She hadn’t tried to dress to impress, but it happened anyway. Erin stood on the balcony of Nocturnal Encounters rethinking the bandage dress that wrapped around her body and curved over her form like a second layer of skin. The dress was all black with a sleek silk feel that clung to her; sailing down to a stop right above her knees. She was clearly dressed more risqué than usual, all the way down to her four-inch Christian Louboutin’s that she’d almost broke the bank purchasing on one of those crazy days she decided to throw caution to the wind and shop till she dropped. That wasn’t something that usually happened. But for the sake of her sanity, after everything that happened between she and Caleb, Amy encouraged Erin that retail therapy could pull anyone from their woes.

Amy was right. The reprieve was short-lived, and Erin never got around to wearing the shoes. That all changed today. Her excuse was plain and simple; Nocturnal Encounters was an upscale club after all, so there was nothing wrong with her formal wear; or so she convinced herself.

Erin glanced at the clock on the wall. It was 10:42 pm, there was no sign of Caleb, and Amy was running late. Dex was currently behind the bar and Erin knew then she’d have to hire more people. As if conjuring her, Amy ambled through the door with an extra pep in her step. Erin observed her friend as she stopped by the bar briefly to apologize to Dex for being late, then made her way to the stairs to check in with Erin.

The door swung open without so much as a knock, and instantly Amy halted. Her eyes bulged and slowly she crept over to Erin with her brows rising further the more of Erin’s appearance she took in.

“Ooou...” she crooned. “Did you get laid or something girl? What did I miss?”

Erin’s eyes balked. “You’re crazy.”

Amy shook her head no. “I don’t think I am,” she ventured closer to Erin. “What’s the occasion?”

Erin leaned into her hips and folded her arms. “What are you talking about? We’re at the club, people dress like this in here all the time.”

Amy nodded. “Yeah, people, but not you.”

“I’m not sure if I should take that as an insult or not, but I’ll decide to ignore it for your sake. You’re late. Where have you been?”

“I’m sorry, it was either be late or miss a phone call with Luke and well,” Amy shrugged. “You understand, don’t you.” Amy pouted doing her best to put on a puppy dog face, so Erin would forgive her.

“I’m hiring new people asap.”

Amy looked affright. “You’re not going to fire me, are you?” Amy began to explain before Erin could answer. “You know how it is, you couldn’t possibly—”

“Calm down. I’m hiring more people I guess I should say. Sometimes things happen, and I can’t be short a man or two and definitely not three.”

“Oh, yeah sure. Honestly, I’m surprised you hadn’t done it by now with the popularity of Nocturnal Encounters.”

“I hadn’t done it because I don’t like hiring random people. I like to know my staff personally. Outsiders can be trouble.”

“Oh, honey, that’s with any business. If you need some recommendations I have a few.”

“Like who?”

“A few of the girls that are in the competitions I do are in need of jobs.”

“Do you trust them?”

“Maybe one or two.”

“Maybe?”

“I mean, I’ve only known Shelly and Tamara for a year, but that’s long enough to know someone, right?”

“Hmmm, possibly.”

“Anyway, they’ve mentioned needing jobs when they’re not in a competition. Apparently, staying at home with mom isn’t working out for them anymore.”

“Or maybe mom wants them to pay rent.”

Amy laughed. “You might be right.”

“How old are these ladies?”

“Our age, 24, 25.” Amy shrugged.

“Find out a little more information and bring me back the details.”

Amy chuckled. “How did I not know all of these years that you were such a hard ass?”

“Because, I’ve never had to show it. Everyone around me is my friend, in one way or another.” Erin glanced out over the balcony. “Please, go save Dex. Besides, I need his full attention on the crowd and what’s going on.”

“Yeah, yeah, of course.”

Amy turned to leave the room then stopped by the door.

“Whatever happened to the conversation you were supposed to have with Caleb?”

“How did I know you wouldn’t leave before asking me that?”

“I almost did.”

“Almost doesn’t count.”

Amy peered at Erin, then took a few steps back into the room. “There’s something you’re not telling me,” she said.

Erin rolled her eyes. “Girl, you make it sound as if we’re married and I’m cheating on you.”

“Hmm, that’s still to be determined.”

Erin shook her head. “I spoke with Caleb; now, are you happy?”

Amy smiled with a nod of her head and a conspiratorial wink.

“Okay, and?”

“It’s not a short story. We talked about a few things; things that I don’t have time to go over now because I need you behind the bar.”

“Mmhmm, I see what you did there,” Amy said. She rose her hands in surrender. “I get it, but just so you know, this conversation is not over.”

“Oh, I’m sure,” Erin retorted.

Amy looked Erin up and down once more. “There is definitely something you’re not telling me, but I’ll get to the bottom of it; or send Mariah up here to do it for me.”

“Is Mariah here?”

“Not yet, but you know she’s just a phone call away.”

Erin rolled her eyes again and flipped her hair off her shoulders. Her gaze turned back to the crowd just in time to see Caleb stroll through the door. Even from a distance, the thrill she felt earlier scattered over her skin and it took massive effort not to quiver in front of Amy.

“Well look who just walked in,” Amy said, following Erin’s line of sight.

Erin tried to pull her vision back over to Amy, but it was like trying to separate metal from a magnet. Her eyes were stuck as she took in the entirety of him. Caleb was so incredibly handsome. It amazed her that he could have such a strong structural face and still manage hints of softness, especially from around his eyes. The short sleeve button down shirt that rode over his tone physique disappeared into his pants as he strolled with seriousness in his dark gaze. He scanned the restaurant looking for someone, no doubt her. The way his clothes fit him, with just an inflight of space kissing his muscular build and toned thighs, made Erin cross her legs where she stood.

“Mmhmm,” Amy murmured.

“Are you still here?” Erin asked keeping her eyes glued to him as he made his way to the stairs. It was then that Erin snapped her eyes toward Amy to find a giant smile covering her face.

“Okay, I’m going.” She turned around as Caleb climbed the last two steps and simultaneously they sidestepped each other.

“Hey Caleb,” Amy said holding her smile.

“What’s up, Amy. Am I interrupting?”

“Not at all; I was headed to the bar.”

“Then, I’m just in time.”

“Must be your lucky day.”

“I’d assume so.”

“See ya.” Amy made her descent and Caleb approached the opening. He took his knuckles across the door in quick tap.

“Come in,” Erin said without missing a beat.

Caleb moved inside and was pleasantly surprised at what stood before him. He remembered Erin when she was a young teen, right up to her young adult years. She was skin and bones, with ponytails, but Caleb thought she was cute all the same. It wasn’t a secret the two had a crush on each other. But they remained friends as they continued to grow throughout the years. It wasn’t until later in high school that they moved into a relationship and it had been the best thing that happened to him.

To see this Erin that stood before him, all grown up, beautiful, and running her own show, only intensified the love he had for her. Caleb wanted desperately to explore if they could be more, but his own demons slowed him down and made him think twice.

“Hey, you,” he said easing into her personal space.

A cologne wafted from him, and it mixed perfectly with his natural scent.

“Hey,” Erin said.

He drove his dark penetrating gaze over her then reached out and pinched her chin. “You’re beautiful,” he said. “An angel, to be more precise. How lucky could a person be to call you their own.”

A surge of heat poured over Erin’s skin and her complete nervous system responded from his compliment. Her body buzzed with a sensual awareness and it made Erin pause before responding.

“How was your day?” Caleb continued.

Erin let out a slow breath. “It was good. How was yours?”

Caleb nodded as he thought over the conversation with Staff Sergeant Hopkins.

“Interesting, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

Erin’s cheeks flushed and turned a deeper shade of pink.

“Why is that,” she asked trying to get a grip.

Erin was well aware that her responses were on exhibition and regardless to how hard she tried, her reflexes had a mind of their own.

“I’ve missed you for a long time. I knew the day I made that call it was a mistake.”

Caleb held her with a intoxicating stare and Erin’s eyes skipped from his face to the floor then up again.

“Let’s not talk about that tonight,” she said.

“Will you forgive me?”

His voice was mellow and profound.

Erin exhaled. “Caleb, please.”

“If you’re going to help me move past my,” he paused, “PTSD, then I need to know that you forgive me.”

His hands found hers and he moved to her as she took a step towards him. When Erin responded, her voice was low and throaty.

“Are you saying you’ll stay?”

Caleb stared at her beautiful face. “I’m willing to give this Wounded Warrior’s program a try, with you by my side. But, only if you’ll forgive me.”

Erin didn’t respond immediately; not because she didn’t want to oblige, but because she hadn’t expected this turn of events.

“What changed,” she asked.

Caleb’s hands sailed over her shoulders and wrapped her, pulling Erin into his chest. His scent was even stronger now, and it consumed Erin with each breath she took.

“I don’t want to miss any more time with you. It doesn’t mean I’ve completely given up on going back.”

Erin pushed away from him.

“But,” Caleb continued, “If this program works, then,” he paused, and Erin waited for him to finish. “You have to understand, although I know it’s hard for you too. I regret leaving you the first time, but I can’t remove everything that’s happened. And my dedication to seeing this thing through feels like an obligation. If you’re saying I’m mistaken and you believe this program can help me see that, I’m willing to give it a try.”

The room became quiet except for the bass coming from the surround sound speakers downstairs.

“Erin—”

“I forgive you,” she said.

They stared at each other, knowing what the measure of that statement held. Caleb pulled her back into him and Erin returned his embrace, tying her arms around his neck. They held, still breathing each other in as they contemplated their own thoughts. Caleb wishing on a star that Erin’s idea could work; knowing taking the steps to find out would be good for their friendship and any relationship they could have going forward.

Erin, on the other hand, knew when those words left her lips she would have to leave their past in the past. It wouldn’t be easy since it was still a sore wound, but together, possibly, they could heal and make it work.

They parted, but Caleb held to her waist as they eyed one another.

“I had a question,” she said.

“Past tense?” He asked.

Erin crossed her eyes and Caleb chuckled.

“What’s your question, sweetheart?”

“During your retelling earlier, you stated you met Timothy's grandma and wife. But I never met Timothy.” Erin pouted. Caleb tugged her ear.

“That's because I was selfish when it came to you. I wanted to spend every second of our phone or video calls together. But trust me when I tell you, Timothy knew of you.”

Erin blushed and rolled her eyes. “That was so childish of me, right?”

“Not at all. You wanted to know how special you are to me, and I’m saddened by the fact that you didn’t already know. All of my comrades knew about you. Even some I’d left during basic training graduation. I’m sorry I didn’t let you in more. I was young and didn’t know all the rules when it came to relationships.”

“And you do now?”

Caleb grinned. “I’m not saying I know all the rules but I’m certainly more knowledgeable.”

Erin smirked. “Let me be the judge of that.”

The beat of the song changed, and it seeped through the walls of Erin’s office. She glanced out at the crowd and Caleb tugged her hand.

“Dance with me,” he said.

Erin turned back to him with a smirk.

“What, you, dance?”

A smile lit up his handsome face. “Come on now girl, you know I can move.”

He backpedaled with her hand in his grasp. Erin followed him to the door where he rotated easing her in front of him.

“After you.”

Erin couldn’t help smiling. She sauntered along the staircase, and with Caleb right behind her descended to the first floor. The atmosphere in the club was mellow as patrons milled about in conversation, drinking, or dancing. As Caleb and Erin passed through, Erin skimmed the room. She meant to skip right over the bar, but her eyes looked anyway and caught a huge grin on Amy’s face. Erin smirked just as Amy turned on her earpiece.

“And where do you think you’re going?” Amy’s teasing voice said.

“Get out of my ear, Amy. Tell Dex I’m not in the station so watch the stairs.”

“Gotcha.”

Erin disconnected her earpiece where Amy couldn’t interrupt her again. They rounded through the crowd and came upon the circle dance floor. Erin took the two steps down and together she and Caleb cruised to a groove. His arm settled around her waist, pulling her in softly, causing their bodies to graze against each other.

Their steps were easy and only they were hidden behind the orbs of their compelling stares. Erin didn’t want to keep blushing like an adolescent. She hadn’t been a teenager for seven years. But that didn’t make a bit of difference. Being with Caleb reopened her heart and she could only hope it wasn’t a mistake. She stepped into it aware that if he broke her again, it was on Erin.

Caleb twirled her around and pulled Erin’s back into his front. His palms slipped down her arms, shoulders, waist and over the roundness of her hips. They settled there as the duo slow danced reveling in the feeling of being together again. The last time Caleb danced with Erin like this was prom night. He wanted to love her for life then and nothing about that had changed. They grooved to the music and Erin closed her eyes and carried her fingers through her hair. She felt alive again, and though it was a bit terrifying, she decided to just go with the flow.

As their bodies waved, a ripple of warmth sailed with them, wrapping Caleb and Erin in a comfortable cocoon. The vibe between the two was charged, skipping among them like a magnetic field. Their flesh suffused with each graze of Erin’s ass to Caleb’s pelvis. His grip tightened on her and everyone around them faded out as the music changed to an even slower rhythm. Caleb twirled her back around and quickly his arms cruised around her waist, as Erin’s found their way over his shoulders. Resting his hands against the small of her back, Caleb committed each detail of her flourishing features to memory. Her youthfulness had been transformed into a stellar divineness that turned her into what he considered an angel.

How he could’ve ever let her go was beyond him.

“What are you thinking?” She asked.

Caleb grinned. “It’s funny you would ask me that now.”

“Why?”

“Because my answer will come out sounding cliché even though it’s the truth.”

“I’m still intrigued. What’s your corny answer, Mr. Malone,” she teased. He loved the way her face brightened when she was playful.

“In all honesty, I was just thinking about you, and how insane I must have been to let you go.” They continued to sway to the music. “You know, I always knew you had it in you to run your own business. I always saw that drive in you when we were younger.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“How so?”

“You used to be like the boss from Hell’s kitchen when it was time for the annual bake sale.”

Erin tossed her head back and laughed.

“What was his name, um, Gordon Ramsey,” he continued to joke, making Erin laugh even harder.

He loved the melodic enchantment of her voice, enjoying her widespread grin, and the serenade she gave when laughing out loud.

“Come home with me,” he said.

It made Erin’s laugh die down immediately. Slowly her face began to fall into a surprised yet yearning stare.

“I don’t want to sleep without you tonight,” he said. “It’s been too long since I’ve had you in my arms like this, and I want more of you.”

A ripple of heat saturated Erin’s skin. She pressed her lips together and swallowed a lump in her throat.

“Um…”

“Say yes,” he prodded. Never being one to beg, this was new ground for Caleb, but at this point he didn’t care. All he wanted was to be with her. Erin’s heartbeat sped up, and her brain scrambled as she looked for the right answer.