I slip out of my clothes and sink into the bubbles with a long sigh. Today’s my first day as CEO. I fought so hard for this for years. I fought daily for respect and a seat at the table I now command. And now that I have it, I wonder if it needed to be such a battle. I wonder if it’ll feel like I imagined. Earned.
I rest my eyes, and time passes. A knock at the door makes me open my eyes. After I tell him to come in, Cal saunters in, carrying two plates. He’s so nonchalant about it. Like, I’m not naked in the water in front of him, covered in bubbles. He says nothing about it and is a gentleman. I wish he were not a gentleman. I wish he’d join me in this tub and fuck me senseless. But his food looks so good.
“You still want me to eat with you?” he asks, looking at me and back at the door. “I can eat in the kitchen.”
I nod and motion. “Yes.”
He sets my plate on the tray over the tub. I’m covered in bubbles from the neck down, but I still notice the way his pupils darken when he sees me, like he wants me just as bad as I want him.
And the realization that this man will bring me breakfast in the tub when he knows all I want to do is soak, and he does it to just be with me. I think I’m falling in love with him. I’m not sure when I started falling for Callahan Bennett. But I did. And I’m falling stupidly even harder. I can’t even stop myself.
He sits on the floor, across from me, his plate resting in his lap while he eats. He made us eggs that are cheesy and fluffy, toast with my favorite jam, and bacon.
“Breakfast of CEO champions,” he says, taking a bite.
“This is so good,” I say, covering my mouth.
He grins. “I’m surprised you don’t have a chef.”
“I have you,” I say with a smirk. “Nobody can make me breakfast and eat in the bathroom with me like you, Cal.”
He winks at me.
“Besides,” I continue, “I had a meal service before. Delivered prepared meals, but they were so bland. I missed good food. I’m not going back to that.”
He doesn’t laugh at that, because he knows I wasn’t being healthy before my first wedding.
We chat about the bathroom, and he marvels over how massive it is.
“In the winter, I turn on the floor heaters,” I tell him.
He grins. “I bet it feels great getting out of the shower when it’s cold.”
“It does,” I agree. “But this tub is my favorite part of the whole penthouse.”
When we’re done, he stands and takes our plates. “Finish up. I’ll get ready in the other bathroom.”
I bite my lip, wishing he’d stay, wishing he’d get ready in here with me. But I don’t push it.
Some things are worth letting unfold at their own pace.
I head out to the living room, still in my robe, but my hair and makeup are done. I got new makeup yesterday from the makeup artists to match my newly sun-kissed skin. I think I did a pretty good job if I don’t say so myself. My hair is still good from its blowout yesterday.
Cal’s in the living room, sitting on the couch with a mug of coffee, sleeves rolled up on his dress shirt, looking unfairly hot for someone who doesn’t need as long as I do to get ready.
He smiles and says, “Feeling better?”
“I am,” I admit. “Wilby should be here soon with my suit.”
The elevator dings, and the doors slide open. Wilby strolls in confidently. He’s dressed in an impeccable suit, and his tie is perfect. Calm confidence, and I remember that he’s stepping into his new role today, too. Executive assistant to the CEO. I wouldn’t be here without him, either. It’s a big day for him as well.
“Good morning,” he says cheerfully as he holds up two garment bags. “I brought yours and Cal’s suits.”
Cal’s head snaps over, and he says, “What?”
Wilby grins. “That’s right. I got one for you, too. And if we’re being honest, I got one for me, as well.”
I laugh and shake my head. Wilby is literally the main character, and I love him.
