“So,” she says, drawing out the word. “Next time you head to some all-inclusive in the Caribbean, can I come …?”
“Absolutely. But also, Caleb. Remember.”
She scoffs. “You know what to do, Boss Lady. You clearly,clearlydo not need me trying to run your life.”
“That’s true. I’ll call you later?”
“You better.” She hangs up on me, leaving me to go and find Caleb. I nod decidedly to myself.
Caleb is standing at the side door he left through earlier, reaching up to pull it open when I push through. “Oh, hi,” he says, dropping his hand. His apprehensive expression actually reassures me. It’s not the panicky forced smile from when he left me with Senator Card earlier. “I was just coming in to see if you’re ready for that walk?” There’s a note of apology in his tone, and my insides relax.
“I would love to.” Boss Lady Malia has left the building. Malia with a massive crush is fully back. Except I do reach out and take Caleb’s hand very purposefully.
“So, CEO?” he says as we head down a path away from the restaurant. We can still hear music in the background, which has switched to another slower, romantic song. It sets the tone for our walk beautifully. Thank you, Mr. DJ.
“I should’ve told you. It’s not like I’m embarrassed.” I turn my head to look up at him as we walk.
He lets out a half sigh, half laugh. “It’s not like I didn’t have strong opinions on the CEOs my mom was trying to set me up with. I get it.” We walk under the shade of a giant oak tree, and Caleb stops, turning to me. “I did freak out for a second. I was surprised. I second-guessed myself. But then I realized how stupid it was. I didn’t like my mom setting me up with women like you because it meant I wasn’t enough. Choosing you myself? That was a stroke of brilliance.” He cups my cheek with his free hand, letting his fingers brush the back of my neck.
Everything in me stills. There’s no one around to play to. And even though we left that behind on the dance floor, it stillfeels good to know there’s absolutely no reason to pretend right now. Sparks crackle from Caleb’s fingertips, lighting tiny fires all through me.
“I think it’s fair to say thatIchose you,” I reply in a soft voice, leaning in closer. “I’ve had a crush on you for months. I agreed to go on this date with you to make my move.”
“Excellent strategist,” he murmurs, his lips hovering over mine. “Not surprised at all.”
Then our lips meet.
His lips are soft as he slowly and tenderly kisses me. Then he drops his hand from my face and lets go of the hand he was holding to wrap his arms around me and pull me securely against him. He tastes like the raspberry chocolate cheesecake we both had for dessert. I press into him, sliding my hands around his waist and up his back.
Every moment Caleb and I have had since the restaurant where we came up with our rules for this fake relationship has been full of very real sparks. Every touch, even for an audience, has been layered with real fire inside of me.
But this?
This isrealreal.
This is not for anyone but us.
He pulls away and stares at me. He studies my eyes, then his gaze trails over my cheeks and back to my lips. He draws in a ragged breath and releases me, taking my hand to pull me off the path and to the base of the enormous tree. I can’t help the giggle that rises up as he places me with my back against the rough trunk and cages me in, his hands on either side of my shoulders, leaning over me.
“It looks like you’re leaning,” I whisper.
“Leaning?” he repeats.
I shrug. “Another movie you need to add to the list.”
“If you promise to watch it with me,” he says, his voice husky.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He studies me, his stare more intoxicating than anything I’ve ever experienced. He looks at me like I am the most impressive piece of art he’s ever seen—but no, not art. Not Caleb. I am intense, realistic, gorgeous graphics on the best gaming monitors there are.
“Mmmm?” I can’t form words. His adoration has stolen my breath.
“Will you go out with me tomorrow night?” he asks.
“Yes.”
“The next night?”
