But Too Well

XXI : Choice

Thoughts so far? I'm curious... Team Caleb or Team Nero? ;)
Not that it's a competition, or anything.
Lemme know.

***

"HEY."

"Hey." His voice is low and soft and rough, and it's only been like a day but I already want to see him again. He sounds really happy to talk to me, and it makes me very, very guilty. "So, I've been trying to figure out the best way to stop keeping this from your brother..."

I feel a small smile tug at my lips. "Why, Mr. Dorn, are you saying that you'd like to spill our secrets to the world?"

His laugh is the best sound, and I feel something contract in my chest. "It's up to you, babe, but I don't know how much longer Daniel is gonna buy that the girl he knows I'm texting everyday is my mother."

Even through the phone I can see the twinkle in his bright blue eyes, the grin playing at the corner of his lips. "This is going to be super awkward, you know."

He tries to sound optimistic. "It won't be that bad..."

I switch my voice into a deep baritone, a poor impersonation of him but funny none the less. "Hey, Mr. Clark, so, like, I guess I should tell you that I've been sleeping with your daughter. Just thought you should know."

His chuckle is low and amused, and it sends little waves of want through me. "Is that what I sound like?"

"Definitely."

He laughs again, pitching the ache in my chest into overdrive. "I'm pretty sure they saw us making out at the dance last weekend, you know."

I flush. I never really thought of that, actually. "Did they say anything to you?"

A smile surrounds his words. "No, but I can feel them judging me way more than usual, so I'm not taking any chances."

"Okay, so what are we going to say to them?"

"If you want I can come over and practice." There's mischief in his voice, playful and teasing.

"You and I both know that if you come over there isn't going to be much talking." Now it's my turn to grin.

"Is that a bad thing?"

I sigh. I would love to have him over, but I'm going out tonight. "Tell you what," I begin, "if you're still alive after I tell Daniel tonight at dinner then you can come over after."

I giggle when I hear a laborious breath through the phone. "You drive a hard bargain, Clark."

"Don't I know it. Deal?"

"Deal." I can almost hear his wolfish grin. "But it's not my fault if they'll look at me sometimes and know what I'm thinking about."

I laugh. "Try to keep all those filthy thoughts to a minimum around them, how about?"

I know his smirk is dazzling. "I'll try, but it's not my fault you're so damn gorgeous."

"Flattery will get you nowhere."

"I'm not ready to stop trying."