My Future Husband Is My College Rival

My Future Husband Is My College Rival

Author: Jacqueline Brooks

Chapter 9: Watermelon and Misunderstandings

When Caleb came out, I’d already finished showering in the other bathroom.

He was toweling his hair dry, his eyes fixed on the floor. Steam billowed out behind him, wrapping him in a cozy fog.

“You took so long, Caleb.”

I stood by the table, sipping water, looking at the man with his bare upper body, hair pushed back carelessly, eyes lowered.

He bent down, scooped me up with one arm, set me on the sofa, and slipped my slippers back on my feet.

He did it all in a few smooth, practiced movements—like he’d been caring for me for years. My heart gave an odd little jump.

How is this guy so completely devoid of warmth?

As I wondered, I noticed Caleb staring at my collarbone, his hand on my ankle trembling slightly.

“What’s wrong?”

I looked at him, puzzled.

His chest heaved, then his expression calmed:

“Nothing. Are you hungry?”

“No, there’s watermelon in the fridge. Go get it.”

I curled up on the sofa, shifting to a comfy spot.

Caleb grabbed a pillow, tucked it behind me, then headed to the kitchen.

Watching his silent back, I thought of his earlier look—just like a stray dog abandoned by its owner.

Confused, the comments popped up again:

[Is Caleb dumb? Can’t he tell that was a scratch mark?]

[Haha, the person involved always sees things the least clearly.]

[Caleb: It’s fine, others are just passing by—I’m her real home.]

What a mess.

I grumbled as I walked to the mirror. The little red mark on my collarbone from scratching an itch was glaringly obvious.

I poked it, leaning in for a closer look.

There was a sound behind me. I turned—Caleb stood there, holding a plate of freshly cut watermelon, eyes rimmed red and misty.

After a moment, he forced a smile:

“Eat some watermelon.”

I took a bite and said:

“Caleb, that mark is—”

“The rain stopped.”

Caleb gently cut me off.

He looked at me with pleading eyes.

Then he hurried to change into dry clothes and left my place, taking out the trash.

The screen door clicked softly behind him, the only trace of his presence the lingering scent of watermelon and aftershave.

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