Ethan’s brother?And when did the two have a chance to discuss anything, much less offer my character reference?
“Thanks,” I say dryly, looking toward him.He just smirks at me.God, I want to smack that face.Or maybe—No.Just smack it.Nothing else.
Steven was right when he described Caleb as having ‘surfer-boy-golden-looks.’With his slightly tanned skin, dazzling blonde hair, and wicked good looks, he seems like he belongs with a surfboard under his arm rather than in an office setting.The worst part is how aware I am of him standing there, his presence filling up the room like he owns it.My skin prickles with alertness, and I hate that even after all these years, my body still reacts to him like he’s some kind of catnip for humans.
“I would appreciate it if you kept Caleb’s identity to yourself.”
“And if I don’t?”I test the waters.
Natalie’s smile fades.“You are the top performing employee in the entire Marketing Department.You exceed every target set for you.I would be very sorry to see you go, Eve.”
My lips press into a thin line.“So that’s how it is.”
“Only if you make it so.”Caleb’s voice makes me twitch in annoyance.
“I wasn’t talking to you,” I growl.
His lips curve in a half-smile.“Well, I was.Look, I won’t get in your way as long as you don’t get in mine.”
“Just treat him like an ordinary colleague,” Natalie advises.“He will be contributing to the projects you are undertaking.”
“And how long will he be around for?”I ask her, my tone condescending.
“As long as it takes,” Natalie responds.“Once he’s done, he’ll leave.”
I get to my feet, muttering, “I hope it’s soon, then.Preferably before I’m forced to commit a felony in the break room.”
I straighten my shoulders and continue with more volume.“Alright.I’ll keep my mouth shut.”I glance at Natalie, adding, “As long as he pulls his weight.If we’re putting in extra hours, he doesn’t get to go home to catch up on his beauty sleep.He’s getting dark circles and indigestion from the vending machine coffee with the rest of us.I want to see him suffering through Gary’s homemade kombucha on Wellness Wednesdays just like the rest of the Marketing Department.”
Natalie beams at me.“Don’t worry about it.Caleb doesn’t shy away from hard work.”
My eyes flicker to Caleb, and I try not to roll them.“I’m sure he doesn’t.”
Caleb just grins at me.“And I’m sure you’ll be there to pick up my slack.”
“Caleb.”Natalie gives him a sharp look, and he lifts his hands in an appeasing manner.“I was just kidding.”
I exhale sharply.“I’ll keep my mouth shut.Can I go now?”
Natalie nods.“Thank you, Eve.”
I give her a tight smile.“There is no need to thank me.It was either this or you give me my walking papers.”Not much of a choice—like being asked if you’d prefer to be pushed off a cliff or thrown into a volcano.
I see the guilt in her eyes, but she says nothing further.I walk out of her office, not even bothering to hide my agitation anymore.Caleb follows me.
“You’re supposed to show me around.”He falls into step beside me, his longer stride adjusted to match mine without any apparent effort.“Iris’s orders.Believe me, I don’t want to waste your time?—”
I come to a halt and turn to face him.Taking a step towards him, I poke my finger in his chest, trying desperately to ignore how solid it feels under my touch.“Let me be clear, Caleb Wilder.I know how you work.The last thing I need is a liability.So stay out of my way, and I’ll pretend I don’t know you from Adam.”
He stares at me before a slow smile forms on his lips.Lifting his hand, he hooks his finger around mine.The brief contact sends an unwanted jolt of electricity up my arm.“Don’t worry.I have no intention of getting in your way.I wouldn’t want to piss off the Ice Princess.”
Hearing a nickname that I spent years forgetting has my eyes narrowing into tiny slits, and I hiss at him.“Well, at least one thing hasn’t changed.Your head is still stuck all the way up your own ass.Must be nice up there.Very roomy, I imagine.”
Jerking my hand free, I make my way back to the elevator, the lingering scent of his cologne—something expensive and woodsy—making my pulse quicken involuntarily.Traitorous body.
I hope he catches the mole soon because the last thing I need is a murder charge.Or worse, the distraction of having to work with six feet of walking temptation who also happens to be the most infuriating human being on the planet.
Two things are for certain: this is going to be the longest undercover operation in corporate history, and I’m going to need a lot more lipstick.
