Valley of the Moon by Bronwyn Archer Read Free Book Online Page B

of the bench, so his fingers just grazed my shoulder.
    “This is more fun than I was having with my cousins.”
    “Are they here?”
    He nodded. “They’re cretins. They share a one-track mind. Each one has half a track.”
    “How many tracks is your mind?” I countered. Caleb turned to me. Our faces were so close.
    “Oh, my mind has many tracks, young Lana. I am a sensitive, cultured young man.” He pointed across the pool to the chaise lounges where Piper and Maya were draped across their party husbands like wet sweaters. “There they are in action now.” I watched Wyatt hold up an entire bottle of something to Evan. Evan clinked it with his own entire bottle.
    “Wyatt and Evan?”
    Caleb laughed. “You know them?”
    “The girl in the red dress is my friend Piper. It’s her house.”
    “I should tell them that before they get us all kicked out.”
    “They look like twins,” I told him.
    “It’s the haircuts. And the fact that they’re equally ugly. Who’s that dark-haired girl?” Caleb asked. “She’s exactly Evan’s type.”
    “My other friend, Maya.”
    “So many friends. Any boyfriends?” I shifted on the cold bench. He crossed his leg and his knee brushed my thigh.
    “Nope,” I said. “I mean, not at the moment.”
    Caleb raised one eyebrow and made a sad face. “I had no idea I was dealing with such a tragic situation. Maybe I could help?”
    My heart tightened in my chest. I took another sip of warm champagne.
    “What about you?” I asked. “Girlfriend?” He shot me a sideways glance.
    “Not at the moment.”
    “How come?”
    He grinned. “I’m too good in bed. Girls can’t handle it.” My mouth dropped open. He paused for a beat. “I’m kidding. They can handle it.” He burst out laughing at his joke. A little arrogant, but funny. His blue eyes met mine and he grinned, while my stomach tied itself into thick knots.
     
    ***
     
    Caleb and I talked until the pool area emptied out. When we walked inside, people were grabbing their coats and heading out front to wait for Uber or hike to their cars. I led him through the stragglers to the back staircase that led up to my guest room. I hadn’t seen Piper or Maya in a while. They’re both probably engaged and planning a double wedding. Maybe I can run the valet stand.
    “Well, it was nice meeting you,” I said at the base of the stairs. I stepped up and felt his hand on my waist.
    “What’s up there?” he asked. The alcohol swirled in my stomach. I swallowed hard.
    “My bedroom.” He leaned closer.
    “I’d really like to walk you to your door, if you don’t mind,” he said. “Make sure you get home safe.”
    “Well, you can’t wear shoes on the carpet.” I slipped off my wedges and picked them up. Caleb watched me, pulled his shoes off, and flashed me a wicked grin.
    “Is there anything else you can’t do on the carpet?” he said. I blinked at him. He put his hand on my arm and squeezed it. Chills. You are totally out of your depth here. Do not let him come upstairs!
    But I couldn’t let him go yet. “This way,” I said, and started up the stairs.
    The hallway on the second floor was dark. I led him to my room and turned to face him outside the door.
    “Well, good night.”
    “Can I come in?” He took a step closer so I was almost pinned against the door. “I really want to kiss you, Lana. But I can’t with that staring at me.” He pointed. Piper’s ancient giant schnauzer stared at us from around the corner, teeth bared. He delivered a low, menacing growl.
    “Ferdinand!” I whispered. “Go back to bed! Go! Bed!” He didn’t budge. “He’s deaf,” I explained. Caleb just grinned. “Fine. Come in, but just for a second.”
    I set my wedges down and went into the room. He followed me. Butterflies rioted in my stomach.
    “It’s going to take more than a second. Sorry.” In the faint moonlight streaming through the window, Caleb seemed bigger, taller, slightly unreal. Is this finally