Page 55 of A Temporary Forever

That doesn’t stop me from thinking about Caleb that way. Especially since he makes sure I do. The confident bastard thinks he can win this game.

“Maybe it’s just a pent-up unresolved attraction the two of you feel.” Cora dives into the topic I’m trying to avoid.

“The man gives me whiplash. There’s something about him that attracts me, besides his body”—I practically moan—“but he can be so infuriating.”

“So a typical man?”

I chuckle. “I guess.”

“You should just sleep together and get it out of your system.”

“And then live together for three years like nothing happened?”

“Three years? That’s how long it takes to get a green card?”

I nod. “I can’t just sleep with him. What would Saar say?”

“What do you mean? Saar would be happy for you. But if you’re worried, then she doesn’t need to know. It’s just sex.”

“I think my vagina is connected to my heart. I’m not saying I’d fall in love, but feelings would be involved on my part. I’m sure for him I’m just a convenient hook-up.”

“Yeah, but what is your other option, ignoring the attraction for three years? He’s been driving you crazy, so even if you feel more connected to him after you sleep with him, you’re safe. If history has shown us anything, it’s that he’ll piss you off soon after.”

Cora shrugs, kisses my cheek, and leaves to take care of her business before Lily destroys it all.

Her words ring true—in theory. Only Caleb hasn’t pissed me off since our wedding.

I trudge out of the elevator and find Caleb on the sofa on his tablet. He shed his suit jacket and tie, his gray button-down sleeves rolled up.

He must have just arrived because he usually showers and changes before lounging around.

“Hey.” I drop my handbag on the console table.

He doesn’t look at me, nor greet me. Standing up,he throws his jacket over his shoulder and starts toward the stairs. “There’s Thai in the fridge.”

I stare at the empty staircase a while after he disappears. What was that about? Is he mad at me? That was the most lukewarm, downright aloof, welcome I’ve ever received from him.

Definitely a three-sixty from this morning. But then, a man like Caleb can have any woman he wants. Of course, he’s tired of chasing—not that he was chasing—me. That’s for the best, anyway.

And yet, the idea of other women spreads bitter poison inside me. Merde, I hate jealousy. And now I’m annoyed with Caleb for sparking such a rotten emotion.

I warm up a coconut curry, and sit in the kitchen at the breakfast table by the wall of windows overlooking Central Park.

Eating mindlessly, I think of my conversation with Cora. Can I just have sex with Caleb and move on?

Not that he looks like he’s interested anymore. It might have just been a shitty day, and his behavior has nothing to do with me.

His footsteps mobilize me into action. I jump up and start tidying the kitchen, so I can go to my room and avoid him.

I sense him behind me without even looking. As Ipush the dishwasher door closed and straighten up, he steps to my side and hands me a sheet of paper.

“Have a look and let’s put it on the fridge.”

“What am I looking at? A cleaning schedule?” I squint at the squares with dates and our names alternating in them.

“You suggested we come up with a system to use my other place, so here you have it.” He drops a set of keys and a key card on the counter and storms away.

I let go of the paper like it burned me. What the hell? This morning he was still seducing me, and now he wants to fuck other women?

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