Page 106 of A Temporary Forever

During that pause, I consider telling him that I feelthis relationship is getting out of hand, and we need to talk about it. Define it. Or just agree that we’re still on the same page.

Because if our story started with a deep dislike, I’ve certainly moved on from that. And even without discussing it, I know he has as well.

The question is, are we on the same chapter? Or has the plot changed, and now we’re each living in a different book?

“Talk to me, Caleb.” I put my hand on his chest.

He keeps shaking his head, like he’s trying to rid himself of something. “Someone could have seen you there… I don’t want anyone to see what’s mine.”

My breath hitches.What’s mine?“What are you saying?”

“I don’t know what I’m doing, Celeste.”

The statement is full of anguish and frustration. But it’s also a moment of self-reflection. One that he decided to share with me. Like he trusts me as much as I trust him.

We stand there while the pedestrian traffic flows around us, like the two of us have our own world. Where I’m truly his, and he’s mine.

I keep my hand on his chest, his heartbeat pulsing under my palm, and I weave my other hand through his fingers. Holding space for him. For me. For us.

He sighs. “It’s all too much. I don’t do commitments,and suddenly I’m partnered with three other people founding a company. And at the same time, I’m trying to figure out how to be a father. It’s all happening at the same time. And then this…” He bows his head, closing his eyes briefly.

His torment vibrates through our touch, and as much as I want to hear him say it, declare something about the two of us, I can’t make any demands, because he’s right. He’s got his new company and Mia to focus on.

“You worry about Mia and Merged. I’ll be here until the visa.” My stomach sinks at the liberty I just awarded him.

But I can’t cause him more stress. Everything in his life is new, and as much as I want to be his constant, that’s not who we are.

He cups my cheeks and lowers his forehead to mine. “Just give me some time, black swan. I’ll figure it all out.”

“Okay, pretty boy. In the meantime, I won’t wear a pencil skirt.”

He chuckles and takes my lips.

“Sorry about…” He beckons his head toward the alley. Then he smiles, quirking his eyebrow. “You told me you like your men with a bit of restraint in public,” he says, reminding me of our hostile exchange from what feels like a lifetime ago.

“I think you changed my mind about that.” I grin. “Besides, do you expect me blushing and less opinionated now?”

“It wouldn’t hurt,” he teases. “But you’re perfect the way you are.”

Oh, my poor heart. I kiss him, and pretend his kiss is all I need.

That his kiss is more than him reassuring me. Telling me things between us are real. Are bigger than our physical attraction. Are beyond the visa application.

I take his kiss because that’s all he can offer now. And more than my demands, he needs space.

I take his kiss, and hope despite myself that its sweetness will heal my heartbreak.

Chapter 29

Caleb

“Okay, woman, we’re past fashionably late. Hurry up.”

I adjust my tie for the hundredth time, pacing by the grand windows at my loft. This gala is an important event for the Merged partners.

While advertising awards are usually a bore, crucial business players will be there, and we have a strategy in place for some important conversations.

And now I might miss some of them, goddammit.

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