Page 73 of Resisting the CEO (Dirty Hot Resistance 2)

“Shit, sorr—Caleb?”

Caleb looks uncomfortable. He’s wearing jeans for a change and a dark trench coat. His hair is ruffled and yet he looks sinfully attractive making me consider Tracy’s suggestion.

“Are you two going somewhere?” he asks, glancing from me to Max who’s bursting with excitement.

I open my mouth, but Max just jumps a little, nearly hopping, “We’re going to the movies and then we’re going to get lingerie!” He half shouts this out, his innocent little mind ready to blabber everything to every stranger he might see.

I slap my hand on his mouth my face heating up. “We’re going to the movies.”

Caleb’s stiff expression which is starting to become a trademark over the past week softens and he looks a little amused. “Lingerie?”

“I was –” I try to brush it off but the damage has been done, “I was just thinking – I liked to sleep in some, yes.”

He gives me a considering look and then very provocatively drags his eyes up and down my body. “I see.”

Of course, he knows I lied.

Damn it.

“Do you mind if I come along?”

The request is innocent enough and it’s also a sort of olive branch.

I give in to temptation and take it, “Sure. If you want to. But we’re going to watch Castle in the Wind, that new cartoon movie. You’d best be prepared for that.”

As he walks along with us, he engages Max into a conversation as bright-eyed little Max transfers his hand from mine to Caleb’s while answering questions with open readiness and probing him with his own blunt little questions. “Are you rich?” Max stares at the car in the underground garage that belongs to Caleb.

“Yes.”

“I want to be rich when I grow up.” Max looks up at me for permission.

I nod soberly. “I’ll think about it. I’ll have to discuss it with your mom first.”

Satisfied by this turn of events, Max settles down.

Caleb flashes me a quick grin.

Even as my heart melts at that sudden boyish expression, I’m still wary at this change of heart from sulking at me to asking to accompany me and Max on an outing.

I tell myself to play it cool, to go with the flow, but the dam inside of me bursts as we wait in line for the snacks at the cinema. “What are you doing?” I hiss at him as I reach for my wallet, only for him to be a quicker draw.

“Paying for the popcorn,” Caleb replies easily. “Is that a crime? Max, what would you like to drink?”

Very clever, using the kid as a shield.

I wait for him to complete the transaction before grabbing him by the arm. “You know what I mean. You haven’t talked to me for a week and now, you’re coming to the movies with us? What gives?”

He looks down at me and says simply. “I missed you.”

It’s such an unexpected response where I had expected explanations and reasonings, he once again sweeps me off my feet and I’m left gaping at him, and I splutter, “I-I’m still upset with you.”

His lips curve in a small half-smile. “I know.”

So, we’re at a stalemate, I guess.

But I’ve missed him too ? and when he puts his arm over my shoulders as we take our seats in the theatre ? I snuggle into it.

I’m hardly aware of what’s happening in the movie, too conscious of the woodsy scent that is Caleb and the way his arm is draped over my shoulders, his firm body well within reach.

---