Ch. 11

"I-I-I want to love you/ But if it's not ri-i-ight what can I do?/Everything will be alright/So baby get some sleep tonight."

Dean laughed, Cali knew good music but she couldn't sing worth a damn. Never could. Sam had gone to bed. Dean told him he'd keep an eye on things until dawn. Despite what he'd told his little brother, he wasn't convinced things were over. He was afraid it had been too easy. He sat at the table, sipping his beer. His back stung, but he ignored it in favor of watching Cali as she walked into the dining room. He caught a whiff of her shampoo, and it drove him crazy for a second. She smiled at him, a smile just for him. He smiled back, earlier worries forgotten as he looked into her eyes. She'd really grown up beautiful, even the scar on her cheek adding to the aura of self-possession she wore. She was in control, despite everything she'd been through. He saw a better side of himself in her. Cali walked over to him, kissing him thoroughly. He set the beer down and pulled her into his lap. When they broke for air she put her hand on his cheek.

"Damn I've missed you Dean."

Something tight lodged in his throat. He swallowed, looking into her eyes. He smiled.

"I missed you too. I…I l-" He cut himself off.

Cali didn't seem offended, she kissed him again. Something warm flared up in his chest. He felt like he was kissing fire. She grabbed his hand, pulled him to his feet. He let Cali lead him to her bedroom and shut the door, happier than he could remember being in a long time.