Page 29 of Beyond Perfect

After changing into workout clothes, he hit his home gym. Maybe he could work out the soreness out of his body, caused by tension and vigorous lovemaking. He sweated through heavy bench presses, sat up and targeted his deltoids and biceps and stretched out all the muscles and tendons in his body. He felt good. But had not lost thehighof being with her.

His cell phone rang right after he showered and dressed. He was disappointed to see the caller wasn’t Maisy, but of course it wouldn’t be. Not after their conversation before he left her…

This doesn’t change that I can’t see you. I’m your employee.

He voiced his feelings for the first time. “I’m not good enough for you anyway.”

The ringing continued. “Nick, hi.”

“Hi, Jackson. We found the Pecorino boys. My men are sitting with them right now.”

His heartbeat sped up. “Where were they?”

“In an abandoned house. I don’t know what their plans were from there, and they aren’t talking. Should I bring them to you or call the police?”

Say the police. It was the best thing for the school. He opened his mouth and what came out was, “Bring them both to Pathways. I’ll meet you there.”

He disconnected and dropped into a chair. He’d gone against everything he believed in and why?

He knew the answer.

Maisy Shepherd.

* * *

Maisy was sipping from her mug at the kitchen table when Caleb came downstairs. She’d already showered and put on clean clothes.

“Hey, sis,” he said getting some brew for himself, then joining her. “I didn’t hear you come in last night.”

When she didn’t answer, only blushed, he said, “Ah, youdidn’tcome home.”

“I was with Jackson. All night.”

His smile was soft. “So you made up? Came to terms with your relationship?”

“No. We know we can’t see each other again.”

He sipped the coffee. “It’s hard to put that genie back in the bottle, honey.”

“I know. But I can do it.”

“Don’t be so sure.”

“Well, I’m gonna try. Want to run?”

“A little later. Let’s talk about this.”

“No, Caleb. We both gave into our feelings, and it was so good, but it was just a…a relapse.”

“I—”

Her phone pinged. She looked down. It was Jackson.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?”

“No.”

The ringing stopped. Caleb’s phone rang immediately. He clicked on and pushed the speaker icon. “Hey, Caleb. I need to talk to Maisy. Tell her it’s about Frankie.”

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