We stayed up all night.
I had her in my arms, and that was all I needed right now. That was all I was going to need for a long, long time. Her absence had left a gaping hole inside my chest. When she wrapped her arms around me, she filled that hole so quickly, so completely, it felt like it had never been there.
We sat on the beach and watched the sun rise. I wrapped her in my jacket and blanket. We left our shoes in the trunk of my car as we walked along the shore. I pulled her close to me as we walked, my arm around her shoulders, hers around my waist.
When she looked up at me, my heart thudded loudly against my chest.
God, how I’d missed her.
“Don’t,” she said, sounding embarrassed.
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t stare at me.”
I grinned. “I can’t help it.”
She looked down at her feet and tucked her hair behind her ear as she blushed.
My blushing Red.
I knew she was still worried about what had happened between us, about the damage it had caused. I had forgiven her before she even asked. I was simply waiting for her.
I stopped, turned her toward me, and tipped her chin up to look at me. “I think I’m going to stare at you for a long time.”
I dipped my head to kiss her lips. So soft, so warm. Her hands rested on my chest as I felt her sigh. I smiled against her lips.
“You missed me.”
“I did. I do,” she answered quietly, her eyes still apologetic, still a little sad.
I wanted to erase that sadness.
“Maybe you can give me another dance number,” I teased.
She laughed and slapped my arm just as I wanted her to. “Maybe when you wear a dress.”
“Ow.” I rubbed the spot where she’d slapped me. She packed a strong one. “How about a G-string? Or better yet…”
She gave me a stern look, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and started walking again.
I grinned, staring at her back for a few moments before jogging to catch up to her. “Where did you learn to dance like that?” I asked.
“My mom worked in a dance studio for as long as I can remember, and I took free lessons there. I wanted to go to dance school, but we didn’t have money for that. It’s okay, though. I have new dreams now.” She smiled, closing her eyes as she breathed in the fresh air. “My mom… She’d be really happy that I’m going to college.”
I didn’t think she noticed the sadness in her voice when she mentioned her mom.
“If we ever need cash, I can be a stripper, but you’d have to teach me that sexy move you did with your hips,” I joked. “I can wear one of those outfits where everything comes off with just one pull.”
She laughed, light and fun. And all was right again.
The sun was rising, the horizon exploding with colors of red, orange, and gold. A bird, huge and white, flew above the water and swooped down to catch its breakfast. The sound of lapping waves settled over us, comfortable and relaxing as we walked along the shore.
“Finals are in a couple of weeks, Caleb. Will you be okay?”
I knew she was worried that I’d missed a whole week of classes.
“It’s fine. I know most of the material anyway. Besides, my grades are good enough for me to pass, even if I fail the finals. Which,” I added, chuckling when she glared at me, “I won’t.”
“You’re graduating this year, right?”
“Yes. Then I can start working. Save money for our wedding, a house, and then kids.”
I waited a beat. She didn’t say anything, but she didn’t look shocked or horrified like the last time I mentioned marriage.
Progress.
And then she smiled. “I still have a year to go before I graduate.”
“I’ll wait.”
Feeling happy, I lifted her hand and kissed it. “Will you come home now, Red?”
She bit her lip, looking like she wanted to cry again. “I thought you’d never call me that again.”
“You will always be Red to me.”
She squeezed my hand. “I went to your apartment yesterday.”
Something inside me warmed. “You did?”
She nodded. “I saw your mom.”
My heart flipped.
“I was hanging around in the hallway, waiting for you. In front of your door—”
“Like a stalker.” I pulled her close and nuzzled her neck. “My stalker.”
“Don’t let it go to your head,” she said, laughing. “She doesn’t know who I am, obviously. But I don’t think it’s a good idea to go back to your place. I don’t think she’d be too happy to learn we’re living together.”
She had a point. I knew my mom would love Red. Who wouldn’t? But if my mom discovered Red and I were living together before they’d even been introduced, she would feel hurt. They were the two most important women in my life, and I wanted them to be friends. I had to do this right. I would rectify the situation as soon as possible. And then Red could come back to living with me.
Officially as my girlfriend.
I had more plans, but I didn’t think she was ready yet.
“So have dinner with me and my mom,” I offered.
Her eyes widened. “I…”
“I’ll give her a call and set it up for this weekend, if you’re available. Come on, Red. Do it for me. Please?” I smiled, flashing my dimples shamelessly. She had a weakness for my dimples.
“Okay.”
I knew it. The dimples always worked.
“I phoned my mom when I was at the cabin. I told her about you, about us. Not everything, but enough to give her an idea.”
Red squeezed my hand, looked up at me with worry in her eyes.
“I told her you’re obsessed with me and that—”
“Caleb!”
“Kidding.” When she slapped my arm again, I laughed. “I told her I’d found my girl, and she said she’s looking forward to meeting you.”
She rested her head on my shoulder.
“I love you,” I whispered.
I saw her eyes darken, felt her body stiffen for a moment before she relaxed and leaned close to me. She laid her cheek against my chest, listening to my heartbeat as her arms wrapped around me. Actions speak louder than words, I realized with a smile.
And that, I thought happily as I closed my eyes and rested my chin on top of her head, was her answer. She had done this before—rested her cheek against my chest—but I hadn’t recognized it for what it was.
I knew what it meant now.
