Emily's POV
The walk back home from the picnic was a blur. Caleb and Joey walked close to me, their presence steady and reassuring. My body felt lighter after everything we'd shared, but my heart? That was still heavy.
By the time we reached my house, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting the world in hues of gold and amber. Joey leaned against the doorframe as I fumbled for my keys, his golden eyes twinkling with mischief. Caleb stood silently beside me, his dark, brooding gaze sweeping our surroundings, ever the protective one.
"Your fortress awaits, Firecracker," Caleb teased as I pushed the door open.
"I wouldn't call it a fortress," I muttered under my breath, stepping inside.
The scent of old wood and faint mildew greeted me, the familiar smell of home. The liv
