Chapter Four

She was late.

Caleb checked his watch again. Hailey was never late. She was the kind of woman who showed up twenty minutes early just to make sure she was on time. Which meant if she was late, there was only one explanation.

She was trying to avoid dinner.

He leaned back in his chair, running his fingers over his jaw. He’d known she wouldn’t be easy to win over, and patience was virtue, after all. Not that he had much experience with virtue.

Reaching out, he took a sip of his half-finished glass of wine. So what if she was trying to avoid spending time with him? He had weeks to win her over. Besides, he’d never met a woman who hadn’t succumbed once he’d turned on the charm. Hailey might put up a strong front, but in the end she’d been no different. And every step she took toward him would be a step away from Alec.

He grinned, thinking of his eventual victory. She could be as late as she wanted. He wasn’t going anywhere until his month was up.

A rustle of clothes announced her arrival before his date dropped into the seat across the table.

A toque complete with ear flaps perched on her head, and she was wrapped up in a puffy jacket zipped up to her chin.

“You know it’s spring, right?” he asked.

That earned him a glare. “I get cold easily,” she replied, pulling off her mittens.

Caleb glanced around the elegant restaurant as his date stripped off her many layers. The women at the other tables looked sophisticated and chic. A far cry from the moppet piling her belongings on the extra chair at the table. He took another sip of wine to hide his smile as Hailey emerged from her layers looking as she always did. Her long auburn hair was pulled into a severe clip at the back of her head that made him want to reach over and pull her locks free. Her black suit fit better than the last one he’d seen her in, but the color was too dark for her complexion, making her look wan and pale. The white shell under it did nothing to bring any life to her face.

She was, in a nutshell, underwhelming. The kind of woman he wouldn’t look at twice.

Which didn’t explain the smile on his lips as he watched her nest across the table from him.

Finally settled, she rolled back her shoulders and met his gaze.

“You all right or should I ask the maître d’ to bring you a quilt?”

“A glass of wine would probably be more appropriate,” she replied.

Inclining his head, he waved a hand for service. Their waiter appeared with their menus while he ordered another glass of wine for Hailey.

“I’ve never been here,” she said as she picked up her menu.

He didn’t doubt it. The prices here were not for the faint of heart. But tonight, he was trying his best to impress.

“I thought you deserved a treat,” he said easily. She worked far too hard for too little recognition as it was. Alec was an idiot for missing what was right in front of his eyes.

It wasn’t a mistake he had any intention of making.

“Everything looks delicious.” She closed her menu. “For the record, though, I’m as happy with a cheeseburger as I am a five-star meal.”

So was he. His kitchen pantry looked like it had been filled by a twelve-year-old boy with his mother’s credit card.

The waiter arrived with the new glass of wine, and Hailey smiled up at the man in thanks. He watched her take her first sip, her eyes closing in pleasure.

“Long day?” he guessed.

“You wouldn’t believe it,” she replied, opening her eyes. “I had to whip together a—” She stopped short, shaking her head. “Guess we can’t really talk about work, hmm?”

“Why? Because we’re competitors? Please don’t let that stop you. I’m all ears to hear about the latest crisis at Charr Industries.”

A smile tugged at her lips. “Sorry to disappoint, but I think I’ll keep the confidential information to myself.”

“Shame.”

“Like you’d tell me about the inner workings of your empire.”

True enough. “I’d be happy to give you a tour sometime,” he replied. “Show you your future office. It’s a corner one, FYI. Two walls of windows.”

She rolled her eyes. “Is the overconfidence a side effect of your success, or were you born that way?”

“God given, I’m afraid.”

“Any other faults I should be aware of?”

He grinned at her. “I could give you a list, but where’s the fun in that?”

“I like to be prepared.”

“A symptom of your profession, no doubt.”

The waiter appeared at their table, ready to take their order. He handed over the menus as she ordered a steak.

“Make it two,” he said. “And bring over a bottle of wine.”

“Trying to liquor me up?” she asked as their waiter left.

He held his hands up in the universal not-guilty gesture. “Just figured it’d help break the ice.”

“It’s not like we’re strangers.”

But they were. They might have been in each other’s lives professionally, but they’d never spent any prolonged time together. The extent of their history was limited to boardroom arguments and sale competitions.

What did he truly know about the woman sitting across from him?

Hailey shifted in her seat, reaching for her drink. “So if we can’t talk about work, what’s some typical first-date conversation?”

“Sounds as if you’re out of practice.”

Green eyes flashed to his for a moment before she looked down at her wine. “I’m kept pretty busy.”

“Ah, yes, by the saintly Alec. The reason we are here tonight.”

“Precisely.”

It shouldn’t bother him that the only reason Hailey agreed to spend time together was because of another man. It was all part of his plan. It didn’t rankle at all.

He finished his wine with an inelegant gulp.

“Well, then. Let’s talk about the subject you are so curious about.”

Hailey leaned forward, resting her elbows on the edge of the table. “More tips?”

“I’m a man of my word. Did you manage to let it slip that we were having dinner tonight?”

“Yes.”

“How did he react?”

She scoffed at the question. “He threw me a congratulations party.”

“I take it he was annoyed.”

“I’ve been firmly warned away from you,” she agreed. “I also made it clear I’m not a child to be dictated to.”

He arched a brow. “I thought you were trying to curry his favor.”

“I’m not going to suddenly pretend to be someone I’m not,” she replied, fire in her eyes.

Good for you, he thought. How many women had drifted through Alec’s, and his, life back in the early days, ready to be whatever they wanted in return for a little attention and a trinket or two that sparkled?

“Well, that will make our task harder.”

Her gaze flew to his. “Why?”

“Because, my dear, you’re about as far from Alec’s type as it’s possible to get.”

Those white teeth appeared again to nibble on her lower lip. “I know I’m not the same pedigree as the two of you, but that doesn’t mean—”

He held up a hand to stop her. “The fact that you weren’t born with a silver spoon in your mouth is the least of our problems.”

“Then what’s the main issue?”

“Alec has always had a pretty rigid type.”

“Tiny and blonde. Those aren’t attributes I can really change.”

“I wasn’t speaking about his physical preferences,” he replied. “Alec has always had a bit of a savior complex. He likes to rescue the downtrodden. It’s why he donates so heavily to his charities.”

“That’s a good thing. He makes a difference.”

“I don’t dispute that,” he agreed. “But you, sweetheart, are about as far from a damsel in distress as one can get.”

Her lips parted in surprise, drawing his attention back to the fullness of her mouth.

“It all started with Cindy Merton,” he said, forcing himself to focus.

“Who’s that?”

“His first girlfriend. She was playing on the playground and slipped on some ice. Poor thing was in danger of falling off the bouncing bridge, a full four-foot drop, when Alec swooped in and pulled her back from the edge.”

Hailey frowned. “When was this?”

“Kindergarten,” he replied. “Alec started young. After that, they were inseparable until first grade, when Cindy went off with the kid who ate paste in the back of class. Not a great upward trade, but I suppose the heart wants what the heart wants.”

“This isn’t helpful.”

“Don’t be difficult,” he said. “I’m giving you prime intel here.”

“Kindergarten antics weren’t exactly what I had in mind when I agreed to meet you.”

“It’s what set the pattern,” he explained. “From there, his type was carved in stone. He always fell for the sweet, innocent women just waiting for the dashing prince to catch them before they slipped off the edge of the bridge.”

She rolled her eyes. “So all his former flings were paragons of feminine virtue. Great.”

“On the outside, at least,” he agreed. “I mean, he always did have a thing for the pretty ones, and sweet and gorgeous isn’t always a viable combination. Honest to God, he dated the captain of the cheerleading squad in high school. You know all those evil cheerleaders you see in the movies? Yeah, this girl put them all to shame. But with Alec, she batted her eyelashes and said everything he wanted to hear.”

“Come on. He wouldn’t fall for such an act.”

“Trust me, it wasn’t the first or last time he did.” Which is where Caleb had come in. Alec had always wanted to see the best in people, whereas Caleb had offered a healthy dose of reality to their friendship. He’d been the one to unearth the true colors of those trying to get close to Alec and his trust fund. He’d been the one who’d protected his naive friend from the con artists of the world.

Or at least, that had been his job until the day he’d made a mistake that had cost them both.

“How exactly does this help me?”

“You could always dye your hair blonde and start twirling it around your finger while asking his opinion on every business decision that comes your way.”

She stared him down, unblinking. “Not happening.”

That’s my girl. He hadn’t pegged Hailey as the type to trample down her personality for a man. Still, it would make his job harder.

“You wanted to know how to win his interest.”

“There has to be a way to catch his eye without losing IQ points.”

Caleb rested his chin in his hand, studying her. No, she didn’t fit Alec’s usual mold, but there was something about her that would appeal to his former friend. There was a goodness to her not even his jaded soul could deny.

It was a start. One he could work with.

“You have to let him rescue you.”

She rolled her eyes. “From what?”

“Me.”

Her gaze flew to his.

“Make sure he knows exactly what we do together. And resist when he tries to help you get free of me—it will only fire his savior complex more.”

“Are you really that terrible?”

His lips twisted in a smile that had nothing to do with pleasure. “In Alec’s mind, saving you from me is akin to rescuing the princess from the dragon.”

She said nothing, but he could practically hear the wheels of her mind turning. “What happened between the two of you?”

That was a question he had no intention of answering. Ever. Looking to distract her, he let his gaze wander over her body.

“One more thing,” he said. “If you’re not going to change your demeanor, how about your wardrobe?”

…

He did not just say that. Insult flared in her, but the food arrived before she could speak. She waited as the plates were laid out before them and their wineglasses refilled. Only when the waiter was gone did she reply.

“There is nothing wrong with my clothes.”

I’m busy. My job is to protect the interests of the corporation, not look like a runway model.

She glanced down at her outfit and fought back a wince. All right, so her job had taken precedence over her sense of style for a while, but there was no crime in that. She’d been working hard lately. The stress might have caused her to lose a few pounds, but she hadn’t wanted to rush out and buy all new clothes.

Sitting across from a man who looked like a walking, talking ad for Armani did put things in perspective, though. If Caleb could run a billion-dollar company and look like a GQ model, maybe it wouldn’t kill her to try a little harder.

“Look,” he said, cutting into his steak. “You seem to be under the impression that I can wave a magic wand and make Alec want you without you actually having to do anything. I can tell you all the stories of his childhood, but that’s not going to help. He’s had three years with the current version of you, and it’s gotten you nothing.”

She did wince at that comment.

“Something has to change.”

And clothes were easier than personality.

She popped a piece of meat into her mouth while she thought. When she was given a task at work, she attacked it wholeheartedly until she triumphed. Caleb was right. She’d been doing little more than sighing after Alec like a lovesick teenager. She’d done nothing to act on her feelings. Nothing to make him see her as anything other than his reliable employee. Enough was enough.

“How much change are we talking here?” she asked.

A satisfied smile curved his lips. “Are you free this Saturday? Let’s go shopping.”

She pointed her fork at him. “This is not going to turn into some cheesy eighties rom-com montage. I admit I might need to update my wardrobe a little, but I’m not going to any extremes.”

“Just an injection of style.” He held up his hands, tossing her a grin. “Trust me, I’m the right man for this job.”

“I hate that you might be right.”

“I have that effect on women.”

She shook her head, eating more of her steak.

“How’s your food?” he asked.

“Utterly delicious.” Damn the man. She’d sworn to remain unimpressed, but this restaurant had to be the best meal she’d ever eaten.

“Stick with me, sweetheart, and you’ll only get the best of the best.”

Shaking her head, she reached for her wine. “I don’t need you for that.”

Something flashed across his eyes, an emotion gone so quickly she couldn’t name it. It made her pause, her glass almost to her lips.

“Just you wait,” he said, his voice as lighthearted as it had been. “Soon you won’t be able to live without me.”

She didn’t bother pointing out how ludicrous the words were. At the end of the month he’d see for himself how little she needed him.

Concentrating on her meal, she quickly polished off the expertly cooked steak.

“Dessert?” Caleb asked.

She was more tempted than she wanted to admit. “I should call it a night,” she replied. “But thank you for dinner.”

He inclined his head, signaling for the check. When the waiter came close, Caleb merely held out a black card without glancing at the bill.

“How about I pick you up around ten on Saturday?”

“I can just meet you at the mall.”

He leaned back against his chair. “That’s not nearly as fun. Besides, if we drive you’ll only have to run from your front door to the car. Surely that will allow you to leave several layers at home.” He gestured to her chair of outerwear.

She chewed her lip for a moment before acknowledging he had a point. “Fine. Ten o’clock. My place.”

“Care to give me the details, or should I hire a private investigator?”

She grabbed her purse, rummaging around for a pen and a card. Flipping the business card over, she scribbled her address and cell number on the back.

“Perfect,” he said, accepting the details. “No more need to use your work line.”

“Don’t make me regret giving you my number,” she warned.

A slow smile spread across his lips. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Seeing the waiter heading in their direction, she reached for her coat.

“Should I time you to see how long it takes you to bundle up?” he asked.

She fought back the urge to stick out her tongue. “I don’t have that much.”

But Caleb had shrugged into his overcoat and secured his credit card long before she finished winding her scarf around her neck and pulling on her hat.

“All set for a blizzard,” he complimented.

“At least I’m warm,” she said, stuffing her mittens in her purse.

Hailey trailed after him as they left the elegant restaurant and stepped onto the quiet street outside. Looked like she’d managed to survive her first date with the devil. And it hadn’t been very hard at all.

That should be more of a concern, she scolded herself. Don’t enjoy spending time with Caleb.

Nothing good could come of letting her guard down around the man.

“Can I drive you home?” he asked.

She shook her head. “I’m not that far, so don’t worry about it. Thank you for dinner. It really was good.”

“My pleasure.”

She glanced up at him, raising a hand to her hat to keep it on her head, to find his dark eyes boring into hers.

“A date with me wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“Not at all,” she said, taking a step back.

He followed, crowding into her space. “This month will be far more entertaining than you believe. I promise.”

She swallowed hard. “I’m sure it will.”

His eyes flickered to her lips, and her breath caught in her chest.

“It wouldn’t be a first date without a good-night kiss, now would it?” He leaned down.

For a split second she almost stood still. A tiny flicker of interest snaked through her. A voice she tried to ignore whispered, what if.

What the hell are you thinking, Mitchel?

When his mouth came down toward hers she cast up a protecting hand.

Caleb’s eyes popped open when his lips made contact with her palm.

She stared at him, wide-eyed, and waited for the annoyance she was sure he’d express.

Instead, he stood frozen for a moment before doubling over with laughter.

“Only you,” he said, between chuckles. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman quite like you.”

“Just because I don’t want to kiss you?” she huffed.

Still chuckling, he straightened. “Sweetheart, you want to kiss me.” He took her hand and raised it. Locking eyes with hers, he turned her hand palm-up and pressed his lips against the sensitive skin. “And I look forward to convincing you of that fact.” With a last brush of his mouth, he released her hand. “Sweet dreams, Hailey.”

He walked away before she could reply. She shook her hand. He was not the man she wanted to dream of.

Though she feared she might just do it anyway.