Caleb shut the door on the taxi and waved at Mr. McCallister. The yellow cab pulled away from the curb just as Caleb stepped back. His thoughts swirled as he thought about the way Erin responded to his presence and the things Mr. McCallister said. She’d taken their wedding savings and purchased the club. Caleb felt bothered by it, but what could he expect? He’d shut Erin out, so she had a right to do whatever she pleased.

“Caleb Malone?”

Pulled from his reverie, Caleb gave his attention to the person who’d spoken his name.

“It is you!”

Jeff Cumberbie sidled up to Caleb and pulled out his hand for a handclap. Caleb smiled, and the men greeted each other and pulled each other in for a strong hug.

“Oh my God man it’s really you,” Jeff said.

“In the flesh,” Caleb retorted.

The men pulled back and Caleb took a posterior step.

“Look at you all grown up.” Jeff was almost as tall as Caleb with thick shoulders and a stocky build. His hair was still the same dirty blonde it was in high school, but he definitely carried the look of a bouncer at a nightclub. “I bet those dudes from Dooney don’t mess with you now.”

Dooneyfield High School hadn’t been Jeff’s best years. He was so scrawny that the high school jocks would always pick with him about joining the cheerleading squad instead of the football team, like Jeff had wanted to.

“They don’t say a word and they do see me around.”

Caleb chuckled, and they slapped hands again.

“But never mind how I look, you’ve done a complete three sixty. The army must make you work out on a regular basis.”

Caleb nodded slowly. “You’ll get your workout there for sure.”

“I bet. Are you going in to see Erin?”

“I’ve been in, and I don’t think she was too happy to see me.”

Jeff could tell by the somberness in Caleb’s voice that it bothered him. He let out a languid sigh.

“Don’t beat yourself up too bad about it. I’m sure, as we all were, that you had your reasons for disconnecting from her. There were a few occasions I did try talking to her on your behalf.”

This piqued Caleb’s interest. “Oh yeah, what about?”

“It wasn’t just her you cut off. It was all of us, even your father. The only person you contacted was your mom, so I tried reassuring her that it wasn’t about something that had to do with her individually, but something must have made you feel the need to disconnect.”

Caleb rubbed his chin. “I apologize,” he said.

“Probably should be telling that to Erin,” Jeff said. “Don’t get me wrong, I accept your apology,” Jeff smirked, “but I think it would benefit Erin more.”

Caleb knew Jeff was right, and he cursed himself for thinking he could just walk back into Erin’s life as if nothing had changed at all. It wasn’t his intention to overlook how she must’ve felt when he ceased all communications with her. As a matter of fact, it was the only thing Caleb thought about, besides the nightmares that haunted him.

“You came back just in time, though.”

Caleb left his musings and arched an eyebrow. “Why do you say that?”

“Because, Jason Singleton has been after her for a while now.”

Jason was rivals with Caleb back in high school. They took three classes together and Jason felt the need to try and beat Caleb at every competition, test, or question and answer quiz. There were times when the teacher would point out Caleb to answer a question and after he did, Jason would counter what he said with a summation of his own. It hadn’t gone unnoticed by Caleb, but for the most part, he’d shrugged it off and paid Jason no mind. But now he was after Erin; that was personal, and Caleb would let it be known that she was off limits.

As if speaking him up, a Ford Tahoe pulled to the curve carrying three occupants.

“I’ll park,” the driver said as the passenger and back door opened. Jason and his longtime friend, Carl Bradford, stepped out, both shutting the door simultaneously.

Jason took a hand through his brown hair that stood up in spikes on the top of his head. “Well, well, well,” Jason cruised. “Look what the cat drug in.” Carl snickered, and he and Jason slapped hands like they were still the popular guys in high school. “Someone went to the army and got a makeover.” Jason nodded. “You look alright. I personally liked the blonde hair better.”

Caleb took a glaring eye over Jason. “It’s too bad I can’t say the same,” his dark voice thundered. “You look like shit. Who told you it was still cool to rock that Elvis Presley get up?” He said grimacing at the bell bottom baby blue pants and short sleeve button down shirt.

It wasn’t meant to be a joke but that didn’t stop Jeff from howling with laughter beside Caleb.

“And I’m glad you liked my blonde hair, but it’s a good thing I don’t give a damn about what you think.” Caleb continued. He took a step forward. “This isn’t high school anymore. I suggest you think twice before coming at me or my lady.”

Caleb’s grill was icy and something about the warning in his voice made Jason unceremoniously take a step backward. Jason was three inches shorter than Caleb, with a medium build and slightly tight biceps. In a boxing ring, Jason would be no match for Caleb and he must’ve noticed because instead of lingering he stepped around Caleb to enter the club; but not before shooting off one last smart comment.

“We’ll see about that.”

Caleb and Jeff eyed the pair as they disappeared into the club. Letting out a frustrated breath, Caleb took a step forward when Jeff reached out and halted his advance with a slap on the shoulder.

“Don’t tear the place up man, Jason is no fool. You saw how quick he moved to get out of your way. Besides, I don’t think that’s the best method to win Erin back. If that’s what you’re trying to do.”

Caleb gave Jeff the same glare he’d given Jason and Jeff held his arms up in surrender.

“Hey man don’t shoot the messenger. I’m just trying to keep you from giving Erin another reason to be upset with you.”

“By kicking Jason’s dumbass?”

“No, by tearing her club up.”

Caleb gritted his teeth then let out a sharp breath, turning his head to the entrance of Nocturnal Encounters then back to Jeff. “You know what, you’re right. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

Caleb left the curb and strolled back inside the club and Jeff wondered what Caleb’s best behavior looked like these days. It was better to go in and make sure he didn’t do something he’d regret. So, with little hesitation, Jeff entered seconds behind him. It didn’t take long for him to spot Caleb. As if he was the newest celebrity in town, he’d been swarmed with more hellos and congratulations for making it home safely. But Caleb’s gaze was zeroed in on his target, watching Jason tightly as he ascended the stairs to Erin’s office.