Inheritance

Chapter 9

After arriving at the cafe shop, I briefly scouted around for Caleb. Loud noise and distant chatter filled the first few tables positioned street side. Several cars bristled by and large clusters of people socialized in my peripheral. 

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that most people lounging around the area were dressed in activewear, indicating that they had likely come from a workout. Given that I still had on formal clothes, I began to feel a bit out of place.

Across the street from the shop was a large basketball court, where young men heatedly ran up and down the cracked pavement. The game had attracted a decently-sized crowd, which only served to increase tensions amongst the players. I watched the game for a few more seconds before deciding to sit down at a vacant table, then text Caleb to let him know that I had arrived. 

I  understood how bad traffic could get in the city, so I wasn't too bothered by his untimeliness. Still, it was a bit questionable how he had kept me waiting on our first "date."

"Sasha, I'm so sorry. You weren't waiting on me too long, were you?"

My gaze shifted in the direction of the sound of a familiar New Zealand accent. Caleb, who held a weathered basketball in his hands, seemed to have come straight from the game still going on across the street. I offered him a small smile before rising from my seat to greet him. However, he lifted his palms in a pausing motion. 

"Actually, I'm a bit sweaty. As you can probably tell, I was playing a pickup game with some of my boys and we ended up going overtime. Do you mind if I hit the showers first? One of my buddies lives right down the street, so I can wash up there." He winked at me, causing my heart to flare, but not in the same way it did for Kendall. 

Gosh, what was wrong with me? 

I could admit that Kendall was undeniably handsome and I was very much sexually attracted to him. But, Caleb was also good-looking in an approachable kind of way. Simply put, he was a respectable man who I could envision myself being with in the long-run. That is, if our relationship even steered in that direction. 

Ultimately, I was reluctant to initiate anything too serious with Caleb, given my ongoing commitment issues and hesitancy to pursue romantic relationships with men.

"Um sure, I guess I'll just sit here until you return." I headed back to my seat, while he nodded his head and jogged off to meet up with his friend.

About fifteen minutes must have passed before Caleb returned, hands in his pockets and eyes willfully ignorant to the many stares of men and women surely admiring his notable looks. He had this boy-next-door vibe that I found extremely attractive. 

Just as he crossed the street, a little boy approached him with a pen and paper in hand. The boy seemed to ask him a question that caused him to smile, then grab the pen from the boy to sign his paper. The boy thanked him in return, then excitedly ran back towards his parents who stood a few feet away. 

Caleb continued to walk forward, now locked in my direction. He offered me a wide toothy grin, to which I smiled back. I had forgotten that he'd once been a famous athlete. It was kind of hot. 

"So, can I get my hug now?" He questioned, shortly after reaching his seat.

"I don't know, I'm going to have to think about it, since you kind of made me wait." I teased, already rising from my chair to grant his request.

"Come here, silly." His arms enveloped me in a firm embrace, while I gently wrapped my hands around his lower back. 

His hold on me tightened when he brought me into his chest. I released a soft breath, closing my eyes for a second to enjoy the moment. I could smell the fresh scent permeating from his recent shower and breathed it in further. Eventually, Caleb let me go and we both returned to our respective seats.