Page 10 of Caleb

He raised his hands in mock surrender. “Just making conversation. Trying to be polite.”

“Try someone else.”

Before he could reply, a tall man in a tailored suit approached, his smile shark-like. “Taylor Montgomery?”

Taylor straightened, her professional mask snapping into place. “Yes, that’s me.”

“I’m Dave Lyons,” the man said, extending a hand. “I run Lyons Creative. We’re looking for a new marketing expert, and I hear you’re one of the best.”

Taylor blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Oh, well, thank you. That’s very kind.”

Dave turned to Caleb, clapping him on the shoulder. “Your friend here was singing your praises. Said I’d be a fool not to meet you. I’d be interested in seeing your portfolio and having a private conversation.”

Taylor shot Caleb a look, her brow furrowing. He just shrugged, looking infuriatingly pleased with himself.

“Did he, now?” she said, her tone carefully neutral.

“I did,” Caleb said smoothly, tipping his glass toward her. “Told him you’re the best in the business.”

Taylor turned her attention back to Dave, offering him a professional smile. “Well, I’d love to connect. Here’s my card. I’ll find you tomorrow and give you a copy of my portfolio, and then we can schedule an interview.”

She handed him one of the sleek cards from her purse, silently marveling how easily she could switch gears when the situation called for it.

Dave tucked the card into his pocket with a nod. “I’ll be in touch. Enjoy the party.”

As he walked away, Taylor turned back to Caleb, her smile dropping.

“Really?” she said, arching an eyebrow.

“What?” he said innocently, though his grin betrayed him.

“You just happened to run into someone looking for a marketing expert and decided to send him my way?”

He shrugged. “Figured it couldn’t hurt. I remember from college that you’re good at what you do, Taylor. Might as well let people know. He was looking for someone, and I didn’t know if you were looking for work.”

Taylor’s stomach tightened, though she refused to let it show. She hated that his gesture touched her, even a little.

“Well, thanks,” she said stiffly. “I have several clients, but I’d like to have more or a full-time job. Either would work.”

They stood in awkward silence for a moment, the noise of the party swelling around them. Taylor swirled the wine in her glass, searching for an exit strategy.

“What’s your angle?”

He chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. “No angle. Just thought you might appreciate the connection.”

Taylor’s mouth opened, then closed again. As much as she wanted to stay annoyed, the gesture was undeniably kind. “Well... thank you,” she said grudgingly.

“You’re welcome,” he said, his tone warm.

For a moment, they stood there, the tension between them softening just slightly.

“College seems a long time ago,” he said.

“Yes, it does. Funny how the real world seems to take over and pull you in,” she replied.

“Married?”

“No,” she replied. “How about you?”

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