Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
I offered him a smile as a truce. “Well, then let’s get going.”
I followed him out back to where his car was parked. Once we were buckled inside, he navigated his way through the city while I let my weary body sink into the plush leather seat. Begrudgingly, I had to admit that his car was much more comfortable, and safer, than the subway, and I relaxed and let myself enjoy the ride.
After a short while, I turned my head to look at Caleb, his handsome profile illuminated by the city lights outside his window. “You’ll be happy to know that tonight is my last night at The Back Door until our arrangement is over, but I would appreciate you not making any assumptions on my behalf going forward.”
He was quiet for a moment, then gave a nod and glanced my way. “You’re right. And I’m sorry.”
Well…that was easy. No excuses, but an apology. Which went a long way in soothing my pride. Caleb might have overprotective, caveman tendencies, but as Raven had stated earlier, he was a man with good intentions.
He parked his car in his designated spot in the underground garage, then walked with me to the elevators. I swiped my key card and pressed the number for my floor. As we headed upward, I realized that this particular elevator didn’t have access to the penthouse level, so I was surprised when we arrived on my floor and Caleb didn’t step out of the lift with me.
I stopped and glanced back at him, and he merely smiled at me.
“Have a good day at work tomorrow,” he said.
I nodded. “You, too.”
And that was it. The doors closed and I walked toward my apartment, realizing that he’d taken the time to really make sure I’d gotten home safely, out of respect and kindness. There were no expectations other than that, despite the money he was paying me, and the luxurious apartment he’d set me and Valerie up in for the next two months.
I couldn’t deny the light fluttering sensation in my chest, or the realization that not falling for Caleb Kane was going to be more difficult than I’d imagined.
CHAPTER TEN
Caleb
I glanced at my watch as my good friend and business partner, Beck Daniels, talked about the commercial property in Hudson Yards he’d sold to a developer that was now being turned into a retail space with high-end shops, flagship stores, and at least two new fine dining establishments. I was listening and even interjecting comments and questions where appropriate, but clearly I was distracted by tonight’s plans with Stevie.
It wasn’t anything elaborate or fancy, but the thought of spending time with her, in any capacity, had me anticipating the night ahead.
“Why do you keep checking your watch?” Beck asked, sounding more amused than annoyed as he sat across his desk from where I was seated. “Am I boring you, or do you have a hot date with your new girlfriend?”
Other than Raven, Beck was the only person I’d told about what had happened with Alyssa and my arrangement with Stevie, only because he was well aware that I’d had no love life to speak of for the past two years, and to go from zero to sixty in the span of a weekend with any woman was suspect, and unrealistic.
“I invited her to my place to have dinner with Owen and me,” I said, shifting in my seat. “I told her seven, so I need to head out soon.”
“Sounds very domestic,” Beck said humorously. “Kind of like my life.”
“You have a great life,” I replied, which was true.
“I do,” he agreed, and grinned. “A gorgeous wife to go home to. A daughter who has me wrapped around her finger. I know that I usually try to get out of the office at a reasonable time, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so anxious to leave work.”
I shrugged, because the feeling was definitely new for me. “Other than my time with Owen, I’ve never had a reason to want to leave early.”
Beck sat up in his chair. “Okay, then let’s wrap things up and get out of here.”
As Beck cleared his desk, I stood up. “As you know, Gerard Laurent is flying in from the UK next week to discuss purchasing that triplex penthouse at Central Park Tower. We have dinner on the books with him and his wife, and you mentioned Chloe will be there, so I’ll invite Stevie since I’m usually the odd man out at these things with no date.”
Beck grinned. “I’m sure Chloe will enjoy having her there.”
We headed down to the parking garage together and parted ways. I drove home, definitely anxious to see Stevie. I’d seen her briefly Monday night after picking her up from The Back Door, but yesterday she’d worked at Dare PR and as much as I wanted to spend time with her, or invite her over in the evening, I’d given her space since I knew I’d be seeing her tonight.