Page 19 of Caught in His Sights

Caleb stays still long enough that I start to worry he won’t relent. But then he sighs and releases me. “You should have used the trash can last night.”

“As if I could do that.” Whatever else I may have said vanishes from my thoughts when I glance over, and his nude beauty strikes me dumb.

Caleb stays lying in bed, one muscular arm propped behind his head, his red curls loose and spread out over the pillow. The beginning of a beard darkens his jaw, filling me with the desire to discover how those scratchy whiskers will feel on my skin.

Disrupted back from me rising, the silk sheet only covers part of his body, leaving his left side on display. My eyes drink in the muscular lines of his torso, the long line of his strong thigh, and linger on the shadowy bulge where the sheet just covers his groin.

When I drag my attention from his body to his face, Caleb’s heated eyes fix on me. “You have twenty seconds to move before you find out if you like watersports.”

Biting my bottom lip, I take my fill of Caleb’s body until he says, “Five seconds left,” and I scramble into motion.

As I limp to the bathroom, favoring my injured foot, Caleb calls after me, “I’m glad to see you have some limits, Oliver.”

I’m not actually sure it’s a limit so much as a location issue. No wet sheets for me.

I make quick use of the toilet, wash my hands, and step back out, I find Caleb up and now in a pair of boxer briefs and a tight undershirt.

Before disappointment sets in that I missed out on crawling back into bed with him, he thrust a bundle of clothes into my arms and plops a pair of shoes on top. The scent of my laundry detergent rises from them, and I realize they’re mine.

Bewildered, I look back up at him. “Where did these come from?”

“Sent a cleanup team to your place.” He strides toward his open wardrobe. “They took care of the mess, stripped those pictures off your walls, and grabbed some stuff for you.”

“Just like that?” I can’t help but be amazed by his efficiency.

“Yep, just like that.” Without looking at me, he tugs on a forest green polo shirt.

Dazed, I return to the bathroom and dress, mindful of the cut on my foot. As I pull on my socks and shoes, Caleb’s earlier words echo in my mind, telling me not to get comfortable here.

Will I be kicked out after all? What happened to all his talk last night? Did he already locate and deal with the other hitman?

Sharp disappointment stabs me in the chest. It was foolish of me to let my guard down. My career is dying along with my fantasy. With that incriminating video, I can’t write any more gossip articles about the Rockfords.

When I emerge from the bathroom once more, I find Caleb dressed and checking the time. “Best slip you out of here before everyone wakes up.”

Am I an embarrassing secret? Does he not want his family to see him hooking up with someone so plain? Not that I didn’t already know I’m not up to his usual standards on multiple levels.

He grabs a duffle bag from beside the couch, then hands me a familiar-looking blue suitcase.

“Wait, this belongs to me.” A mix of confusion and relief sweeps through me.

“Of course it does.” The expression on Caleb’s face suggests I’m being slow. “I told you I had them grab some of your clothes. I also put a hold on your mail and notified your editor that you’re going on hiatus.”

I shake my head, trying to process everything. “When did you manage all this?”

“During your many attempts to pick the handcuffs’ lock.” Amusement curls his lips as I search for hidden cameras but find none. “Now, be quiet and follow me.”

Mouth shut tight, I obey as Caleb leads me from the suite, down the hall, and into the elevator.

We ride it down to the underground garage, where he directs me to a different car than the one we arrived in.

Luxury envelops me as I settle onto the fine leather seat. This vehicle is more opulent, designed for someone of his status.

As we pull away from the estate, I turn toward him. “Why are we leaving?”

“My brothers and cousins are too nosy.” His attention remains fixed on the road. “We only went there last night because the security system was still being installed at my place in the city. That’s where we’re going now.”

“Are you hiding me from your family?” A strange combination of hurt and relief fills me.

---