Chapter 7 - Justin

Brunch is served, but my appetite's taken a backseat to the curiosity piqued by the strangers vying for Callie's reluctant attention. I slide into a booth with a clear view of the diner's latest drama unfolding, and my fingers drum impatiently on the table as the seconds tick by.

The newcomers seem all too eager to insert themselves into Callie's world, and I don't like the way they're making her tense up. From the way they carry themselves, it's evident they know each other, and I can't help but wonder about their history with Callie. She's clearly uncomfortable based on her forced smiles and stiff posture.

As I watch from my vantage point, I notice another waitress, Janice, attempting to engage Callie in conversation, but Callie's responses are short and guarded. Janice seems to pick up on Callie's discomfort and rubs her back, but she carries on with her duties when Callie assures her she's fine. The other patrons seem oblivious to the tension. They're focused on their own meals and conversations.

I've learned over the years that jumping to conclusions without knowing the full story rarely leads to anything good. So, for now, I'll observe, biding my time until the moment is right to intervene, if necessary. Despite my growing frustration with the situation, I try to maintain a calm demeanor. I've learned over the years that patience is key, especially in tense situations like this. But there's a fire burning inside me, a protective instinct that kicks into overdrive whenever I see someone being mistreated.

I consider intervening, but I know Callie wouldn't appreciate it. She's a strong woman, capable of handling herself, but that doesn't mean she should have to endure this kind of harassment. Still, I can't shake the feeling that I need to do something.

As I ponder my next move, Janice approaches my table. "Hey, Justin! What can I get you?" she asks with her pen poised over her notepad.

I glance at the menu as if I don't know it by heart, though my mind is elsewhere. "Just a coffee for now, please."

"Sure thing," Janice replies with a friendly smile.

As she walks off, I try to refocus on my surroundings. The couple in the booth keeps staring at Callie, and the guy with the buzz cut keeps reaching over to touch Callie’s arm anytime she walks by the table. It's a blatant show of aggression, and I can see it unnerves Callie. She seems more stressed than usual, and that alone is enough to put me on edge.

The tension in the air is palpable as I watch the scene unfold. Every fiber of my being is urging me to step in, to confront the strangers and put an end to their unsettling behavior. But I hold back, reminding myself that Callie is capable and deserves the chance to handle the situation in her own way.

As Janice returns with my coffee, I offer her a grateful nod before taking a sip, using the brief distraction to gather my thoughts. I keep a careful eye on Callie, noting the way her shoulders tense up whenever the newcomers glance in her direction.

Just when I can't stand the tension any longer, the strangers finally stand up from their booth. Relief floods through me as they announce their departure much louder than necessary.

"See you another time, Callie," the man shouts across the room. "We're headed home for now, but we'll stop in next time we're in town."

Callie stiffens, her lips pressing together in a tight line. She doesn't say a word as the duo make their exit. Once they're gone, a visible weight is lifted off her shoulders, and though she takes a deep breath, she can't seem to collect herself. I watch as she hurriedly makes her way to the back of the diner and slips out the rear entrance into the alley. Without a second thought, I follow suit.

When I step outside, I find her standing there with her arms wrapped around her torso. She's shaking, and her jaw is clenched so tight I can see the muscles straining under her skin. She's leaning against the brick wall, her chest heaving as she struggles to catch her breath. She looks small and vulnerable, a stark contrast to the confident woman I've come to know. I approach her slowly, giving her space but ready to offer whatever support she might need.

"Callie?" I call out softly, but she doesn't look up.

"I'm fine," she croaks, her voice barely audible. "I just needed some air."

I step closer, stopping just a few feet from her. "You don't look fine."

She doesn't respond, but her body trembles. It's like she's just seen a ghost. I can see her hands balling into fists as she takes slow, measured breaths.

"Do you need anything?" I ask.

"Justin," she gasps out between ragged breaths. "I-I can't..."

Her words are cut off by another wave of panic, and I immediately reach out to touch her shoulder, trying to ground her. "Hey, hey, it's okay," I reassure her. "Just focus on your breathing. In and out, okay? You're safe here."

I guide her through a series of slow, deep breaths, matching my own breaths to hers in an effort to calm her. Gradually, her breathing begins to slow, though the fear still lingers in her eyes. Once she's caught her breath, I crouch down in front of her, maintaining eye contact to let her know that she's not alone. "Do you want to talk about what happened?" I ask gently.

She averts her gaze, shaking her head. "It's nothing," she insists, but her voice cracks and the lie falls flat.

"Callie," I say, my tone firm. "Something tells me it's not nothing."

She pauses, studying my expression as if weighing her options. "I-I don't know if I'm ready to talk about it, Justin," she admits. "Not yet, at least."

I resist the urge to press her further, knowing that she needs to open up in her own time. Instead, I reach out to gently take her hand in mine, offering her silent support. "I'm here for you, Callie. Whatever you need, just say the word."

She swallows hard, and a soft blush creeps over her cheeks. "Thanks, Justin. That's... that's really nice of you."

My fingers curl around hers, and my thumb brushes across her skin, savoring the softness. When she looks up at me, our eyes meet, and I'm drawn in by the chocolate-brown pools staring back at me. A tingle runs through me, and I shudder.

Callie's gaze flickers down to my mouth, and a surge of adrenaline shoots through me.

"Callie," I breathe, my voice hoarse with desire.

Her lips part, and I feel myself getting lost in her dark eyes. Without thinking, I give in and pull her closer, and she willingly falls into my arms. My heart races as we draw closer, until there's only a few inches of space between us. Her eyes are glued to my face, and her breathing is uneven. I can tell she wants this, wants me.

My lips brush against hers, and her eyelids flutter closed as a soft moan escapes her lips. Electricity crackles in the air as our mouths connect. I'm on fire, and it's all I can do not to crush her body between mine and the wall. Instead, I settle for wrapping my arms around her waist, holding her close as our lips meet.

Her tongue sweeps against my lips, and I open my mouth, welcoming her with a hungry kiss. I taste her sweetness on my tongue, and I feel the blood rushing through my veins. She tastes just as delicious as I imagined, and I can't get enough. Her hand tangles in my hair, and I feel her nails rake against my scalp. My own hands roam her body, exploring every curve and muscle, learning her body just like I dreamed about last night after I left her cabin.

For a moment, the world stops. Everything fades away except Callie.