What if's with Caleb

What if he was your type all along?

Then, something shifted.

Caleb's hand slid to the nape of your neck, fingers threading through your hair as he pulled you closer, deepening the kiss. His other hand pressed firmly against your waist, anchoring you against him as his lips moved more insistently, more desperately, as though he had been holding back for far too long. His breath mingled with yours, hot and uneven, and when his tongue traced along your lower lip, coaxing you to open up for him, a soft gasp escaped you, one that he eagerly swallowed, as if he never wanted to hear anything else but the sound of you unraveling beneath him.

His kiss was intoxicating, slow and deep but full of passion, as if he was trying to pour everything he felt into every unspoken confession, every stolen glance, every night he had spent thinking of you. He tasted like warmth, like something familiar yet exhilarating, like something you had been craving without even realizing it.

By the time he pulled away, just barely, his lips brushing against yours as if he couldn't bear to part completely, you were breathless, your heart pounding so hard you were sure he could hear it.

Caleb rested his forehead against yours, his voice husky when he finally spoke.

"Still scared?"

Caleb barely had time to react before your lips crashed against his again, your answer given not in words, but in the way you kissed him, desperate, full of longing, as if you had been waiting for this moment for far too long.

A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest, the vibration sending a shiver down your spine before he effortlessly lifted you into his arms. Your legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, holding him close as he pressed you against the wall, his grip firm yet careful, as though you were something precious.

A slow, teasing smile curled on his lips.

"What a nice way to answer." His voice was low, filled with amusement.

Your hands tightened around his shoulders, your heart hammering against your ribs. "I—I—"

Caleb's expression softened as if he could read your thoughts. His fingers brushed against your cheek, his touch featherlight, reassuring.

"Talk to me," he murmured, his voice so gentle it made your chest ache. "What was that, really?"

Your heart pounded. His touch, his warmth, his closeness—it was overwhelming. There was no more hiding from it, no more pretending it wasn't real. So, with a deep breath, you let go of the fear and whispered,

"I love you, Caleb."

For a moment, the world stood still.

Caleb's eyes widened just slightly, his lips parting in surprise. Your heart clenched, terrified of what he might say.

"Say it again," he whispered, his voice husky, almost pleading.

You swallowed hard, your fingers gripping his shirt. "I love you," you repeated, softer this time, but just as full of meaning.

And then he was smiling, no, grinning, so wide and bright that it made your knees weak. A breathless laugh escaped him, and before you could react, spun you around as if he couldn't contain the sheer happiness bursting inside him.

"You have no idea how long I've been waiting to hear that," he laughed, holding you so close you could feel his heart pounding against yours. He buried his face into your neck, pressing soft, lingering kisses against your skin.

"I love you too."

Your heart nearly melted at his words, and as he pulled back, his eyes glowed with nothing but love and warmth. He kissed you again, this time slow, deep, full of everything the two of you had been holding back for so long.

His fingers trailed along your skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake, and he whispered between kisses, "How could you not notice? How could you not see how much I crave you, how much I need you?"

Your hands cupped his face, your thumbs brushing over his cheeks.

"I was scared," you admitted again, voice trembling.

Caleb held you close, his arms wrapped securely around you as if he never wanted to let go. His warmth surrounded you, his steady heartbeat matching your own rapid pulse. You could still feel the ghost of his lips on yours, each lingering touch leaving you breathless.

"I can't believe you were scared," he murmured, his fingers gently threading through your hair. "Did you really think I wouldn't feel the same?"

You let out a soft, embarrassed laugh, burying your face against his shoulder. "I didn't want to lose what we had."

Caleb sighed, his hand rubbing soothing circles on your back. "You could never lose me," he whispered. "Not now, not ever."

Your heart swelled at his words, at the quiet promise in his voice. He wasn't just saying it to comfort you, you could feel the truth in every touch, in the way he looked at you like you were the only thing that mattered.