“I’m falling so hard,” I whispered against his mouth, staring into his blue eyes that now reminded me of the rich Gulf water that we had swum through in Tampa.

“You’re not alone.” His nose pressed to mine. “I’m right there, waiting to catch you.”

The emotion was spreading into my throat. “I believe in you. More than anything.”

He kissed me again and curved his fingers through mine, taking us across the street.

As we got near the bakery, I pointed at the windows and said, “I have to pick up dessert for girls’ night.”

He grinned. “Is this the cookie place?”

“Sure is.”

We went inside, and as we waited in line, I quickly took out my phone and sent Emily a text.

Me: I’m at the bakery. Heads up, Caleb is with me, but he’s not staying. I just want to show him our place. Giving you a little warning … ya know, in case you’re braless.

Emily: Are you insane? Invite that man for dinner.

I glanced up and saw that he was also on his phone, so I turned back to mine to type.

Me: But it’s our night.

Emily: Whitney, don’t make me go all Samantha Jones on you.

Me: Okay, but just dinner, and then it’s us and reruns.

Emily: See ya soon.

I put my phone away and waited for him to look up. “Emily wants you to come for dinner. If you say no, she’s going to kill me, and then she’s going to gut you.” I scrunched my face and added, “So, don’t say no.”

He dropped his arm over my shoulders as we moved up a spot in line. “We can’t let that happen, can we?” His mouth pushed into the top of my head, where I felt him breathe me in. “To thank her, you know that means I now have to buy one of every cookie they make.”

They had five cases packed full of at least a hundred different varieties.

I laughed at the thought. “You’re kidding?”

“When it comes to food, I have no limits.” His stare dropped to my lips. “And there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to keep that smile on your face.”

The scent of burgers filled the hallway as we got closer to my apartment, my stomach grumbling from the aroma and the fact that the coffee I’d had for breakfast was the last thing I’d swallowed. Time wasn’t something I’d had much of during today’s shift at work.

“Mmm,” Caleb groaned as I opened the door. “Smells delicious.”

“My girl can cook.” I grinned as I led us inside, immediately seeing Emily in the kitchen, dancing in front of the stovetop, the music too loud for her to hear us. “Honey, we’re home.”