Page 1 of A Temporary Forever

Chapter 1

Caleb

The brunette sitting at the long bar across the dining room has been eye-fucking me for the past ten minutes. I should send her a drink, but my expected company—although very delayed—might interfere with any plans the beauty might have for us.

Still, I smile at her, and she licks her lips. From my table, I have a great view of her body, and it’s giving me ideas.

I love a woman who carries her curves with confidence. When was the last time I hooked up with someone? The fact I don’t remember is depressing.

Perhaps if she stays around long enough, we can pick up this game after my dinner.

Where the hell is Saar?

My sister is always late. I don’t understand how shekeeps any of her modeling gigs if she extends the same respect to her employers that she does to the rest of us.

And it’s not like she takes long to get ready. The woman hates makeup when she’s not working. At times, I wonder if she comes late just to mess with me.

I tap my fingers on the white linen tablecloth. The plate setting glows in the ambient amber light from the large industrial ceiling lamps.

Around me, tables hum with conversation. The servers work with efficiency and the courtesy of a place that’s well managed. Okay, maybe the bartender could prepare the orders—

Stop working.

Running hotels and restaurants globally, first under my father and now with my brother, Finn, instilled some habits that are hard to break.

I’m only here to eat, not increase their productivity and profit margins. Not that this Michelin-star restaurant needs my help.

Casa Cassi is as busy as always, but with my connections, I can get a table anywhere in the city.

Even though I hate what my last name represents, I’m not above reaping the benefits. Especially since Finn and I made a name for ourselves in the past year.

At least that one thing went well. I can’t say the same for the other parts of my life.

The brunette raises the cocktail to her lips, and Icheck my watch. Two more minutes, and I’ll walk over to her and take control of my night.

Saar can eat by herself if she doesn’t care to show up on time.

“Cal, I’m so sorry.” My sister’s breathy voice draws my attention.

I glance toward the bar one last time, and the brunette shrugs and, with an exaggerated pout, turns away.Yeah, sweetheart, I’m sorry too.

Standing up, I hug Saar and squeeze her extra hard. To rag on her, but also because I missed her.

Even at twenty-seven, Saar is the baby of the family, and since our parents don’t speak to us anymore, I feel more responsible for her than ever before.

Especially since Finn and I could be blamed for the fallout.

Our parents might’ve had it coming, but it still isn’t fair to Saar that she had to choose.

“Ouch, let go. I missed you too,” she squeals.

“You’re late.”

She kisses my cheeks, beaming as if being late is a commendable achievement. “I’m sorry, but I had to pick up Celeste.”

My smile falls as I realize the French dancer stands to the side. Celeste fucking Delacroix, the last woman I want to spend my evening with.

The woman is everything—curvy, graceful, radiant. That is, when you see her from afar, and she keeps her mouth shut.

---