Callie's POV
The garage smelt like oil and cold metal, a sharp contrast to the cinnamon warmth drifting from the house. I hesitated at the doorway, fingers curling around the frame as if it might steady me.
Dominic was standing with his back to me. His sleeves were rolled up, forearms bare as he leaned over the open hood of his car. And I wondered if he wasn't feeling the cold. He hadn’t noticed me yet, and for a brief second, I considered retreating.
If I walk away now, nothing changes. The thought pressed heavy against my chest. I stepped forward instead.
“Dominic?”
He stilled, then straightened slowly, he closed the hood with a muted thud, and turned to face me.
“Callie.” His voice was calm and neutral.
The distance between us felt wider here, the concrete floor stretching like
