Chapter 21. Couldn’t Help Myself

Caleb’s POV

I let out a slow breath, my heart hammering in my chest as I stare into Care’s eyes, feeling the weight of the moment settling between us. It’s absurd, really. The way the dim glow of the streetlights flickers against her face, highlighting the soft amusement tugging at the corners of her lips, making her look both mischievous and strangely vulnerable. My hand is already half-raised, the space between us narrowing, and then, just before our lips can meet, she throws her hand up between us and—

Bursts out laughing.

The sound is unexpected, sudden, and so genuinely amused that for a moment, I just stare at her, dumbfounded. Then, as the sheer ridiculousness of the situation settles in, I feel my own lips twitch, and before I can stop myself, a chuckle slips past my throat. It starts slow, low, but then builds, and suddenly, we’re both laughing like lunatics in the middle of the street. Care clutches her stomach, shaking her head as she gasps for ai