Page 56 of A Temporary Forever

He gave up so quickly. I follow him to the living room. He opens a cabinet in his bookcase and pours himself a whiskey.

“What’s going on?” I can’t blame him for deciding to cut his losses and take care of his needs, but something is off here.

He looks at me like I’m an annoying insect. “Nothing’s going on. You asked for a system. Every second day, you can bring your boyfriend to the fuck pad. Just be discreet for your own sake. I’m already committing a felony here, so let’s not get caught.”

There is so much to dissect in his statement, starting with the cold and detached delivery. My mind latches on to two words. “My boyfriend?”

He takes a gulp. “Or whoeverservices your pussy.”

My pussy is well-serviced, thank you very much. I laugh. “Are you jealous?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” He passes me, heading to the hallway under the stairs that lead to his office. “I have a business call to make.”

Chapter 16

Celeste

Boyfriend.

I roll my eyes and fasten the black fishnet to the garter and admire the result in the mirror. I’m wearing a short, silky black camisole that barely covers my ass, and a pair of lacy panties.

Okay, the garter and the stockings might be overkill, but if Caleb can walk around in his underwear, I can wear mine. I’m classy, after all.

And a bit slutty.

I decided to approach our little tug-of-war pragmatically. We—well, only I—have been fighting the attraction, but it’s only made everything worse.

So if one approach didn’t work, I’m going to try the exact opposite. We’ll scratch the itch, and I’m not going to overthink the aftermath. Mostly because the currentfrustration is at least as taxing as the potential regret and awkwardness.

Never before have I let my fear of what might be dictate my actions, and I won’t start now.

I throw on my green silk robe. Caleb ogled me in it at my apartment, so I know he likes it. Let’s see who will beg whom now.

His business call must have ended because I hear him downstairs. I toss my hair, put on some lip gloss, and pad my way down the glass stairs.

This outfit really requires heels, but this is just a casual evening at home. Barefoot will do.

I almost giggle. This is going to be fun.

Caleb isn’t in the main living space. He must have returned to his office. Goddammit. Now I feel ridiculous. My grand entrance was spoiled.

Before I can consider my next move, the door of his office clicks open. “No, Corm, I’m not fucking ready to bite the bullet for the team. I’m not on the team yet. I told you, I want twenty-five percent.”

His voice approaches quickly. I randomly pull a book from the bookcase and plop in the armchair, sideways, with my legs swinging over the armrest.

Caleb emerges from the hallway and stops. I look up from my reading quickly and mouthhi.

Score.

He’s gaping at me, but I quickly return to the pageI’m reading. Well, pretending to read, because all my senses and attention are focused on the man across from me.

“No, this is not some misguided revenge for Saar. You want my expertise, and I want an influential seat at the table. Simple.”

The person on the other side is arguing loud enough for me to hear his voice, and I forget my character for a second and look up.

My eyes lock with Caleb’s. He’s leaning against the arched doorway under the stairs, a cunning smile dancing on his handsome face.

He lets his gaze run up and down my figure, and I swear my skin burns.

---