Caleb laughs then, for real. “I think we’ve had enough drama to last a lifetime, don’t you? I’m looking forward to things getting back to normal. Just regular, boring life.”
I snort on my champagne at the idea. “Seriously?” I laugh, dabbing my lips with my napkin. “Don’t play Average Joe with me, I read the gossip blogs. Even before I met you, your idea of ‘regular’ and ‘boring’ was international travel and VIP parties. That yacht race in the Caribbean? Those models in St. Tropez?”
Caleb looks smug. “You kept tabs on me?”
I cough. “No. Just… Research, that’s all.”
“Mhmm,” he grins. “Well, how about we find a balance somewhere in the middle? Even lounging on a yacht can seem ordinary after a while.”
“Ha!” I exclaim, grinning. “I’d love the chance to find out.”
“Then let’s do it.” Caleb says. “You, me, a tropical vacation… Just as soon as all this is dealt with.”
“Deal.” I say with a smile.
“But I do have one rule,” he adds, mock serious. “No clothes allowed.”
“I think I can manage that,” I say, sipping my champagne happily.
Out of nowhere, someone materializes at our table. It’s an attractive woman, she looks vaguely familiar, and it’s only when she speaks that I recognize her as Jacqueline, the journalist he flirted with during our breakup.
Flirted with, and maybe more.
I tense, as she fixes Caleb with a flirty smile. “Mr. Sterling, good to see you again. I’m surprised to see you out, what with everything happening.”
“As you can see, I’m perfectly fine,” Caleb gestures.
“Still, with all the rumors flying, perhaps you’d like to set the record straight?” she produces her phone, set to a voice memo app. “About the Barretti family, and your connections—”
“My father’s connection,” he corrects her with a tight smile. “And I have no further comment. I’ll refer you to my public relations team.”
Jacqueline trills with laughter. “Surely
you must have something to say, considering you basically trampled on the Sterling Cross brand.”
I see Caleb flinch imperceptibly. Jacqueline must also, because she moves in for the kill.
“How do your employees feel about your fraudulent betrayal? Many of them were loyal to your parents. And what about the board, surely this little stunt only gives Sebastian Wolfe ammunition for his hostile takeover bid? You really found a way to flush your family’s legacy down the pipes, in just a few years.”
Caleb is just sitting there, trying to ignore her, but I can’t let this slide.
“For your information, Caleb is trying to save the company,” I burst out, anger flaring hotly inside my chest. “This is a mess he inherited, not made, so don’t talk to him about legacy or reputation. Everything he’s done has been to protect Sterling Cross!”
Jacqueline reels back, surprised.
“Caleb is as loyal as they come—and every single employee will tell you the same thing. Now, take that stupid phone and shove it wherever you put your dignity and morals,” I finish, glaring.
Caleb smiles. “You heard her,” he says, reaching across and squeezing my hand. “Fuck off and leave us alone.”
Jacqueline makes a strangled noise, but she sees the maître d’ heading for us, and quickly walks away.
I catch my breath as Caleb chuckles. “Look at you, getting riled up.”
“I couldn’t help it!” I protest. “Did you hear what she was saying?”
“It’s what they’re all saying,” Caleb points out.
“For now. But you’ll get through this,” I remind him. “You did the right thing, coming clean.”