Caleb sat at the dining table, pretending to scroll through his phone, though his eyes weren’t as casual as they seemed. They flicked upward, catching your reflection in the mirror as you adjusted the stylish half blazer draped over your shoulders. You tilted your head, scrutinizing your reflection. It looked cute—but was it too cute? Would the doctor question your outfit when you met at the park?
After a quick spritz of perfume, you dabbed the scent behind your ears and wrists, feeling the familiar warmth of anticipation stir in your stomach.
Tossing the tester tube back into your purse, Caleb’s voice suddenly broke the silence.
“Who you trying to impress?”
You rolled your eyes, barely sparing him a glance. You could feel his eyes on you, though—always watching. As you walked past him, you nonchalantly tapped his phone, sending it tumbling forward with a soft thud against the table.
"Mind your business," you teased, a mischievous smirk tugging at the corners of your lips.
But before you could get too far, you heard the scrape of the chair, the soft sound of Caleb getting to his feet.
“You need a ride?” His voice was casual, but there was an undercurrent of something else, something you couldn’t quite place. You were already halfway to the door.
“Nope,” you replied quickly, trying to brush him off.
He didn’t take the hint. “At least tell me where you’re going to be, in case you need a ride later.”
You paused for a moment, the question hanging in the air. His protectiveness was something you were used to by now, but sometimes, it got a little overwhelming.
“I’m meeting some friends at the arcade. Is that enough for you?” The lie slipped out effortlessly, but the knowing look in his eyes made you second-guess it.
Caleb smirked at your response, not buying it for a second. He pocketed his phone and made his way toward you, his steps measured and sure. He reached the door before you, grabbing the handle and pulled it open.
“Friends? Or a friend?” He leaned against the doorframe, his smirk growing as he looked down at you, a teasing glint in his eyes.
You scoffed, pushing him gently but firmly away from the door and out of your way. “You’re not invited. So don’t even think about it. "
"And don’t follow me.” you warned, your voice firm but playful.
“Whatever,” Caleb shrugged, his tone nonchalant, but you knew better. The way he was watching you, the way he crossed his arms, pretending like he didn’t care—it was a front, and you both knew it.
“You’re a big girl. You can handle it.”
You shot him a look, and though his words were dismissive, there was a hint of something deeper in his eyes. You couldn’t quite read it, but it made your heart beat a little faster.
“I mean it,” you said again, your warning laced with a hint of challenge.
He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by your persistence. “Go. Have fun,” he said, giving you a small nudge out the door.
You turned, but just before you stepped out, you felt his presence at your back—too close. You couldn’t ignore the weight of his gaze on you, the unspoken words in the air.
“Just let your doctor know,” Caleb’s voice dropped, low and serious, carrying a weight that sent a shiver down your spine. “If he hurts you...”
You stopped mid-step, turning slowly to face him. He stood just inches away, his eyes darker than usual, an intensity in his gaze that made your pulse quicken. “I’d hate to ruin my clean record over him.”
The air between you shifted, the playful tension dissolving into something heavier, more profound. His words hung there, thick with meaning—protective, possessive, and just a little too real.
“I’ll be fine,” you managed, though your voice wavered as you swallowed the lump in your throat. Your gaze locked with his, holding longer than you intended.
Longer than you should have.
Finally, Caleb stepped back, but not before his fingers brushed lightly against your back—a fleeting touch that stole your breath.
You turned and walked out the door, yet his presence stayed with you, his words echoing in your mind. Your breathing was shallow now, your heart racing.
It was the way he had looked at you. The weight of his words. That brief, almost-too-intimate touch.
Your stomach tightened, fluttering with a familiar unease.
It’s been ages since I last wrote fanfiction, so I’m a bit rusty. Hopefully, I’ll get plenty of practice and improve along the way. 💖