Chapter 37

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Calvin

T he game board is filled with tiles. We haven't finished but we're both exhausted. We decide to call it a tie.

Caroline says, "I guess no snow angels, then?"

"I'm okay with that," I say, though I'm devising a plan as we speak.

I stand. "We can finish in the morning. That is, if the roads aren't clear yet."

Outside, the snow is slower than before but still coming at a steady pace. The odds that I'll be able to drive back to New York in the morning are slim.

Caroline yawns and clears away our plates of cookie crumbs and emptied glasses of milk. "Well, I guess I'll call it a night," she says.

"Good night."

We both make for the doorway at the same time, our bodies squeezing closer together.

"Excuse me," I say but neither one of us budges. We look at each other, our gaze lingering. My entire body is on fire. I wait in silent anticipation for her to say something. Something about friendship and family. Something about us. About the song I wrote years before meeting Caroline that proved prophetic.

"See you in the morning," she says, without moving an inch.

"Good night," I say, frozen in place. "Your room or mine?"

Caroline's jaw drops. "W-what?"

The words were not intended as they sound but now that they're out there, I can't help but hope.

Her face is flushed, her eyes wide and . . . curious.

Knowing I need to reel it in, I look away and glance down at our four feet. Rezy is on hind legs, snug in the space between us "I mean, do you want Rezy in your room or mine?"

"Oh." Caroline's face turns two shades redder.

Rezy lets out a tiny bark. It's both jarring and adorable. He's staring up at us.

"Hungry," I groan, not referring to the pup . . . or to food.

"I'll grab him a slice of bread."

"I'll get it." It takes all my energy to move my legs.

"Your room, if that's okay," Caroline says, answering the previous question.

Like a magnet, I return to the same spot and drop a few pieces of bread several feet away. Rezy goes after them, leaving nothing between me and Caroline. I keep my gaze downward, fearing what I'll do if our eyes meet.

"Sure," I say, my voice gruff with desire.

"Cal."

I hold my breath. She tilts her head up.

And she pecks me on the cheek.

I'm shaken, disappointed. Wanting more.

We've crossed the friend line not once but twice. She must see the storm in my eyes. Her lips are a hair away.

Finally, our eyes lock. Time slows down. Caroline's pupils are dilated, her breath quick.

One word escapes my lips. "Please."

Her hands reach up, her fingers digging into my hair. And then?—

Caroline's mouth is on mine. Devouring mine. My arms wrap around her waist and I'm lost once again, completely consumed by the warmth of her body, the taste of her lips, and the undeniable force that is this incredible woman.

The woman I love.