Page 87 of Until He Confesses

41

CALLIE

“Are you sure these are going to be delivered on time?”

I looked up from the dipping sauce for skewers I was putting together with my mom and glanced across the room at Anna.

“It's next-day delivery,” I said, but she made a face as she scrolled through my shopping cart on my phone.

“They always have some excuse for why they can’t deliver on time. I chose the black corset, by the way. Whites always look somewhat off and cheap to me.”

“Take it out of the cart then,” I said, and she moved on to the next one.

I didn't hear from her afterward anymore, but I didn't notice since I was busy with my mom. Eventually, though, she got up and came over.

“What wine do we want?” she asked as she wrapped her arms around my mom's waist.

“No wine for me tonight,” my mom said and handed her the basket of washed lettuce.

Pouting, she handed me my phone, and just before she went to the living room with my mom, she informed me of the message I had received when my phone had been with her.

Surprised at how late someone was texting me, I opened my phone and went to messages.

I was nervous, hoping the flight to Paris hadn't been tampered with. However, when I saw who the message was from, my eyes widened. I grew even more nervous, but it was a completely different and sweeter kind.

He was asking me if I was home, and although I didn't understand why he was doing this, I had no intention whatsoever of ignoring the question.

Me: Yes

I wanted to include specifics like the fact that I was having dinner so that he wouldn't request a meet-up, but ultimately, I decided to leave that out. The less information the better.

Lucas: I want to meet.

I didn't know how to respond.

I looked up at my mom from across the room, who was already settling down to eat, and then I looked at Anna, who was peeling a banana and watching me. Her gaze was narrowed and full of suspicion, so I sighed and turned away to respond.

Me: I'm with my family now. Maybe next time? I have a flight soon.

This response was an infuriating one, and as I read it, I couldn't help the urge to make it sound less so.

However, given what the entire agreement was and our history, I decided that I wasn't averse to sounding rude from time to time.

I set my phone back on the counter and carried the dipping sauce I had made.

“Is that who I think it is?” Anna asked as I passed by her, but I ignored her.

Amused, she grabbed some plates and came with me to the living room, but soon I had to return to the kitchen. I tried to ignore the phone for as long as I could, but eventually I couldn't take the wait anymore. I really wanted to know how he had responded.

Thankfully, my nosy family members kept their attention on the television while I picked up the phone. A message from him had indeed come in, but as I read it, my eyebrows lifted.

Lucas: Our agreement stipulates that you will be available as requested, except in dire circumstances like when you're at work or in other emergencies. Not adhering to this, voids it.

I read the statement again, wondering why he sounded so formal, but soon enough, it occurred to me that it was because he meant every word.

I was amused, but at the same time, truly concerned about his words. Did this mean we were over then? We hadn't even started. I tried once again to ignore him so that I could continue with my evening, but I was unable to, so I took my phone into my room to continue my conversation.

The last thing I wanted to do was call him, so I sent another message.