Page 102 of The Way Home

“You”—Jamie pointed at her face, and she froze, an amused smile on her face—“are so cute!”

Sally’s smile grew. “This is the best day of my life. I need to get you out more.”

“I know! I never see you outside of football things,” Jamie informed her.

“I know!” She held up an envelope and looked around. “Is Ellie here? I have a birthday card for her. And she said she had a hot girl to introduce me to.”

“She’s dancing with Willy Boy,” Jamie slurred, taking a sip. “Where’s Caleb? I miss him.” G

od, he did. Painfully.

Sally’s smile softened as she leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “Hang tight. He’s on his way, love.”

He passed the time by bobbing a little to the music. He didn’t recognize any songs. His eyes darted around, looking for the one thing that would make that ache in his heart finally stop.

The moment Caleb walked in, Jamie spotted him. Even across the crowded bar, soaked in neon light and bodies and noise, he knew him instantly. The broad shoulders and the methodical way he scanned a room like he was looking for someone.

Looking forhim.

“Caleb!” He pushed off the bar, nearly colliding with a passing waiter, and staggered forward.

Caleb’s gaze snapped to him, relief flashing across his face. His gorgeous smile didn’t reach his eyes, though. Jamie reached him and immediately grabbed his shirt, steadying himself. “

Hi,” he said, beaming up at him. Then he squinted. “Why do you look like that?”

“Like what?” Caleb asked, one hand landing on Jamie’s waist so he wouldn’t tip over.

“Like… you’re poorly.”

His eyebrows squeezed together. “Poor?”

“No,poorly.Like… ill. BloodyAmerican.”

Caleb shook his head, smiling as he muttered something that sounded likemissed you.But Jamie could still feel the tension radiating from him. He had the sudden urge to pull his head to his chest and squeeze.

“Seriously, what’s wrong? You look sad. Was the game bad? Sally said you won. Why are you sad if you won?”

“I’m not sad. I’m fine, J.”

Jamie frowned at him for a long moment, then decided on a different approach. Grabbing his collar with both hands, he yanked him down and kissed him.

Caleb made a startled sound that turned into a soft moan when their mouths met. He kissed Jamie back hard, almost desperate, one hand sliding to the back of his neck to hold him there.

Perfect. Exactly the response Jamie was going for, minus the way the room started to tilt. It was fine, though, because Caleb tasted so familiar and good, and he smelled somanly.He felt strong arms tighten around him and had to hold onto the front of his shirt for balance.

When they pulled apart, Caleb rested his forehead briefly against Jamie’s. “You are so drunk.”

“I’m not!”

“You are.”

“Are you mad?” Jamie suddenly remembered that Caleb didn’t drink, and maybe he didn’t like that Jamie did—

“Of course not, love.” Caleb tucked one of Jamie’s rogue curls behind his ear. They just wouldn’t stay in place tonight. “You’re an adorable drunk.”

“Mmmm,” Jamie purred, nuzzling his head into Caleb’s palm. It was warm and felt nice.

“C’mon.” Caleb slipped an arm around his shoulders. “Dance with me, drunkie.”