Chapter Five

I wish the week had been longer.

Not exactly a sentiment she often felt. Her weekends were precious, but this Saturday was anything but peaceful.

She sat on her couch, her tea untouched on the coffee table, and alternated between staring out the living room window and glancing at her watch. Gone was her relaxing morning. All because of the man about to show up on her doorstep.

Admit it, annoyance isn’t the emotion making butterflies flutter in your stomach.

She tried to quash the thought. It didn’t help matters that her nights had been filled with dreams of the damned man. Caleb had kissed her hand again and again throughout the night. Thankfully, the one time the dream version of Caleb had tried to take things further, she’d woken with a start.

Thankfully. Sure, her inner voice mocked.

She shook her head, her long ponytail brushing against her back. If she was going to dream about someone, it should be Alec. The man she’d spent years building a strong working relationship with. Not Caleb, the upstart who’d crashed into her life.

Pushing off her sofa, she paced across her small living room.

The house was a cozy one, but it served her needs. She didn’t require a dozen bedrooms and a handful of woodburning fireplaces. She liked coming home to the small space that reminded her more of a village cottage than a city dwelling.

Grabbing her cup, she wandered into the kitchen and set it in the sink. This might be her favorite room in the house. She stared at the wide French doors that lined one wall and opened into her yard. She’d always had a green thumb, but the past few years she hadn’t had the time to tend to her garden as she would have liked. In her absence, nature had taken over. Vines and ivy climbed the fences, and in the summer when everything was in bloom, her backyard looked like a secluded forest retreat. Many of her evenings were spent sitting on her patio enjoying the peace in the middle of the city.

The doorbell broke through her thoughts.

Grabbing her coat and purse, she pulled the door open.

Caleb stood on her doorstep, looking as gorgeous and put together as ever.

“There’s my girl,” he greeted.

“Unlikely,” she replied, stepping out of her home and pulling the door shut behind her.

Caleb said nothing, just held out a to-go cup of coffee.

She eyed the offering before arching a questioning brow.

“You’re a hardworking woman who must live your life with a coffee IV drip straight into your veins. I figured my day would be easier if I made sure you were caffeinated.”

She hesitated for a minute before accepting the coffee with a reluctant smile. “Smart man.”

“Ready?” he said, gesturing toward the waiting car.

Hailey followed him to the vehicle, taking a sip of the coffee. It had a touch more sugar than she preferred, but it was still a thoughtful gesture.

She slid into the backseat and waited for Caleb to follow. Once they were safely ensconced, he rapped the dividing window to signal his driver.

“We’ve got a busy day ahead of us,” he said, settling back into his seat.

“Are you sure you have time for this?” she asked over the lip of her cup. “Alec works through most weekends. I’m sure your schedule must be the same.”

“Trying to fire me as your fashion guru already?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I just don’t want to take up time you don’t have to give.”

He shifted in his seat to face her. “For the next month, you’re my girlfriend. What would be more important than you?”

She rolled her eyes. “Come on. Even if I really were your partner, I’m sure I’d fall low on the list of your priorities.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Why?”

“You’ve got a company to run.”

“That’s business. It’s an important part of my life, I agree, but it’s not the only thing I value.”

“So one day you’ll get married and put your family ahead of your work? I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“Wouldn’t you?”

She shrugged. “Sure, but I’m not a CEO. I can afford to step back and have a life outside the office. You can’t.”

He turned away from her, looking out the window. “Family matters.”

Hailey studied his profile, wondering if she’d touched a nerve. Caleb lived for hedonistic pleasures. The idea of him settling down and becoming a man devoted to his family was…incongruous.

How well do I really know him?

All she had to form her opinion on were tales of woe from Alec and their few encounters in the business world. She didn’t think Caleb was the sort of man to have many surprises up his sleeve, but then again, she didn’t really know him one way or the other.

“Thank you,” she said, trying to change the subject. “For coming with me today. I’m sure you’ll be helpful.”

He looked back at her then, his familiar cocky grin firmly in place. “Because I’m oh so stylish?”

“Well, you’re definitely prettier than I am.”

“Handsome,” he said with a frown. “Men are handsome.”

“But look at those pretty, girlie eyelashes,” she teased. “And that pretty, glossy hair. And those pretty—”

He reached out and pulled her closer, silencing her words. His hand slid under her open coat to press against her waist as she sat practically in his lap.

“Keep taunting me, sweetheart,” he murmured, his mouth an inch from hers. “I like to play, too.”

Her breath hitched in her throat as her fingers curled around the lapel of his jacket of their own volition. His thumb ran along the line of her jaw, angling her face up toward his.

Pull away, her inner voice whispered. He’s just trying to see how far he can push you.

But she couldn’t quite bring herself to let go of him. Not when he looked at her with those piercing dark eyes. How long had it been since anyone had looked at her like that? Like they wanted her for more than just a discussion on legal parameters or advice on a contract?

Alec had never looked at her the way Caleb was.

It’s a game. A bet. Don’t let him win.

Because too much was riding on this wager.

She pushed out of his arms, sliding back to her side of the car. “That’s the last time I pay you a compliment.”

“Is that what that was? Sounded a lot like mockery to me,” he replied, leaning back against the car door, obviously willing to follow her lead.

“Well, I’ve learned my lesson.”

“Have you?”

She glanced back at him to see his eyes fixed firmly on her, amusement lurking in their depths. Caleb was playing. He knew the effect he had on the opposite sex and was using his charms on her.

Stand strong, she told herself, trying to ignore her pounding heartbeat.

“Let’s focus on the task at hand, shall we?”

“I was.”

“Caleb.”

He held open his hands. “Your task is to make Alec fall for you. My goal is very different.”

She glanced out the window. “I thought we’d be at the mall by now.”

“We’re not headed to the mall.”

“What?”

He shrugged. “You can’t expect the best designers to open shops just anywhere.”

“Oh, no, no, no. I agree my wardrobe needs an update. I’ve been putting it off, but I’m not restocking my closet with designer labels I can’t afford.”

“Sweetheart, price is no object. Just enjoy the day.”

Her eyes narrowed. Leaning forward, she rapped on the divider and waited for it to slide open.

“Hi,” she said to the driver. “I’m not sure where exactly we are right now, but could you do me a favor and change course to wherever the nearest mall is?”

The man blinked in surprise before replying. “Not a problem.”

“Great.” She sat back and waited for the divider to slide back into place before rounding on her partner.

Caleb sighed. “Was that necessary?”

“Look,” she said. “I appreciate your helping me today. Honestly, I do. But I’m not Julia Roberts in some Pretty Woman fantasy of yours. I make a good living and don’t need a man to shower me with gifts. You’re here with me today for your expertise, not your wallet. Okay?”

He crossed his arms. “Most women would jump at a chance to have me dazzle them with designer labels.”

“I’m not most women.”

“No,” he mused, raking his gaze over her. “You’re not.”

“So we’re on the same page?”

“I promise not to buy you so much as a Hermès scarf.”

“Thank you,” she said, the tension in her shoulders unwinding.

“You’re a hard woman to spoil, Hailey.”

She glanced at him. “Want out of the deal?”

A slow smile spread across his face. “I’ve always found the most challenging ventures to be the most worthwhile. I’m not going anywhere.”

She turned back to the window.

That’s not relief I feel, she told herself firmly.

Sure, her inner voice replied. If he’d walked away, you wouldn’t have regretted it at all.

I need him. He had information she wanted. That’s all this was.

She certainly didn’t want him to stick around longer than he had to.

But her inner voice couldn’t help but get in the last word. Liar.

…

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been at a mall. Granted, this location was a bit more upscale than the typical big box outlets, but even so, this kind of shopping was what assistants were for.

Hailey didn’t bat an eye as she led the way through the weekend crowd and introduced him to her favorite store. Looking around at the suits right off the rack, he suppressed a shudder. Really, she should have let him buy her something custom-made.

But unlike his previous paramours, she was rather adamant about not accepting anything from him.

It was unreasonable. A few suits certainly wouldn’t break his bank.

It was annoying. All he’d wanted was to do something nice for the woman he was trying to woo.

It was…unexpected. In both his professional and private lives, he’d seen the true human condition. People would grasp at whatever they could get. And everyone always wanted more.

Usually that worked to his advantage. It gave him power, allowed him to order his life exactly as he wished. Signing checks was far easier than making real commitments.

But now he’d wound up involved with a woman who seemed immune to his usual tactics.

How frustrating.

“What do you think of this one?” Hailey asked, holding up a black suit jacket.

He eyed that piece of clothing. If he couldn’t dazzle her with gifts, at least he could do the job she’d requested of him.

“It’s too dark,” he replied, plucking the hanger from her fingers and replacing it. “Try something less severe.” He grabbed a softer gray jacket from the rack and held it out to her.

“I’d ask if you were sure, but you’re basically a walking fashion plate,” she said as she took the jacket from him. “What else do you recommend?”

He made the rounds through the store, tossing items her way as he found them. Within the first five minutes, he forgot he was supposed to be dressing her to attract Alec, and instead selected pieces that would work for her body type. Alec liked soft and girlie, but that wasn’t the kind of woman Hailey was. He outfitted her with a wardrobe that would be both fashionable and strong. Putting her in frills and bows would be a crime he wasn’t ready to commit.

“I think I have enough,” she said, arms overflowing with clothes. “I’ll go try them on.”

He trailed her to the fitting rooms and took a seat in the waiting area. A beleaguered boyfriend or two waited along with him, their eyes glued to their phones.

Caleb shook his head, thinking of the opportunity they were missing. This is where the fun began.

Within minutes, the door to Hailey’s changing room opened, and her head popped out.

“Come on,” he gestured. “Let me see.”

“I’m not sure about this skirt,” she said, stepping from the room and moving to stand in front of the three-way mirror.

A slow smile curved his lips as he took in her new look. Oh, yes. This was much better.

Gone were the ill-fitting blazers and bad color choices. The clothes he’d selected fit her to a tee. They hugged her body, showing off her ample curves without being tasteless.

“There’s nothing wrong with the skirt,” he said, pushing from his chair. True, it was a few inches higher than her normal options, but that just helped show off her legs.

And he was a big fan of those legs.

She fidgeted before the mirror, tugging at the charcoal blazer.

“Stop,” he said, running his hands down her arms. Their gazes meet in the mirror as he stood behind her. “You look beautiful.”

Her eyes widened a fraction. “Don’t you think this shell is a little loose for the office?”

He couldn’t stop his grin. “Exactly.”

Her brows drew together in a frown.

“Allow me to explain,” he said.

She stiffened as he slid his hands over her hips.

“What are you doing?” she murmured.

“Proving why this is an excellent shirt.” He leaned forward, pressing his chest against her back. Her body curved into his as his hands slid up her sides. He didn’t want to acknowledge how perfectly she fit into his arms. Or how such an innocent touch had his body burning for more. Lust snaked through him. What was it about this woman? He was barely holding her, and his cock was already hard with anticipation. Him. A man who’d had supermodels vying to catch his attention was losing his head over a woman he had no business wanting.

“Caleb,” she warned as he bent her forward.

“Hmm?” he replied, burying his face in her hair. The locks smelled of something floral, and he closed his eyes, breathing in her scent.

“What are you doing?”

“Look in the mirror,” he whispered in her ear before flickering his gaze toward the glass.

When she bent over, the blue shell gapped just enough to show a hint of bra.

“I wouldn’t have pegged you for the lacy underwear type,” he murmured.

She gasped, her hand flying up to cover her chest.

“Wear this on Monday,” he continued, not releasing her body. “Go into Alec’s office and make some excuse to bend over to examine a file or paper on his desk. Trust me, you’ll get his attention.” Unable to help himself, he ran his lips down her throat, enjoying the sensation of her soft skin against his mouth.

She twirled out of his arms, her hands still pressed against her chest. The blush that stained her cheeks was gratifying to see.

“I’m not buying this,” she said.

“Your call,” he replied. “But you asked for my advice. This outfit is perfect.”

Tossing him a frown, she marched back into her changing room.

Caleb returned to his seat, smiling at the boyfriends who watched him.

“You’re shopping wrong,” he said.

He didn’t bother hiding his smile when both jumped to their feet, ready to help their girlfriends select their clothes.

…

The damned man is good at this, she thought as she slung an armful of clothing onto the cashier’s desk.

“Will this be everything?”

“Yes. I’m all set.” She fished out her credit card as the cashier started ringing up her order. Caleb appeared at her side, a smirk on his lips as the blue shell was scanned.

“I like the color,” she defended.

“Whatever you say.”

She lifted her chin, focusing on her purchase. Caleb had talked her into more than just the suspect shirt. She was now the brand-new owner of a wardrobe filled with color, plus clothes that fit like a glove and skirts that made her legs look far longer than they really were.

Scrawling her signature on the bill, she accepted her bags. Excitement bubbled through her at the thought of debuting her new look on Monday. Really, she should have done this months ago. Though she had to admit, without Caleb her update wouldn’t have been nearly as impressive.

As they left the store, though, Caleb reached out for her bags.

“I’ve got them,” she protested.

“Nonsense. This is a boyfriend’s sacred duty while shopping, is it not?”

A shiver ran down her spine as she relinquished her hold. Boyfriend. It was all pretense, but even so, it had been far too long since anyone had wanted to claim that title.

And his predecessors had never been as patient. If she had ever managed to drag them to the mall with her, they’d either complained bitterly or disappeared ten minutes in to do their own shopping.

But Caleb had spent an hour content to watch her try on outfits. He’d mixed and matched her clothes, ordered the sales reps around when she needed other sizes, and taken great delight in finding new ways to sneak in a touch or two when she came out to show off her outfits. By the end of their expedition, she hadn’t minded the brush of his fingers along her arm or the caress of a hand sliding over her hip.

What’s his angle? she wondered. Sure, he said this was all about wanting her, but was it the truth? Did his interest in her really have nothing to do with Alec?

Her heart fluttered at the thought of him simply wanting her for her. The idea produced pleasure she had no business feeling.

“I call this a successful day,” she said, trying to change the turn of her thoughts. “Want to grab lunch at the food court? I realize it might not be a gourmet steak, but I’d like to thank you for your input.”

“I’m all for an artery-blocking meal, but we have more work to do.”

She looked down at the bags he was carrying. “I think I have enough suits.”

“Not exactly what I meant.” He wrapped a hand around her arm, steering her through the crowd. She told herself she didn’t enjoy having his hands on her.

An escalator ride later, Hailey realized what store he was headed for.

“Hell no,” she said.

He stopped outside the Victoria’s Secret storefront. “This is going to be the best part of my day.”

“Keep dreaming. My lingerie is fine.”

“I doubt it, but you’re welcome to prove me wrong. I’m sure we can find somewhere private for an inspection.” His gaze dropped to her breasts.

“Hey”—she snapped her fingers at him—“eyes up here.”

His grin was unrepentant. “If you make progress with Alec, you want to be totally prepared, don’t you?”

She eyed the store, knowing it was a terrible idea to get his advice in this particular arena.

“I’m going in. If you ever want to see your bags again, you’ll follow me,” he said, heading through the archway.

Hailey chewed on her lip for a moment before sighing. She’d asked for his help, after all. Was she really going to turn away now? Shaking her head, she followed him inside.

Perfume filled the air as she looked around the interior for Caleb. Of course he’d already made a beeline for the push-up section.

“Is this the part where you tell me you’ve got inside info on Alec’s lingerie preferences?” she asked, moving to his side.

He glanced at her from the side of his eye. “We were roommates in college. Let’s just say I’ve seen more than one of his overnight guests in various states of undress.”

“So what are we looking for? Leather and lace? Black and strappy?”

He put a hand on her shoulder and steered her to the far end of the wall. “He likes the innocent act, remember? I’m afraid good old Alec has rather boring taste.”

Before her lay a series of white bras, and she made a face. Though she might be buttoned-up and professional on the outside, she’d always enjoyed choosing more daring lingerie to wear beneath her suits. The days her bra and panties actually matched was always a personal victory over the laundry schedule.

White bras were anything but exciting.

Caleb put her bags on the ground and signaled to the waiting sales rep.

“My friend will need a few sizes to try on,” he said to the woman.

“Happy to help,” she replied.

Hailey watched the rep run her eyes over Caleb and tamped down the annoyance that flooded her. Her partner was a gorgeous man. Of course other women would notice. The smirk on his face said he was aware of exactly what effect he was having.

“This one,” he said, pulling down a lacy bra. “And this one.”

She forced herself not to sigh at the sparkles sewn into the fabric. Leaving Caleb to choose what he would, she wandered down the wall, grabbing a few options that appealed to her. When she returned to her shopping mate, she found he’d moved from the white wall to stare at a mannequin set up at the end of the aisle.

Peering over his shoulder, she saw the plastic woman was wearing a daring red set. The bra was little more than lace with a sheer bow holding the cups together. The panties were basically scraps of fabric she wasn’t at all convinced wouldn’t rip to shreds the minute a real woman tried to walk in them.

“You can’t tell me this is Alec’s idea of sexy if he’s a fan of demure white lingerie,” she said.

Caleb looked over his shoulder at her. “Not Alec.”

Oh.

Heat flooded her body. Her nipples tightened as a new awareness filled her.

Risky territory, she thought. Time to exit stage right.

“I think I’ve got the styles of most of the white bras. I’ll head to the fitting rooms now.” She turned to go only to have him wrap an arm around her waist. He swung her forward so she faced the mannequin, his chest pressed to her back as his arms encircled her waist.

“Do you know what I like best about this outfit?” he whispered in her ear.

She shook her head, unable to move.

“I’d undo that bow with my teeth.”

Visions filled her mind of Caleb arched over her, kissing his way down her body as she twined her arms above her head. She’d undulate against his mouth as he pulled on the teasing bow that barely kept her breasts covered.

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to ignore the heat of his breath against her ear. She shouldn’t enjoy how his hard body pressed against hers or how they fit so flawlessly into each other’s arms.

“Penny for your thoughts,” he purred into her ear.

Danger, danger, her inner voice whispered. Caleb was not the man she should be lusting after.

“I need to get to the dressing room,” she whispered.

“Going to model these outfits for me, too?”

Goose bumps ran down her arms at the thought of twirling before him in nothing but the sexy lingerie waiting for her to try on.

Get a hold of yourself.

“There’s only one man who’s going to see these bras,” she forced herself to say. “And he’s not you.”

He stiffened even as regret sliced through her.

That was necessary, she told herself. You have to keep the lines clearly drawn.

No matter what game they were playing, Caleb wasn’t the man she was trying to impress.

She stepped out of his arms and headed for the dressing room without looking back. Because if she turned and saw any hint of hurt in his gaze, she wouldn’t be able to stop the apologies she ached to give.