Page 71 of My Best Years

I put Callum on speaker as I type out my address and text it to him.

“Just sent. Did you get it?”

“Yup,” he answers. “It looks like I’m less than ten minutes away. I’m going to grab a few tools from the shed, and then I’ll be on the road.”

Callum’s always been this way with me. Willing to drop everything to be by my side if I needed him. That’s why I was so devastated and confused when he disappeared without a word.

“Sounds good,” I breathe. “I’ll see you soon then?”

“Yes, ma'am,” he says playfully. “Hopefully, you won’t have to live in Satan’s asshole much longer.”

“God, I hope not,” I chuckle.

He lets out a laugh before audibly clearing his throat. When his breath hitches, it feels like he’s carefully contemplating his next words.

“If, uh…” he stammers. “If it’s a bigger issue that requires maintenance, you’re more than welcome to stay with me until they fix it. I know it’s not ideal, but I have a spare bedroom. It’s comfortable, a close drive to the hospital, and will keep you out of the heat until your apartment is ready.”

Well, shit.

I was not expecting that.

I take a sip of my coffee before leaning forward and resting my elbows on the kitchen counter.

Honestly, the thought of staying the night in Callum’s home doesn't scare me as much as it should.

But I know there’s a good chance I’d end up in his bed instead of the spare bedroom. And as intriguing as that sounds, I know we shouldn't rush this.

Whether we’re headed toward friendship or something more complex, I want to do this right.

Sex only complicates things. And our situation is already complicated enough.

“Thanks,” I mutter. “We’ll just play it by ear. If you can’t fix it, I’m sure that maintenance will be able to swing by today.”

If I had to stay anywhere other than my apartment, I would one hundred percent get a hotel room. But I don’t have the heart to tell Callum that after he selflessly offered me a place to stay.

“Okay,” he replies easily. “Well, I’ll head your way then.”

I exhale quietly, thankful he’s not insisting I stay with him.

I think we both know how that would end up. After a decade of wanting someone deep in your bones, it’s only a matter of time until you’re no different than a caged animal.

I wouldn't last one night alone with Callum Pierce. I justknow that before the sun made its appearance over the horizon, he would have me stripped bare. I would cry out his name as his body moved against mine, sinking into me over and over again.

And that’s exactly why I can’t accept his offer.

My heart ratedoubles when I hear two firm knocks come from the other side of my door.

Breathe, Birdie.

Just breathe. You grew up with this man. At one point in time, he knew you better than anybody.

Any second now, Callum is going to walk through the door and be standing inmyapartment. After all these years…Who the hell would have thought? Definitely not me.

Thick beads of sweat roll down my skin, outweighing the fear of letting Callum in.Literally and figuratively.

Desperate to get some relief from the heat, I reach for the knob and twist. As the door swings open, I can’t help but gape at the sight of Callum.

Jesus Christ.