Sophia frowned. “Do you think they were in cahoots?”
He leaned forward and splayed his hands on the table. “Well, think about it. They framed me as the bad guy, got explosive ratings for the show, then parlayed the drama into a spin-off featuring both of them. It’s the only thing that makes sense to me.”
Twin Shot at Lovewas a brand-new reality series featuring Abby and Gillian’s attempts to find love after betrayal. Part of the narrative was that Caleb’s cheating ways had wounded both of the twins and damaged their relationship. They had both courted the media with their tales of woe and their desire to love and be loved.
“Did you ever try to talk to Abby about all of this?” Sophia asked.
He ran a hand across his jaw. “She cut me off completely. Changed her cell phone number so I had no way to reach her. A few of the guys from my season let me know that she’d made some noise about a restraining order if I tried to get in touch with her.” Caleb shuddered.
“That’s pretty diabolical,” Sophia sputtered. “They extended their fifteen minutes of fame at your expense. Not to mention smearing your good name.”
Caleb made a face. “One hundred percent. They took my pain and used it as a springboard into a lucrative contract. I think they were both in on it, setting themselves up as the victims and me as the Love Rat.”
Sophia was horrified that the twins had gotten away with it. “And no one has ever pointed a finger at them or cast doubt on their story.”
“Nope,” Caleb said before downing the rest of his iced tea. “It made for good TV and stellar ratings. That’s all that matters to some people.”
“I’m so sorry this happened to you,” Sophia said, tears misting in her eyes. What kind of woman would treat a man like Caleb in this horrific manner? He had given Abby his love, then had those feelings thrown back in his face. Not to mention the fact that his reputation and budding career had been trashed. Life could be so unfair.
“It’s okay,” he said with a shake of his head. “Actually, it’s not okay, but I’ve managed to move on from it. Hopefully, I’ve grown as a person.”
Sophia got up and went over to his side of the table. She placed his head between her hands. “You’re an incredible man, Caleb Stone. She didn’t deserve you.” Her body trembled with outrage for what he’d been through. She ached with sadness for him.
Caleb placed his arms around her waist and pulled herdown onto his lap. Sophia looped her arms around his neck and gazed into his eyes. “My taste has matured since then.”
“Oh, really?” she asked, meeting him halfway in a blistering kiss that seemed to take them both by surprise. Sophia knew that she was falling for Caleb, and it was far too late to make an exit plan. She wanted to take away all the hurt and restore his belief in love. She placed her hands on both sides of his neck, tenderly grazing her fingers against his skin. As the kiss soared and crested, Sophia didn’t want it to end. She wanted to hold on to this moment as long as she possibly could. Her mouth opened and their tongues met, savoring, exploring, each other. She melted into him, sucked into a vortex of pure need.
“Mommy.” Lily’s little voice rang out in the stillness, startling both of them. Sophia swung her gaze toward the entryway where Lily was standing, a confused expression on her face. “Why are you kissing Caleb?”
Caleb and Sophia pulled apart at the sound of Lily’s voice, despite the fact that it might have been the hardest thing he’d ever done. The look of shock on Sophia’s face told him that she wasn’t used to her daughter catching her in the act of smooching.
“Lily! I-I thought you were coloring,” Sophia said feebly.
“I was,” Lily said, “and I wanted to show you my picture.” She held up a brightly colored drawing.
Sophia let out an exaggerated gasp. “Oh, that’s fabulous. A masterpiece. You’re my little Picasso,” she gushed, holding her hands to her cheeks.
Caleb let out a whistle. “No one told me you were an artist.”
“Why were you kissing?” Lily asked again, looking back and forth between them. Clearly, their attempt at distraction wasn’t working.
“Umm, well I—” Sophia began, fumbling with her words.
“Lily,” Caleb said, interrupting Sophia. “Sometimes when grown-ups really, really like each other, they want to spend time together. And when they’re with each other, they kiss to show each other just how much they like each other.”
Lily looked up at him with her big brown eyes. Sophia was totally tongue-tied by his side.
“Does that make sense?” Caleb asked, reaching out and squeezing her hand. Lily nodded and said, “Yes. And I don’t mind,” in a solemn little voice.
“Thank you for that,” Caleb said, trying not to laugh. Lily seemed to be rather serious about the whole matter.
Lily gifted him with a beatific smile and held out the drawing toward him. “For you,” she said, ducking her head down.
“Can I get a hug?” he asked. “This is a great present.”
Lily didn’t hesitate to hold out her arms and fall into his. Hugging Lily made him feel protective. She was so little and innocent, full of goodness and light. A scent of vanilla and soap clung to her. He totally understood why she was the center of Sophia’s world.
When he let go of Lily, she gave him another smile and skipped off toward the playroom. Caleb looked down at his drawing, a smile twitching at his lips.
