JULIET
And I thoughtmy mind was running wild before.
Now, when we get back to work and Caleb heads purposefully into his office, caring more about his work than me, I have to wonder.
What, exactly, did he mean by punishment?
And can he show me as soon as freaking possible?
But Caleb seems entirely unaffected by our little triste. He strides in and out of meetings, and doesn’t so much as look at me. Not that I could meet his eyes without remembering how it felt to be there on my knees, driving him wild.
By the time the day ends and Victoria and the rest of the staff leave, I’m more impatient than ever.
Ready to pick up where we left off.
Eager for Caleb to finish what we started—in more ways than one.
I linger by my desk, pretending to finish up some work. But really, I’m waiting for him. Then, finally, Caleb emerges from his office…
And he’s wearing a tuxedo.
Now that really isn’t fair.
I try not to swoon over the sight of him all dressed up. “Heading somewhere special?” I ask, playing it casual.
“No. I usually dress like this when I’m headed home.” He smirks. “A last-minute invitation to a charity event.” He pauses, straightening his cuffs. “Come with me.”
I look down at my slacks and sweater. “I’m not exactly dressed for the occasion.”
“So,” Caleb smiles. “We’ll get you a dress on the way.”
I have to laugh at that.
“What?” he asks, looking curious.
“Nothing, it’s just… We occupy very different realities,” I say wryly, following him down the hall. “Only you could assume it’s possible to acquire a formal dress with zero notice at eight o’clock on a Thursday night.”
Caleb chuckles. “Maybe I’m just an optimist.”
“Or maybe you’re used to having the world revolve around you,” I tease.
He frowns. “Is that what you think?”
“No. I mean, yes,” I correct myself, smiling. “But it’s not a bad thing. It’s kind of incredible to witness up close, that’s all. I don’t live in that reality.”
That was for sure.
Caleb looks thoughtful on the drive, and I wonder if I said something wrong. Then we pull up outside a chic boutique, one of those places with white walls and minimal racks filled with one-of-a-kind pieces. I look through the storefront but don’t see anyone. The lights are off. “I think it’s closed.”
“It’s open for me.” He reaches for the door handle. Sure enough, he’s right.
“Mr. Sterling!” The female associates greet him with giddy, glowing smiles and a lot of fawning. “What can we do for you this time?”
This time… So, I’m not the first woman he’s dressed here, I can tell they want to be in my place. Just for one night.
Maybe that’s what this is for me, too. One night.
But perhaps that wouldn’t be so bad. One night with Caleb to get it out of my system, and then I can focus on the real purpose of my job.