Kaleb said, "Sounds good."
Emmett asked, "What about you?" Then he added, "It's gotta be something related to Bria, right?"
Andrew and Renee both watched Kaleb with curious eyes, waiting to see what he'd say.
They didn't really hang out with Kaleb much and didn't know him all that well. Besides, Kaleb was the guy with the guts to throw down with Troy, and from day one he'd never backed down to Bria. He had this serious magnetism about him, and combined with how little they knew him, Kaleb was kind of a mystery.
So Andrew and Renee were even more curious about Kaleb, expecting him to come out with some really high-minded wish.
Kaleb said simply, "I just want everyone I care about to be safe and healthy."
Andrew waited for him to keep going, but Kaleb stopped right there. Andrew was completely thrown. "That's it?"
Renee was a little surprised too. "It's simple, but it's a really beautiful wish."
Andrew clicked his tongue. "Okay, now my wish sounds super cringe. It's like we're not even on the same level."
Bria shot back, "Oh, you noticed that too?"
Andrew said sourly, "Don't forget I'm your friend. Quit kicking me while I'm down."
"I'm just telling the truth." Bria genuinely loved that grounded quality about Kaleb, the way he took life seriously and stayed steady. He was the perfect boyfriend material and perfect husband material too.
When Kaleb heard Bria stand up for him, he was obviously thrilled. Under the table, he did something out of character and reached for her hand, holding it in his and softly stroking her palm. It wasn't anything teasing, just a small, intimate moment between two people who were dating.
Bria turned her head and met Kaleb's eyes. Andrew couldn't even watch. "Okay, that's enough. Do you have to be all over each other in front of us? You're killing my appetite."
For once, Emmett actually agreed with Andrew. "Same here. I haven't even eaten yet."
Renee thought Andrew and Emmett were being super childish. People could be as into each other as they wanted—who cared? Who didn't enjoy watching a hot couple do their thing? She thought Bria and Kaleb made a stunning pair on every level. They were a genuine pleasure to look at.
Bria had been hit on very directly before. Most of the time, the guys were so clearly just trying to win her over that there was no real chemistry at all.
Kaleb's gestures were rare and simple, but when they came, they hit the spot perfectly. Anyone else holding her hand in front of everyone would've seemed completely casual. But coming from Kaleb, it left Bria absolutely melting.
"Okay, as for my wish..." Bria looked at Kaleb, who was watching her, then glanced at the others. "There's no way you'll guess this one."
Andrew said, "Then just spit it out."
Kaleb said, "I want to hear it."
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The readers' comments on the novel: Divorce me I'm done serving you (Ayla)