Page 53 of Forbidden Grumpy Boss

I don’t push her. I should, but I don’t. I’m unsure if I want to hear the answers to the questions or think about the feelings swirling in my head. Like whether or not she’s still using me to get back at her father. Or worse. Whether I’m falling for her. Because if I am, this whole thing just got a hell of a lot more complicated.

And I don’t know if I’m ready for that.

Chapter nineteen

Leah

Waking up to Caleb’ssmiling face feels like being startled by the sun, blinding and sudden. “Dad’s waiting for us outside. He said that you need a thick coat,” he says, bouncing on his toes like it’s Christmas morning.

“I didn’t know you’re a morning person,” I mumble.

I groan, rubbing my eyes as the memories of yesterday flash in—the soap opera dinner and playing cards with Caleb and Silas. I don’t know how to feel about it.

Caleb chuckles. “You need to get out of bed, Leah.”

I blink, still groggy, and glance at the clock on the nightstand. It's too early for his energy, but there’s something infectious about it. “A thick coat? Is it freezing in London?” I rub my eyes.

“Not London. Just hurry,” Caleb insists, practically dragging me out of bed enthusiastically. I chuckle, but a hint of suspicion worms its way into my brain.

Not London? What does that even mean?

I take a quick shower, dress, and follow Caleb. Outside, I’m greeted by something I absolutely did not expect: a small plane sitting in a clearing, its sleek body gleaming under the pale morning light. And there’s Silas, leaning casually against the wing, looking too pleased with himself.

Not another plane.

Silas is wearing a dark coat, expensive-looking, of course, and a scarf that makes him look like he stepped out of a luxury ad. His dark hair, now streaked with distinguished silver at the temples, ruffles in the wind. His blue eyes are alive with mischief when they lock onto mine.

“Good morning,” he says, his deep voice warm and smooth, instantly cutting through the chilly air.

He’s effortlessly handsome in his coat and scarf, the kind of man who doesn’t need to try. And I hate that he makes it look so easy.

“What’s this?” I ask, my voice shaky with confusion as I glance at the plane. “Please, don’t tell me you’re planning to fly us somewhere.”

“You caught me.” He grins, pushing off the wing and coming toward me. “I noticed you were a bit tense on the flight yesterday, and I figured it’s about time we face that fear head-on.”

“Whose plane is this?”

“Kane’s.”

I laugh nervously, shaking my head. “I’m good, Silas. Really.”

He raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Oh, we’re doing this.”

Caleb stands by, bouncing on his heels, AirPods in his ears. “It’s gonna be awesome, Leah. Dad’s a great pilot.”

“Wait. Where’s the actual pilot?” I ask, suddenly noticing the distinct lack of a person in the cockpit. My heart races as my eyes dart from Silas to the plane and back.

Silas chuckles, his lips curling into a devilish smile. “You’re looking at him.”

"I’mgood," I say quickly, holding up my hands like he’s about to drag me into the cockpit physically. “No need . . . Whatever this is.”

His grin deepens. "Oh, we’re definitely doing this."

I narrow my eyes and shift closer to him to whisper. "Is this for the Caldwells? Some show you’re putting on?"

"It’s for you," he says, his voice softer now. "Only you."

And just like that, doubt crawls in again. It’s always there, lurking. Does he mean it, or is this just another part of the Silas Waverly show? The charming, doting fiancé, the man he wants everyone to believe he is.

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