Page 23 of Caught in His Sights

I peek at him from the corner of my eye. “What was it like growing up in such a large family estate?”

He shrugs. “Size was necessary with the number of brothers and cousins I have. My parents live in their house in the country to get away from everyone.”

“What about having an identical twin?” I ask, the reporter curiosity in me wanting to know more. “What is that like?”

A smile comes and goes. “We used to play tricks on people because no one could tell us apart, not even our mom and dad. It’s handy as adults, too, when we need an alibi.”

“People are stupid if they can’t tell the difference,” I say, a bit smugly. “It only took me a month to figure it out.”

“Really?” Caleb raises an eyebrow. “How do you do it?”

“That’s a secret.” I push his phone over to him.

He chuckles as he scrolls through the shopping list. “A two-hundred-dollar bottle of Sauvignon Blanc? I didn’t realize you had such expensive tastes.”

“I’m obsessed with a billionaire. I’d say my taste is ridiculously expensive.” I shrug. “Besides, I’ve never had wine that cost more than five dollars, and you can afford it.”

“Cheeky. I see you’re already in your rebellious stage.” Caleb catches my wrist, drawing me out of the kitchen and up a sleek, modern staircase to the second story.

As we reach the top, he opens the first door on the left. “Bathroom.”

I peer inside at the pristine polished marble countertops and a glass-enclosed shower. “Very nice.”

Next, he ushers me to the door at the end of the hall and releases me. “The guest bedroom.”

“I thought you didn’t have guests.” I step into the room, which achieves a cozy but impersonal feel.

Decorated in shades of gray and deep blue, the room holds a plush, king-sized bed draped in soft linens. A beautiful, abstract painting hangs above the headboard, adding a touch of elegance.

I walk over to the window, admiring the view of a well-manicured garden and a fenced-in backyard. A mature maple offers shade, its branches nearly brushing the house.

My fingers brush over the lock on the sill. “You know, if I were ever left alone in this room, that tree would be easy to climb down.”

Caleb comes up behind me, his body pressing against my back, boxing me in. His breath warms my nape as he murmurs, “If you want to sleep in my room, Oliver, you need to ask nicely.”

My pulse quickens at his proximity, and I turn to face him, which involves rubbing our bodies together since he doesn’t budge an inch.

I stand facing him, our chests touching, and rise onto my tiptoes to wrap my arms around his neck. “Is this how I’m supposed to ask?”

A slow smile spreads across Caleb’s face. “It’s an excellent start.”

I lick my lips. “Maybe you should instruct me.”

“Do you like being told what to do?” He cups my waist. “Do you like someone else taking control?”

Embarrassed by how transparent I must be, I glance away, afraid to show such vulnerability.

“Don’t do that.” Caleb grips my chin, tilting my face up so I have no choice but to look at him. “I want your eyes always on me.”

Swallowing hard, I keep my gaze locked on his.

“You were a good older brother, Oliver.” His hand slips down to my neck. “What happened to Dylan wasn’t your fault.”

Unshed tears blur my vision, but I don’t dare look away, his intense scrutiny both commanding and comforting all at once.

“You’ve spent your life putting others first. It’s enough, now. You don’t need to struggle anymore.” His hand moves to my back, urging me closer. “As long as you keep looking only at me, I’ll take care of you.”

I swallow hard and nod, fear and anticipation mixing inside me.

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