Kaleb winced playfully, a ring of air exerting out of his chest. “Woah,” he breathed clapping a hand over his heart. “A woman after my own heart.” It wasn’t uncommon that someone faced with the question of favorites between the titular Disney characters would choose Stitch. Stitch after all was comparable to a puppy when one got down to it and who didn’t like puppies? Relaxing into the warm comfort of the seat, he tilted his head to gaze over at her. On a normal night before he’d met Sloane, Kaleb would’ve been out with the guys especially on a pre-season night but now-a-days that didn’t resonate with him as much. He wanted the quiet sweet nights with someone, wanted to feel that sense of security and comfort especially seeing as how he’d never had such luxuries before. Sighing, he made a wacky face before answering her very difficult question. Who did he favor? “Jumba because he’s severely misunderstood.” Which was honestly the truth. Jumbo was a nice guy who wanted nothing more than to be successful. Kaleb definitely related.
“I must’ve watched Lilo and Stitch a million times. My baby sis had the DVD, all the stuff animals, the whole nine yards. I think she even dressed up as Stitch one Halloween,” An endearing smile appeared on his face causing his dimples to grace his cheeks. “How could I forget that?” he asked incredulously. With a nod of his head his memories disappeared back into their mental fault and he returned back in the moment with her. He’d have to remember to bring the halloween custom up to Sam when they spoke next. With anyone else he wouldn’t have brought up his family, he was private especially with the women he dated but for someone reason around Sloane his tongue had a mind of its own.
The way she called his name sprung goosebumps up and down his spine and made his eyes darken in heat. He’d definitely missed her. It didn’t take a rocket science to note the chemistry between them and in that second Kaleb felt it pulsating throughout the air. “I wanted too.” he responded moving just a bit closer. The car was already making a smooth transition into traffic and though it was late, the city was wide awake. “Oh that’s okay,” his lips stretched upward into a wicked grin. “You can just pay me back.” With your company, your laugh and your beautiful smile, he added silently. He didn’t understand why he left it unsaid. Maybe it because no matter how close he got to someone there was always an unreasonable fear of them leaving.
A giggle erupted from her petite frame as he joked with her. His sense of humor was one of the things she could remember instantly liking about him when they’d first met; it’s part of how he’d managed to convince her to let him take her out on a date. Fast forward a few months, and now here they were: in a car with his chauffeur, on their way to see a movie outdoors, and have a meal together. The two were practically on their way to a date, but platonic was all they were now. “I could see that,” she slowly nodded as she considered his answer. “He’s not bad; he’s just drawn that way,” she added before laughing once more.
“That must’ve been really cute. Lucky for me, my sister’s obsession was a lot milder. All she wanted for her birthday one year was a Stitch plushie, and believe it or not, it was super hard to come by. So I was searching online, going to any store with ‘toy’ in the name; I even went all the way out to the Queen’s mall to try and find it, and nothing. I finally managed to find the last one at the Disney store the day before her birthday — and I know what you’re thinkin’. Why didn’t I look there first? Well, I did, but they were sold out. So I made a last minute, very hopeful trip back to the store and found it,” she recounted. “I still remember the big little smile on her face when she pulled it out the bag.” Sloane’s face relaxed into a warm smile as her gaze fell to the distance as the memory replayed in her mind’s eye. “She loved it so much. She cared that thing everywhere, and I mean everywhere. It slept with her, ate with her, went to school with her. It was kinda like her security blanket, you know?” Her smile slowly faded away as her memories fast forward to the present and the harsh reminder of her and her sister’s relationship resurfaced. “If you’ve seen the movie so many times, what about all your Lilo & Stitch memorabilia?” she quickly asks in an attempt to shift the subject.
Her eyebrow raised at the suggestion, noticing that sexy grin of his. “And how do you propose I pay you back?”
