Page 127 of A Temporary Forever

“Who is Leon?” Caleb opens the door for me, and we leave the room, heading toward the back exit.

“The man you threatened moments ago. My choreographer.”

“I fired him.”

I stop, unsure how I feel about that. Leon touched me inappropriately, but I’m sure he’d have taken the hint if I’d had a chance to tell him to stay away.

There’s also a pathetic girl in me with a distorted notion that Caleb’s actions are romantic.

The grown-up me wants to make the point about not needing his saving.

The newly-in-a-real-relationship me decides there will be other battles to pick.

“I don’t know how I feel about you being my boss,”I say as we get to the car. “Hello, Peter.” I smile at the driver and get inside.

“I’ve been your boss’s boss for a year, and you didn’t seem to mind.” Caleb slides inside, wraps his arm around my shoulder and tugs me to him.

Like we’ve been doing this forever. Like we fit perfectly, and we know it. Like this is our new norm.

“For a year?” I turn my face to him.

I don’t know what to do with this information, but he doesn’t seem disturbed by any of it. “Yes, I got the theater last year when you needed the visa.”

I blink a few times, our faces only inches away. “I couldn’t get a job, so you bought me one? That must have cost you a fortune. And you didn’t even like me back then.”

He chuckles and kisses my forehead. “It worked out well.” The nonchalance in his voice is infuriating.

“No wonder Reinhard hates me.”

“That has nothing to do with me.”

“A clear case of nepotism.”

“You were not my wife back then, and you’ve more than proved yourself since. Frankly, that theater was barely surviving before you got on board. As far as I’m concerned, it was an excellent investment.”

I shake my head and rest it on his shoulder. “You have been paying my paycheck for a year. That’s—”

“Celeste,” he growls. “Stop spinning that smartbrain of yours. I bought a theater, it’s profitable now, no regrets there. You benefited, and back then it was easier than marrying you.”

I jerk away. “I’m still your wife.”

“Only because Reinhard is incompetent,” he deadpans.

I gasp, but he laughs.

“He’s incompetent, but his fuck-up got me the most beautiful, smart, accomplished, annoying, headstrong, stubborn wife. Not complaining in the slightest.”

God, I love this man.

Shit, I love this man.

But maybe it’s safe to love him.

“It’s a good thing I didn’t buy that airplane. You’d be ruined.”

He laughs. “Fuck it. I’m buying you that airplane.”

Three hours later, we’re still stuck in the car.

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