Midnight\\C.H.

...12...

"Man," Calum groans as I pull into his driveway, "I am so hungry. What about you?"

"Yes," I agree before we get out and head inside.

Duke comes running around the corner, barking in happiness before Calum squats down to pick him up to give him kisses. I step up to him and give Duke scratches before he directs his kisses to my arm instead of Calum's cheek.

"Did you miss, Daddy?" Calum baby talks to him. "I missed you. I'm so sorry, buddy."

"Bad, drunk, Daddy," I join in on the baby voice to tease him, making him shove me with his shoulder and walk with Duke in his arms into the kitchen.

"Well what do you want," he asks before he opens a cupboard, holding Duke like a baby with his head on his shoulder. "Wait, let me see what I have first."

I sit down at the island bar as he opens cupboards, the pantry, and both the fridge and freezer, taking an inventory. He sighs and comes over to me, his lips pursed. His brown eyes fall on mine before his lip twists up in disappointment.

"I forgot I was supposed to go grocery shopping yesterday, so I have no food."

"Calum," I roll my eyes and groan, my stomach growling right on que.

"I'm sorry, that fight with Cecil just really fucked with my head."

"I didn't know you two got in a fight," I say softly.

"Yeah. Accusing me of cheating last week because of some gossip channel shit. That's why I went to the bar."

I watch his face fall and his eyes stare blankly at the counter while his hand gently runs over Duke's back.

"Well why don't you and Duke come over to my place for dinner, then," I huff and hop off the stool, heading to the door.

"What? No, I couldn't do that," he shakes his head at me.

"Grab Duke a bowl of food and lets go," I insist, "I starving."

"Okay," he sighs and hands me Duke while he gathers a bowl for him.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

"Who just has salmon in their freezer?" Calum laughs as I put the two salmon filets I thawed in the oven.

"Me I guess," I laugh, "No French bread though. Sliced will have to do."

I mash some gloves of garlic and add it to butter with oregano and parsley. I mix it well before smoothing the spread over slices of bread on baking sheet. Next, I toss some green beans into a pot of boiling water and then sip my wine, jumping when I feel Calum brush up behind me.

"Sorry," he chuckles, grabbing the handle to the fridge. "Just getting another beer."

"No worries," I say as I lean against the counter, the small kitchen not allowing me to escape his body heat and scent while the open fridge door blocks my only escape.

I feel my body begin to react at his closeness, remembering all the sweet and kind moments we shared today on the taxing drive to and from the bar. My hand still tingles from being wrapped in and caressed by his as his beautiful smile stays ingrained on my retinas. I adore his affection to me, but I hate it all the same, fucking with my emotions and feelings even more.

Duke falls asleep on my couch as we eat our dinner, Calum moaning and praising my quick meal.

"How is this bread so good?"

"I don't know," I laugh taking a bite, "I don't think its that great."

"Oh, then let me help you," he jests before he takes the remaining slice from my fingers and shoves it into his mouth.