Page 23 of Wishes for August

“August, Caleb, thank you so much for joining me this evening. Come sit, let’s catch up.” He gestured to the table, and we took our seats. Me, opposite Noel and Caleb next to me. “How are you enjoying New York so far? I hope the suite meets your expectations?” he asked, his eyes firmly locked on me. I could sense Caleb tensing up next to me, felt his leg rub up against mine under the table and watched as he fiddled with the napkin in front of him.

“Yes, the suite is great. Everything about The Starlight is pretty awesome,” I replied. Noel broke eye contact with me and looked to Caleb who had sat up straighter now that the other man’s attention was on him.

“You have a really lovely hotel here, Noel. I remember you mentioning it to me last year when your dad did the renovations but I had no idea how impressive it was. The photos you emailed did not do it justice.” Caleb's tone was warm and friendly. “Thank you for putting us up in the presidential suite. The views are something else.”

“Right?” Noel replied. “I have a room two floors below you and spend a number of my nights here every week. The view never gets old. I’m really glad you are comfortable but if there is anything you need during your stay please let my assistant know and she will get it sorted for you.”

Noel turned his eyes back to me. “Do you have any plans to explore the city while you’re here?”

I nodded as I replied, “Yes, we’re going to take a look around tomorrow after we’ve fought off some of this jetlag.”

“Wonderful, well if you want a tour of the Big Apple from a local, August, let me know. I’m sure Caleb will be a great guide but I know a few of the city's best kept secrets if you wanted to explore them with me?” Noel’s voice had dropped an octave, the timber of it warm and inviting. He was leaning slightly over the table towards me as he held my gaze for a moment. Caleb cleared his throat and Noel smirked at him, then leaned back in his chair and took a sip of his drink.

I felt his leg brush against mine as he relaxed back in his seat, whether it was intentional or not I wasn’t sure. But I didn’t react. Noel struck me as the kind of guy who liked the chase, who revelled in making his prey feel off balance. Well, he was out of luck with me. I didn’t play those sorts of games.

Or at least I never used to. A sudden pang of guilt pinched my chest when I realised that this whole time, I’d been playing with Caleb. In his office, in the club - both times, I offered him something then ripped it from his grasp. He wanted a relationship I was not willing to offer him.

I wouldn’t regret any of our time together though. Every delightful, sinful moment with Caleb was woven into me, tangled into my very being. The effect he’d had on me was unexpected because it was unlike any I had experienced before. But now, those were just memories. Thoughts I could replay like an old movie whenever I thirsted for the feel of his skin beneath me.

A server came over to take our orders and both Caleb and I settled on a glass of whiskey.

For the rest of the evening, Noel and Caleb caught up, talking about their new jobs and old university friends. I joined in now and then but was content to listen to the back and forth between them. Noel was an interesting character. He was outgoing where Caleb was quiet, and his flirting was obvious whereas Caleb kept his glances subtle.

Shortly after nine, Noel received a call and had to excuse himself. We all rose to leave and he walked up to me, placing his hand on the small of my back.

“August, I am in room 206, if you want to take me up on my offer of a tour.”

Next to me I felt Caleb bristle and while I wanted to laugh at both Noel’s blatant attempt to invite me to his room and Caleb’s very obvious disapproval, I schooled my features when I replied.

“I appreciate the offer, but I am sure Caleb will show me a good time.” I did not intend for my words to land like they did, and Noel chuckled and dipped his head, his hand sliding slowly off my back, before wishing us a good evening and walking off.

As if trying to rub Noel’s touch off of me, Caleb rested his hand on my back on the spot Noel had just vacated and led me to the elevator back to our room.

“Ready for bed?” Caleb asked and I watched him blush at his question.

I covered my mouth with my hand, hiding my smile and the yawn that escaped.

“So ready, I am exhausted.” After a full day of travelling and the time difference, I couldn’t wait for my head to hit my pillow.

“And tomorrow,” Caleb added as we walked into our suite, “After work I’ll show you the city.”

“I’d really like that,” I said, as we parted ways, each entering our own rooms.

The next day was filled with meetings and presentations so it wasn’t until later in the evening, after drinks with Noel and a member of their upper management team, that Caleb and I were able to head out and tour the city.

New York was incredible. Despite the time, the traffic was busy, but I didn’t mind. Watching the city through the cab windows was mesmerising. The lights, the people, the sheer size of everything was as overwhelming as it was striking.

The cab ride took us just shy of forty minutes, most of which Caleb spent talking about the city and his favourite places to visit. Times Square was buzzing, and for a moment I just stood in the middle of it all, watching the movements of those around me and the lights above me.

“Are you hungry?” Caleb asked, his voice soft in my ear and his hand resting on my hip. I realised that we hadn’t had much at the bar besides a few snacks and I was starving.

“I am, what’s good around here?”

Caleb thought about it for a moment then asked, “How would you feel about a little walk? I know this great place in Chelsea that I would love to take you to.”

“Yes, let’s do that. Show me everything you love about this city Boss Man.” I grinned at him and he blushed. My eyes locked on his flushed cheeks before his hand movements caught my attention.

“This way,” he gestured as he started walking and I fell into step beside him.

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