Page 14 of A Bride for the Billionaire

I get into the car, put my seatbelt on and sigh. “I know, Lou, but it’s hard. I’m cooking him dinner tonight and I’ve found myself looking forward to it. It’s like I want his seal of approval.”

“Did he tell you why he left all those years ago?”

“No, he wanted to but I didn’t let him.”

“Why the fuck not? It’s the only way you’ll get closer. You need to know so that you can hate him a little bit more.” Lou starts the car and glides out into the traffic.

“A part of me doesn’t want to know. He had his reasons. He didn’t really go about it the right way, but he must have had a good reason. What if it was for another woman? That would hurt so much and I don’t think I can bear that pain all over again.”

“Ah, Cora. This is going to be a lot harder than I first thought. I thought you had so much hatred for the guy that you could do this by switching off your emotions. Looks like we are going to have to go back to the drawing board on this one.”

“Let’s just see how it plays out, Lou. Tomorrow is Sunday dinner at his parents. I’m not looking forward to it, but they were all nice so I’m hoping it won’t be too awkward. Next week he has a function that he wants to take me to so that I get seen with him out and about and the wedding is next Saturday. I’m not looking forward to that, I can tell you.”

We pull up at the apartment block. “Look Cora, I’m here for you and if he breaks your heart a second time, he is going to have to deal with me. I won’t take it lying down. Right?”

“Right,” I say, getting out of the car. I grab my purchases from the trunk and lean in the car through the passenger door. “I love you, Lou. I’ll be okay. I won’t forget the heartbreak he caused me.”

She blows me a kiss and I watch her drive off before I get in the elevator to the apartment.

Every time I step inside, I have the same reaction. Awe. Amazement and jealousy that this is something I would love. So, I’ve decided, I’m going to enjoy my two months here and if he falls for me then I will at the end of the two months regardless of either of our feelings.

With that decision made, I get into the elevator and ride to the top floor. Even though it’s only been a few days, I call this home already. It’s beautiful and somewhere I would love to live, but even though it’s only for two months, I am going to love being here.

“Jesus, Cora, that food was delicious. Marion will have to watch out or you’ll take her job.”

I laugh. “There’s no chance of that, did you see the mess I left in the kitchen?”

He tries to look past me to see. “Oh yeah, I’ll clean up because you cooked.” He piles my plate on top of his.

“No, seriously we can’t have Billionaire Caleb doing the dishes,” I say and as soon as it’s out of my mouth I regret it.

“Is that what you think of me, Cora? I thought these last few days you would have seen a different side of me. Perhaps more of the old Caleb.” He collects everything from the table and walks into the kitchen.

I get up and follow him. “I’m sorry, Caleb. I still have some bitterness toward you and I can’t help what I say sometimes.”

I watch as he stacks the dishwasher in total silence. When he’s finished he walks over to me and backs me up to the counter. Then he puts his hands on either of me on the counter. “Cora, I know you hate me for leaving. If you’d let me explain then I will.”

I shake my head. “I don’t want to dwell in the past, Caleb, but sometimes it brings up the pain that I had.”

He leans closer to me and my breath hitches. “I’m sorry that I broke your heart, Cora, but it broke mine too. I’ve never gotten over you, you were always the one that got away.”

“Except I didn’t get away, Caleb, you left.” I close my eyes as I feel him put his arms around me and pull me into his body tight.

“I’m sorry. I am going to use these two months to make it up to you Cora. I hope that you forgive me and we can make the present about us and not the past.”

“I’m trying, Caleb. I really am.”

I feel his breath on my neck and before I know he has planted a kiss on my cheek. “I’m finding it harder every day to stay away from you. I know what it’s like to hold you naked in my arms. I know what every inch of your body tastes like and I know the noises you make when you come. I remember it all because you’ve never left my soul, Cora.”

I open my eyes to see him staring at me. I think he wants to kiss me, but he wants my approval first. I stand up on my tip toes and kiss him on the lips. He is letting me lead, that’s a first. I lower myself and when I look at him he has a smile on his lips.

“Small steps, Caleb. Small steps. I’m already nervous about meeting your parents again tomorrow, it’s been years.”

He steps away and I can breathe again.

“They are dying to see you again, Cora. They always busted my chops over you, and from what they said last week, I’d say they are more excited to meet you than seeing me.” He turns and walks to the refrigerator. I see him open the door and bend down. I’m looking at his ass, of course I am. He’s not the only one with memories.

“Let's go upstairs and sit outside. It’s warm enough.” He puts a bottle of wine in a wine cooler, grabs two glasses and nods for me to follow him up the stairs.

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