One Step Closer(41)

“If I remember correctly, I think Cherry Creek has a couple of big stores. Honestly, I just need a simple black dress. I’m not really in the mood to spend hours at it.”

“I adore shopping.” Macy yawned, putting an elegant hand to her mouth, her vibrant red nails perfectly manicured. “And what else are we going to do, anyway? As Caleb said, the funeral isn’t until Monday, and Jonesy has everything arranged.”

Caleb glanced at his watch then stood up, holding his hand out to Macy. The conversation was giving him a headache. Macy’s lack of sensitivity was grating on him, and he could tell it made Wren uncomfortable, too.

“It’s getting late, Macy. Why don’t you head on off to bed?”

“Aren’t you coming?” she asked innocently as she placed her hand in his and he pulled her up.

Caleb’s mouth pressed into a firm line. He hated games and this was definitely a game. Given she had her own room and he’d already told her he wouldn’t be joining her. The comment was solely to stake her claim on him for Wren’s benefit.

Wren stood and smoothed down the denim covering her thighs, preparing to say goodnight and go to upstairs to her room.

Caleb shook his head, then leaned in and placed a short kiss on the outside of Macy’s mouth. “No. I’m taking Wren to the kitchen to get her something to eat. She missed dinner, remember?”

Macy opened her mouth to speak, but Caleb directed his words to Wren before Macy could respond.

“Jonesy made a plate for you. You have to be starving.”

Wren was hungry, but more that that, she wanted a moment or two alone with Caleb.

“Yes. I didn’t want to impose by asking.”

Caleb frowned, shaking his head incredulously. “This is your house, too, goof. Come on.”

When they left the room that was off the foyer and staircase he nodded in the direction of the kitchen and said goodnight to Macy a final time. Macy didn’t look pleased, but if she didn’t want to make a scene, she had no choice but to turn and walk down the long hall to the other end of the big house. No doubt an unpleasant confrontation was in front of him, but Caleb wanted to spend some time with Wren. Alone.

“Ready?” Caleb nodded in the direction of the kitchen, and they walked side-by-side in silence. Caleb set his almost empty wine glass on the marble countertop of the freestanding island and then opened the refrigerator.

There was a covered plate containing juicy roast beef and perfectly mashed potatoes. The smell made Caleb hungry all over again. The large plate was accompanied by two smaller ones, which he knew would contain salad, and a slice of the delicious strawberry cake. When the roast beef and potatoes were warming in the microwave, he returned to set the smaller two in front of Wren.

She was studying him as he removed the coverings from the plates.

He felt her eyes watch every movement he made, as if her long, slender fingers were touching his skin. He could literally feel her. Not much had changed, in that regard. He was overtly aware of her at all times.

When the steaming roast beef was sitting in front of her, she spoke. “This looks amazing, and it smells delicious.”

Caleb nodded. “Good old Jonesy. There’s strawberry cake. Your favorite.”

“Yes. She’s amazing. I’ve missed her.”

“Me, too.” Have you missed me, too? He wanted to ask.

Now that they were alone, words were harder to find. Even though there was much to say, the years and distance, combined with their last painful argument hung between them.

Caleb opened a drawer and handed Wren a fork, then grabbed the unopened bottle of red wine sitting on the counter. He took the corkscrew that had been sitting next to it and made short work of opening it.

Wren had forgotten her wine glass in the library, so he pulled another down from the cupboard and filled it, and then added some of the rich red liquid to his own. He glanced up at Wren who was just beginning to slowly fork up some of the mashed potatoes.

“Caleb—” Wren began hesitantly. “I’m sorry about earlier.”

He sat down across from her, his brow knitting as he contemplated her words. “What for?”

“Well, interrupting you and Macy, sleeping through dinner. And, about your dad.”

Their eyes met and locked. “Nothing to be sorry for.”

“Nothing?” she asked softly, needing the reassurance only Caleb could give.

He knew she didn’t mean for what happened tonight. She was talking about surprising him with Sam to San Francisco. “No. What happened was my fault. I should have done as you asked.”

Wren’s throat tightened involuntarily. There was so much to clear up between them and she wanted all of their misunderstandings and missteps to magically disappear, but she knew it wouldn’t be that easy. She opened her mouth to ask him to elaborate, but didn’t get the words out in time.

“Why aren’t you eating?” Caleb took a drink from his wine, leaning back in his chair. “Aren’t you hungry anymore?”

“Yes, I guess; but I hate eating alone. Do you want some?” The corner of her mouth lifted in the start of a smile. They needed to talk it all out, but she just wanted things to fall back into the easy way they used to be, first.

“Remember the first time I found you hiding under this table?” He huffed out a small laugh. “God, you were so different, then.”