Page 80 of A Temporary Forever

“Wrong. Swan, you’ve been so pissed at me all the time, you didn’t get to acknowledge it.” He makes a point of staring at my boobs when he says it.

“You’re a pig.”

“And you’re finally enjoying every minute ofit.”

We eat our dinner without talking for a few minutes, but the fluid communication continues.

Intense glances, shared smiles, accidentally intended grazes of a knee, touched hands. Our silence is filled with a delicate bonding.

Physical-only arrangements shouldn’t feel like this. I dismiss the thought as soon as it’s born, and remind myself I’m still in my role as Caleb’s casual lover. And I’ll play that role with Oscar-worthy conviction.

“Talking about buying shit, did you know Mia dropped her dancing group because she couldn’t afford it?”

His shoulders tense, and he grinds his teeth. “I gave her a credit card.”

“What has she used it for?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? You believe she’s after your money, but you didn’t check how much of it she’s taken?”

He snaps his eyes to me, the former warmth visibly cooled. His jaw is set so rigid, he might need to visit a dentist if he doesn’t relax.

Way to kill the moment, Celeste. “It’s none of my business, sorry.” I refocus my attention on my half-eaten fish, flaking it mindlessly.

Caleb squeezes my knee. “Don’t be sorry. My relationship with Mia improved one hundred percent thisweekend, and it’s all thanks to you. You were right, I’m behaving like my father. The problem is, I don’t really know how a father should behave.”

“She just wants to be loved, and I know you can’t switch it on just like that, but your attention is important.”

“I’ll check with my accountant what she’s been spending money on. Thank you for telling me.”

I smile at this man who is so confident in other parts of his life, and completely lost as a parent. But he can admit that, which is way more than many other parents would.

Certainly not my father. I shiver at the thought of him.

“You’re welcome.”

“I know you didn’t sign up for an instant dysfunctional family…”

“You’re lessening my hardship with all the orgasms. And I didn’t sign up for those either.”

He cups my nape and pulls me to him, his lips grazing mine. “What can I tell you, black swan? I deliver.”

“And so humble.”

We kiss, and I forget about the world, my visa, the fake marriage, and lose myself in the feel of this connection like it’s just a normal date. Like this is a legitimate romance.

After dinner, we walk outside, and Peter opens the door for me. Before I slide into the back seat, Caleb stops me.

He pecks me on my forehead. “Peter will take you home. I have a late meeting. Don’t wait up, get some rest.”

He steps back, and Peter takes his place, like I’m a celebrity in need of a bodyguard. Probably he’s just doing his job, or helping Caleb get away with this sudden bullshit.

Stunned, I drop to my seat. Before the door closes, a glimpse of Caleb’s face leaves me completely unsettled.

He has a late evening meeting while guilt mars his face. Merde.

Chapter 22

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