." Caleb told me out of the blue.
"What?" I asked him back, it taking me a minute to realise what he was talking about.
"Sorry." He shook his head. "My mind is going faster than my mouth. Selene. She wants me to go with her to her families Christmas so they think we're getting back together."
"Didn't she leave you?!" I exclaimed, feeling disgusted.
"Yes. But it was more my fault than hers." He shrugged. I didn't believe that for even a second. "She doesn't like not being the perfect daughter."
"She isn't your problem anymore." I reminded him.
"I told her I was seeing someone." He assured me. "I told her no. I have no desire to see her at all much less go out with her."
"I'm sure she really took that to heart." I laughed sarcastically.
"Like the mail man did?" I questioned.
"Oh come on Caleb. There's a bit of a difference between a random guy hitting on me and your ex-wife wanting you back." I retorted.
He shook his head. "She doesn't really want me back." He thought about it. "At least I don't think she does."
I grabbed my fork and I sank it into a shrimp that was lucky to be already dead or I would have killed it. "Yes she does instead." I spat bitterly, stuffing my mouth before I could say things I'd regret later.
"Tara you don't even know her..." He trailed off quietly.
"And I'd like to keep it that way thank you." I replied as I kept my eyes on our food which I could barely taste.
He set his hand on my leg and I nearly jumped. He blinked at my reaction. "You seem...I've never seen you like this." He pointed out slowly.
"I'm just tired." I said back before bringing a forkful of peas to my mouth.
"No you're mad instead." He said in a quiet tone before he started eating again. Was this the beginning of an argument? We had fought before but never as a couple.
I swallowed then licked my top lip as I took a full minute to organize my thoughts. "You're right. You've never seen me like this because I've never had a reason to be mad or annoyed before. Now I am and you have to know that when something really annoys me I become completely irrational to the point I can't see things clear and I'd kick people's faces." I explained simply.
He seemed surprised at least. "You're mad at me?" He asked.
"No I'm mad at that bitch for daring to ask you to be your date. That wouldn't be okay even if you weren't with me, you're divorced...divorced. Does she even know the meaning of that word? Maybe I should get her a damn vocabulary for Christmas." I muttered before opening the water and taking a long sip straight from the bottle.
He laughed but was still taken aback, it was written on his face and he was being awfully slow at eating which was odd for him. He usually devoured my food. "I told her no, that must count for something."
"Uh. No." I rolled my eyes. "I mean yes, a little, but if she's being telling her family you could get back together? Maybe she didn't get the message and here's where I could be annoyed at you. You need to tell her loud and clear that you two are never going to happen ever again and she has to stay out of your life." I took a deep breath, realizing I needed air because I was fuming. "I don't want her in your life Caleb, I know I don't know her but I don't need to. A glance was enough for me to get she's not someone you can trust and I don't want her around you ever. It's a deal breaker for me."
"That's not really fair." Caleb said seriously.
I glared at him. "What the hell do you mean?"
"We were married Tara. She was a big part of my life for a long time. That doesn't just go away. I don't want to be with her anymore, and yes, maybe I do need to spell it out a little more clearly, but we're still friends."
"No." I said firmly. NO more like it.
"See that's where it becomes unfair." He replied.
"You're going to see me start kicking faces soon." I replied in a monotone, my fork ready to stab him it was true.
"It's just that I can't ask the same of you." He replied. "I can't tell you that John has to be out of your life, because he's part of my life." I was about to argue but he was faster and went on. "Beyond that, I'm not sure that you can be telling me what and what isn't a deal breaker when we're not even openly together. I'm having to tell everyone I know I'm seeing someone, not that I'm seeing you and you're amazing and I'm crazy about you."
I sighed, trying to be reasonable. "I can see where you're coming from but-"
"Besides, John was friends with his ex and it never bothered you."
I blinked back at him. "What?"
"Michelle."
I set down my fork and crossed one leg over the other. "I didn't know that John ever dated Michelle." I said with a voice that was so calm it was almost frightening. He widened his eyes. "Tara they dated for like 3 years in high school." He said seriously.
"You're talking about Michelle the girl from his firm Michele?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I can't believe you didn't know they were high school sweethearts."
I was about ready to flip out. "Trust me when I say that if I HAD known that? I would have had a problem with it." I replied through clenched teeth.
He held up his hands. "Fair enough." He reached for my hand and I jumped but he squeezed it. "Don't pull away from me." He said in an authoritative voice that he very rarely used. I blinked and stopped resisting. "I'll tell Selene point blank that I don't want anymore unplanned visits and that there is no way in hell we're ever getting back together. But if we're being honest I don't think she's going to take it very well."
"Then that's when she'll get to know me." I replied.
"Baby." He used the pet name and I softened a bit. "You're too tired to be so angry."
I sighed and then climbed into his lap. "You're right about that."
"Though I'm now looking forward to our first official fight."
"What?!" I glared at him as I pulled back and he laughed.
"You're fierce Tara. It doesn't fit you but it does. And every new facet I find out about you fucking thrills me. I love watching you get passionate." He kissed me softly. "I love watching you passionate about me." He growled, the word almost inaudible it was so low.
"Caleb.....this is happening so fast...at all the wrong times." I said, looking deep into his eyes.
He set his forehead against mine because he knew just what I meant. Today had been long but it wasn't much different from any other day. We were busy, super busy, and there was drama from our pasts with both of us, and neither one of us planned to fall together like this. "It's worth it." He said finally, meaning every word.
I nodded my head as I kept my eyes on him, my mind going to one million places, I had so much to think about and now this Selene thing was just awful no matter what Caleb said.
He cupped my face and studied my expression. "Why you're not talking anymore?" He asked quietly.
I took a deep breath. "There's another thing you need to know about me. After getting mad I usually close up if things don't go like I want." I explained, telling him what could be seen like a flaw but I didn't care, I wanted to be honest with him.
He blinked then chuckled, looking vaguely amused. "How would you like things to go for this specific circumstance."
"I don't want you to see your ex, I told you. I know you were married and she was a big part of your past but I don't believe for even a second you two could be friends. And I even told you this same thing when you and I were just friends so it's not like I changed my mind just because we're together now." I started, speaking my mind freely. "I know I can't actually stop you from seeing her again but I'm warning you now, if and when that will happen I'll get upset."
"Did I already say it's unfair?" He questioned in a teasing voice to make the moment lighter, only it wasn't happening and I rolled my eyes. I was dead serious. "So let's say John is not my cousin. Would you stop seeing him if I asked you to?"
"Uhm he is your cousin and I stopped anyway." I pointed out stubbornly.
"Okay but you two weren't married and it's not the right example." He said hurriedly, furrowing his brows and making his thoughtful face that was actually pretty cute.
I shifted on his lap to get more comfortable, undoing his tie to make him more comfortable too. "If we had been we wouldn't be together now." I shrugged casually, just wanting to push a few buttons of his.
As I expected, he glared at me. "John wasn't right for you." He groaned.
I bit back a smile and didn't say that Caleb was right instead, even if I thought that. "Okay let's pick another one. Andy. Ten years of on an off relationship. I think this one could compare to your marriage...do you want me to keep seeing him?" I asked with an eyebrow raised. Truth was, I didn't want to see Andy. We had never been just friends and now I honestly didn't know what we could be, I wasn't interested in finding out either. When a door was closed, was closed.
"Now you're just trying to annoy me." He muttered and looked beyond annoyed.
"I just want you to know how I feel." I played innocent, shrugging my shoulders and sliding my hands down his chest.
"Okay, point made." He sighed, looking exhausted.
I decided that it was enough for tonight and I hoped he'd think about it and change his mind eventually. "Now, let's get to the fun part. There's a party on Friday, will you come with me?" I asked, smiling at him and already dying to go with him. I needed to just go out and have some fun, mostly with him.
He made a face, "I can't, I'm seeing my brother." He answered with a sigh.
I pouted but recovered quickly because I couldn't really argue about that. It was a family thing, I had a sister too so I got that. "I guess I'll go with Denis. What about Christmas? And Christmas Eve?" I went on, excited to spend the holidays with him. It was my favorite part of the year.
"I'm not sure but I'll probably be with my family just like every year..." He trailed off.
This time I sighed. "Yeah, me too. I'd tell you to come with me at least to one dinner but maybe it's too soon...I don't know." I paused and hid my face against his chest. "I told my sister about you though. She says I did the right thing. Mostly because you're hotter than John." I chuckled.
"What?! She didn't even see me once!" He pointed out.
"I showed her pictures." I confessed and was thankful he couldn't see my face because I was blushing. Then my thoughts got more serious. "You're right, we should start telling people we're together...I don't want to keep you a secret. But I'm not sure if this is good timing, I don't want to ruin Christmas to anyone."
"Ugh." Caleb groaned and set his forhead against mine.
"What's wrong?" My fingers tangled in the hair at the nape of his neck and I looked into his eyes with concern.
"I hate that it could."
"What?"
"Ruin Christmas." He admitted. "I hate that something that makes him so happy is also something that could create massive drama."
"Me too." I agreed.
He pushed my hair back. "I wish I had met you first." He said softly.
I smiled and nodded sadly. "Me too." I looked down.
He reached for my chin to tilt my head up. "My mom would have loved you." He said seriously, making me widen my eyes.
"You think so?"
He smiled and nodded, looking both happy and sad. "She loved to bake. And she was always hoping I'd fall for the right girl."
I blinked. "Have you?" I whispered.
He leaned in and kissed me, keeping it sweet but then sinking into it, into me. Showing me how much he felt without having to locate the words. "What do you think?" He whispered against my lips once we were both breathless.
"I think I would have loved her too." I replied seriously.
"What about New Years?" He asked, backtracking a little.
I blinked. "What about it?"
"I'm hoping you'll be my date." He grinned.
"Your date for what?"
He shrugged. "Big fancy party in L.A." He answered and I scrunched up my face as he laughed. "You know that's not the reation I'd get from most women."
"I'm not most women."
"Aren't fancy parties just a reason to get dressed up and buy new shoes?"
"I can dress up any day I want. And I don't need new shoes."
He rolled his eyes a little atme and sighed. "Fine. But there will be good food, dancing....you in a little dress and whatever shoes you want."
I smiled. "Dancing huh?"
He nodded. "Yup."
"Will you kiss him at midnight?" I smirked and he shrugged.
"If you want. Though you think parties are bad I'd assume you'd think that's too cliche." He teased.
I bit back a grin, indulging in the thought of having Caleb all for me for one night and for once I wouldn't have to keep him a secret either. "I can make an exception for you..." I trailed off.
He grinned wide, holding me against him as he looked into my eyes. "Is that a yes?" He asked, not hiding his enthusiasm.
I nodded and kissed him, as excited as he seemed. "I'm coming to that fancy party, but I'm doing it for you only. We could be anywhere and I'd just be happy to start the new year with you."
"Careful...you're sounding cheesy." He teased.
"I'm honest." I shrugged it off because yes maybe I was being a little cheesy but it wasn't my fault if the truth was so sweet sometimes. Then I went back to earth and thought about real life. "But what about the winery? And the bakery? Did you plan to close for New Year's Eve?"
He shot me a one million watt smile that was as unexpected as gorgeous. "I really like when you're so practical."
I laughed lightly, his words unexpected. "I'm a businesswoman, don't forget that." I told him, "I'll talk to Denis and see if he can survive a few hours without me and I'll keep close for the rest of the time." I paused once again, my mind already thinking ahead. "Is it just a one night away thing or do you want to stay away longer?"
It was his turn to chuckle, "This is another part of you I didn't know." He pointed out.
"What?" I blinked at him, completely clueless.
"Crazy planner." He answered, grinning wide. I smacked his chest and faked a pout. "It's not bad!"
"I know it's not." I retorted as I sighed, leaning against his strong chest and wishing we were in his bed already. Or my bed. Any bed where I could glue myself to him and fall asleep against his hard body.
He ran his hand up and down my back, "But you smacked my chest."
I snuggled against him, tempted to close my eyes already and then it hit me. When I was into his arms...it felt like home. "I need to know things in order to organize as much as I can, so that everything goes smoothly and we can enjoy our time away." I explained simply, offering him my vision. Okay maybe he was right, but just a little and I wasn't going to tell him.
"Mmm okay." Caleb smiled and ran his arms down my back, pulling me harder into his body. "Tara?"
"Mhmm?" I asked, nuzzling into him like a sleepy kitten.
"We should go to bed."
"Okay." I nodded just as someone started scratching at his door. Or more specifically something.
"I think Nero is here." He smirked and I smiled and let the tiny dog inside. He jumped into my arms and licked my face yipping excitedly and then yawning.
"He's tired too." I smiled, kissing his face.
"He was at obedience school all day." He explained, shaking his head.
"Aww were you a good boy?" I asked him. He yawned again.
"Bedtime?" I turned to him and he nodded.
"Let's go."
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