Page 17 of Tempting My Nemesis

Caleb's eyes lock onto mine, intense and searching. The taste of champagne lingers on my lips, mingling with his scent. My heart pounds so loudly I'm sure he can hear it.

"We shouldn't have done that," I whisper, but I don't move away. Can't move away.

His voice is rough. "I know... but I couldn't stop myself."

God, neither could I. The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. This wasn't supposed to happen. We had rules, boundaries. Now everything's blurred.

I bite my lip, mind racing.What does this mean for us? For our arrangement?I'm caught between wanting more and fearing what comes next.

Caleb's hand lingers on my waist as he steps back.

"I don't know what this is," he says quietly.

I nod, unable to find words. He's right. Whatever this is, it's far more complicated than a simple business deal now.

I need space to think, to breathe. But I can't bring myself to leave. Not yet.

CHAPTER SEVEN

CALEB

The rhythm of my feet hitting the sand usually calms me, a rare moment where my mind finds clarity. Today, though, there's a lightness in my steps that I can't ignore. I glance at Zoe, her strides matching mine effortlessly. It's unsettling—the ease I feel around her—but I can't deny the comfort it brings.

After weeks of endless charity galas and tech dinners, I suddenly got the idea for this getaway. Zoe's tired smile at our last event had tugged at something inside me. I wanted to see her relaxed, away from the constant scrutiny and expectations. Plus, I couldn't deny my own selfish desire to have her to myself, away from prying eyes and business agendas.

"Ready?" I adjust my running watch, stretching my legs. The morning air is crisp, filled with the scent of salt and sea.

Zoe smiles, her eyes bright despite the early hour. "Always."

As we start our run, I think back to our arrival yesterday. I'd shown her around the beach house, watching her eyes widen at the view from the sweeping windows. When we reached the master bedroom, I'd hesitated.

"You take this one," I'd said, gesturing to the king-size bed and en-suite bathroom. "I'll use the guest room."

She'd looked surprised, maybe even a little disappointed. "Are you sure? This is your place, after all."

I'd shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I want you to be comfortable."

Now, as we run side by side, I wonder if I made the right choice. The guest bedroom feels cold and unfamiliar, knowing she's just down the hall. But it's for the best, I tell myself. We're here to work remotely, to lead our companies from a quieter setting. Nothing more.

Yet as Zoe's laughter rings out, clear and carefree, I can't help but question my own motives. Am I really here just for work? Or is there something more I'm not ready to admit, even to myself?

She looks over at me, breath steady. “You’re not going to let me win, are you?”

I chuckle, unable to suppress the grin tugging at my lips. “No way. You’ve got to earn it.”

What is she doing to me?I try to focus on the run, but the easy camaraderie between us keeps threatening to break through my defenses.

We continue in silence for a while, our breaths syncing with our steps. The beach stretches out before us, endless and serene. I’m not used to this—to having someone beside me who fits so effortlessly into my routine. It feels right, and that scares me more than anything.

She nudges me playfully with her shoulder.

“You’re slowing down, Steele.”

I smirk, picking up the pace.

“Don’t get cocky now.”

Her laughter is infectious, and despite myself, I find it impossible not to join in. The warmth spreading through my chest is unfamiliar but welcome.

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