Fuck.
Jealousy boils up inside of me so hot and strong that it nearly takes my breath. Jesus. What is going on with me? How—after all this time—can my emotions be wound this tight when it comes to Callie?
After she comes back in carrying a slice of cake for Mr. Johnson and me, her laughter tinkling around me like a windchime in the summer breeze, it hits me. She just stepped out of the room for a few minutes, but in that time, the room lost its vibrance. Callie, just by the simple act of walking into a room, brings light, warmth, and peace. That’s why I’ve been so dissatisfied in my career. It has nothing to do with having money in the bank. It’s because I knew I was missing something… someone.
“What?” Callie asks, and it’s only then that I realize I’m looking up at her in confusion while I sort out all my thoughts.
I clear my face and shake my head. “Nothing. I was just thinking this cake might be even better than your spaghetti,” I lie.
“Don’t try to flatter me to make me less mad, Reed Lane. You’re in the doghouse.”
I start laughing. “I never knew you were such a sore loser, Bluebird.”
She sticks her tongue out, making me laugh harder.
God, I really do love this woman.
CHAPTER 16
Callie
“Thanks for letting me tag along, Callie. I really had a great night,” Reed says. He pushes a lock of hair out of my eyes, pinning it behind my ears. It’s a sweet move, and my heart flip flops in my chest.
“I’m sure a night playing Rook pales in comparison to all those award shows and parties that you are always going to,” I laugh, leaning on my front door.
“Stop doing that, Callie,” he says, looking so deeply into my eyes that it makes it impossible to move.
“Doing what?”
I stare at him with my key in my hand. I know I look confused, but I’m not sure what he’s talking about. Tonight has been good. I relaxed more than I ever thought I would. For a few moments, I almost felt normal. I have had to constantly caution myself because I know falling into old habits with Reed is not smart and way too easy. I’m not made for a relationship and the Reed with me right now is not in my reach. Honestly, he never was. He never understood that, but I always did. Now? He’s a millionaire and in a whole other hemisphere. Which is probably why I’m so relaxed around him. He’s safe.
“You’re negating what I tell you. Discarding it as if I’m lying. It was a fucking fantastic night, Bluebird. The best one I’ve had in years.”
I see her eyes dilate with my words.
“I had a nice night, too, Reed,” I admit.
“Was it good enough to get you to agree to see me tomorrow night?”
“Is the rehearsal tomorrow?” I ask, surprised. Katie texted me a couple of hours ago and apologized. She also told me she was going to have the rehearsal in a couple of days.
“No. I just would like to spend more time with you. I was thinking we could grab dinner at Cantina? Katie says that’s the best place in town.”
“Crowds really aren’t my kind of thing, Reed. I….”
“Okay, let’s scratch that. How about a pizza at your place and maybe a movie?”
“I don’t know,” I murmur.
Telling myself he’s safe and out of my reach is one thing. Convincing my heart that it’s all over is something else. God, my brain really is a mess. I shouldn’t agree, I know. Still, there’s a big part of me that wants to say yes. Too bad there’s another part of me begging me to run away.
“Callie, I’m not in Macon for very long. I want to spend what time I have with you.”
“Why?”
“You were my best friend for most of my life—at least the best parts of it. I want to have more time. You can’t deny we don’t have fun together. C’mon, you’re off work because of the wedding. Let me treat you to a pizza.”
“Okay…” I answer.
Hearing him explain everything just reinforces that he sees I’m no longer in his hemisphere, too. He just wants to reconnect with an old friend. Thinking of it like that, I can’t stop myself from agreeing. I mean, what harm could there be? It’s not like Reed is still in love with me. There’s no way I could compare to the women he’s been known to date. He’s being nice and maybe he feels guilty about our fight over the phone today. We’re friends and I shouldn’t be disappointed because that’s all I can handle anyway.
“I’ll come over around seven?”
“That sounds good.” I nod as I answer, nerves causing my stomach to churn.
Reed smiles as he leans into me. Is he going to kiss me? I almost feel disappointed when he leans down and presses his lips innocently against my forehead.