by Sofia Aves
I was. Glitter was stuck to my jeans, coating my arms and sweater.
“Just getting my unicorn on.”
He motioned with his hand in a circling pattern.
“Turn around.” I did, feeling ridiculous. “Ah, why don’t you change those? Your jeans I mean.” His gaze travelled the length of me as I turned back to face him, my cheeks heating. “Let’s not get your unicorn all over my building.”
I changed into a pair of pink cotton yoga pants, washing away my sparkle in his en-suite. Cal passed me a fresh mug of coffee and led me down to the ground floor, explaining which buttons to press and gave me the access code that led to the foyer. It was good to know I could get Ashley out of the building if I needed to.
Cal opened the foyer door. I expected to see a reception desk or a doorman, but it opened into a bare, carpeted space with a neat row of locked mailboxes set flush against the far wall.
The rest of the walls — and the door, I presumed, though I couldn’t tell which was which — were glassed, but so heavily tinted I doubted anyone would be able to see in from the outside.
Cal motioned to the wall to our left.
“The centre one is the door.” He held out a small ring of keys. “Use this plastic card to get in and out of the building, if you have to but–” he hesitated, jaw tensing, “I’d really prefer you didn’t, especially not with Ashley. Not until this whole thing blows over. I know that’s a pretty big ask.”
His eyes shifted back to me, questioning. I smiled, squeezing his arm. He was still sexy as hell. Despite the gorgeously distracting man standing before me, doubt bloomed deep inside me, and I knew I wasn’t doing a very good job of hiding it.
Cal had been hunting Logan for five years — and had never caught him. Just how long would it be before I could go home? I knew the boys were working as hard as they could — the afternoon spent settling Ashley and me in before they put in a night’s work showed their dedication — it wasn’t fair to ask them for more.
“It’s okay; I get it. I kinda figured we would be stuck here until…well.” I stopped, not sure what to say.
If I couldn’t go home, where would I go? Would Cal expect me to stay with him? I wasn’t sure how I felt about that and if we were in the apartment alone, with no excuse…I looked up at him and saw the moment he came to the same conclusion as I had.
“It’s okay, I’ll find somewhere–”
“I won’t expect anything of you; you’re safe to stay–”
We both babbled at each other, breaking off into a loaded silence. Cal cleared his throat, jingling the key ring.
“This tiny key is the letterbox — number twenty-six. Why don’t you check if there’s mail?” he offered, picking up the conversation where we had left off. I nodded, sorting through the ring of keys and cards. I got the right one the first time and opened the box.
At first, I thought there was nothing inside; then I saw a black envelope sitting dully in the bottom. It took a few tries to flick it out, and I studied it while I closed the lid, making sure it clicked.
It was heavy paper, almost card, with a luxe look to it. The other side was addressed to Cal in gold, curly letters, with no postage stamp. This had been hand-delivered. The writing was open and elegant, done by hand. A woman’s, I thought.
I flipped the envelope over, but there was nothing on the back, no return address. I didn’t like the idea of another woman inviting him to something — a party, or…I wasn’t sure what and didn’t have the right to tell him what to do. I really had no idea where we stood. It wasn’t as easy and clear anymore.
My world had changed so much in the space of twenty-four hours. Homeless, with a child that wasn’t mine, living with an incredibly hot man I wasn’t with, who set me on edge just by looking at me…I was in so much trouble.
I walked back to Cal quickly, talking too loudly to cover my nerves.
“I think you got something, and no, I promise Ashley and I won’t go out without you, it’s no problem at all–”
“Shh!”
“What?”
I’d been rambling, but shushing me was just rude. I looked up, annoyed, but Cal was staring over my head. Tendons stood out in the line of his neck, and his arm came around me quickly, steering me away from the foyer door.
“I thought I saw that black c–” He turned to face me and cursed. I tried to smile, cover the fear that set my heart racing, but I’d never been good at it.
The keys were whisked out of my hand while I tried to crane around Cal’s bulk, and the elevator doors closed before I could spot anything unusual.
“I just want to get back to Ashley,” his voice was soft, but tension radiated from him. I found his hand, and he gripped mine painfully tight. He swiped the card, and I thought back — had he locked the door when we left? I knew the alarm was playing up… but for the life of me, I couldn’t remember Cal locking the door.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
MILA
I didn’t want to alarm Cal further than he already was, but the elevator ride up a short seven stories to the top floor was the longest of my life. The doors began to slide open, but Cal was through them in a flash, sprinting down the corridor to his apartment.
I raced after him, watching him open the door without the key — it hadn’t been locked after all — and I nearly screamed. How could we have left Ashley so unprotected? I shot through the door, hissing her name — unable to make a greater sound.
Arms wrapped around me as I barrelled from the hall, pulling me into a hard, broad chest. Cal. He turned me, making a shushing gesture. I nodded as he aimed me at Ashley, still curled exactly where we had left her on the sofa.
He squeezed my arm, and I heard him retracing our steps to the door, locking it, the beep of the alarm as he set it. It beeped a few extra times, and he swore, thumping the wall.
“Bloody alarm,” he growled, pacing each of the hallways, opening every room. I stayed with Ashley until he returned to the lounge, jaw tense. I wanted to ask him more, but hesitated, not wanting to frighten Ashley if she woke up.
“Do you want to bring her to her room,” I murmured, “and I’ll get her bed ready? She doesn’t need to be woken up right now. She can have some dinner if she needs it later on. It was a huge day for her — for all of us.”
Cal looked like he might object, but nodded, looking down at the tiny figure curled on his sofa. He cradled the tiny child against his chest and carried her to her room. I slipped past him to turn back her covers and made sure she had her crocodile.
I closed the door gently, leaving it only the slightest bit ajar, and followed the lights back to the lounge. The shipping lane was aglow against the evening sky, flashes reflecting off the water. Cal stared out of the window, his back to me. I didn’t want to break into his thoughts, but he turned, arms open, and I stepped straight into them without hesitation.
He crushed me against his chest, his hand cupping the back of my head, fingers sliding through my hair. I clung to him just as tightly. A tremor started in my hands, running over my body. I tried to breathe.
“I thought we lost her,” Cal murmured into my hair, then held me back, eyes darkened with concern as he looked into my face. I nodded, smoothing my hair back with shaking hands. Breathe. I stared at the floor, still collecting myself. Cal shuffled his feet. “I’m sorry I scared you before.”
I raised my head, finding him closer than I had expected. Tingles began in my fingers, running to my toes. I shifted against him, to retreat so I could work out what was going on. I couldn’t think with him so close. Cal’s next words stopped me completely.
“I thought I saw that black sedan again.”
“But…I thought this was a safe place.”
Cal nodded, a muscle in his jaw ticking.
“It is. You are. I think it was just a car. I’m getting paranoid about it.” He stroked my back in lazy circles, his gaze darkening.
I narrowed my eyes, studying his. Deep brown, shot through with honey yellow
made them almost translucent, something I could lose myself in. But I refused to be distracted, this time.
“Are you sure? If you think he knows…”
Cal shook his head, smiling, but his eyes were dull. Lines criss-crossed his face beneath the lights.
“I don’t.” His voice was firm, and I wanted to believe his lie. I nodded again, gesturing to the kitchen for something to do.
“Should we…should we cook something? For dinner.” It sounded pathetic, but Cal nodded vigorously.
“Yes.”
He launched into the kitchen, mucking around in the cupboards. I opened the fridge, relieved to see a range of fresh vegetables and foods.
“Something Chinese? Mexican? Do you like chilli?”
I nodded to everything, then paused.
“Something Ashley might like? More than just the sandwiches I get us at the park.”
Cal looked guilty.
“I, uh, usually take her out for chocolate.” The last part came out as a mumble, but it brought a smile to my face as I made the connection.
“Is that why you took me to the chocolatier?”
“Yeah. It’s got some good memories. I–” He broke off as a bag of pasta burst open in his hands.
Tiny spirals exploded into the air, bouncing off cupboard doors, skipping across the tiles. He crouched down, scrambling for ones on the rebound. I grabbed the container he’d completely missed. Pasta pinged into the plastic, filling it quickly. A few had skittered into an open cupboard filled with cups and glasses, even a plastic one for Ashley. I took note of its location for later.
“So, pasta?” Cal sent me a lopsided grin, but it was only half there. He was still tired, despite the rest he’d had earlier, it seemed. Worrying about Ashley had put more responsibility on his shoulders yet again — I couldn’t help but wonder if he was taking on too much.
I turned back to the fridge, extracting a block of cheese and fresh asparagus I’d spotted before. Mushrooms were hidden in the bottom of the crisper drawer, and a bottle of semi-sundried tomatoes was a great find. Cal eyed my collection.
“Vegetarian?”
“No…I was just thinking healthily.”
“Good.”
Cal retrieved some bacon and chicken pieces from the depths of the fridge. Soon, the kitchen smelled amazing. I located plates and cutlery, trying to remember where everything came from.
“Where are we eating?”
“Let’s use the table outside. It’s a bit dark, but we won’t wake Ashley talking out there.”
I slid the door open, setting the table, thinking back to the last time I had done it. It must have been before Gran was in the hospital for a broken hip she never recovered from. Pneumonia had crept into her lungs while she was on bed rest, and I’d never been able to bring her home. Now, it was me who couldn’t go home.
Cal placed two steaming bowls on the table. I made the mistake of looking at him, as he caught on to my upset right away.
“Mila…?” he left the question hanging, and I shrugged it away, unwilling to dive into my own heart tonight. But, I didn’t want to appear ungrateful.
“Thank you for looking after us.”
I sat down with my back to the view, so I could see Ashley if she woke. The light was bright, and I blinked a few times, getting used to it. Cal stared at me for a moment, then reached back, flicking a switch, so the internal light went off.
I smiled my thanks, but he waved it away.
“It’s okay, honey. Just eat, so I know you’ve had something.”
It didn’t take long before both our plates were empty. Cal took them inside before I could object. Turning my chair, I stared out over the black river. It was quiet, and salt hung in the still air.
A full glass of wine clinked on the table in front of me. He sat beside me, a beer in his hand. He leaned back, closing his eyes. I watched a small tug boat bring in a container ship so large it looked too big for the river. The tiny tug released its burden, and headed back up the river, ready to pilot the next ship in.
“I know it must be very…different with us here. Disturbing your normal routine. I’m sorry.”
“Honestly, I like it.”
I looked at him in surprise.
“You like your impeccable, luxury bachelor pad covered in glitter?”
“I like it filled with people, laughter. It makes it more like a home, rather than just somewhere I usually sleep.” He gave me a lopsided grin that did nothing to hide the sadness reflected in his eyes.
“I thought we might be taking up your space.”
Cal shook his head, reaching a long arm around me in a quick hug.
“You’ll never feel like you’re taking up my space. It’s better with you in it.”
I leaned back against his arm where he’d left it, nursing my wine. My eyes began to close, and I yawned, the weight of the last day hitting me hard. I lifted my glass to finish it but found it empty. When had that happened? I rose to my feet, only a little unsteady.
“I should go to bed.”
The moment the words were out of my mouth, I wish I could take them back — even to me, they sounded like an invitation. Cal watched me from hooded eyes.
“I’ll be out here, or in the study across the hall from your room if you need me. I have to clean it up.”
It was a relief he hadn’t jumped on my comment. Really must work on this trust thing.
“Goodnight.”
Cal’s eyes were fathomless, sending a shiver through me.
“Goodnight, Mila.”
I slipped back inside his apartment and into my — his — room. I closed the door and leaned against it. If I’d stayed another moment with him, I would have been on his lap. I wanted to blame the wine but knew that wasn’t it. Breathing deeply was a mistake; the entire room smelled of him.
I closed my eyes, going back to the moment he’d scared me. He’d been protecting Ashley, tiny and defenseless, caught in the middle of something she couldn’t control. I was okay with that.
It meant he’d do the same for me.
I changed into a pair of cotton shorts and a lace bralette that stopped at my ribs. I started at the inappropriateness of my pyjamas, wondering if I should sleep in my yoga pants, instead. I discarded the idea — Cal wouldn't be seeing me dressed like this.
I fell into Cal’s bed, exhausted. It was a mistake. His scent surrounded me, no matter where I lay. I rolled over, trying to settle in the strange bed, part of me wishing I’d asked him to stay with me.
A light flicked on in the hall, opposite his room. I remembered his comment about cleaning his study and drifted into oblivion with the knowledge he was only a room away.
At some ridiculous hour after midnight, I woke with my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. I’d forgotten to get a bottle of water before I went to sleep, and lay awake, trying to work out if I could survive the night without going to get one.
It was far too long before the sun came up, and after a few unsuccessful attempts to swallow, I gave up, opening the bedroom door cautiously. The light in Cal’s study across the hall was off. He must have gone to sleep.
I slipped into the kitchen, kneeling down to open the cupboard the cups were in, but I was wrong. Oh, so wrong. A simple search for a cup became a quest, and soon I was sprawled on the floor, arms reaching into the depths of the cupboard where I was certain I’d spotted the stupid things the evening before.
“Having fun?”
Cal’s amused voice hit me, and I scrambled to my knees.
“I was just looking for a glass…”
Warm hands circling my waist, he lifted me onto the kitchen bench, stepping between my knees before I thought about what he was doing. I could barely see him, but brushed against hot, bare flesh, and realized he was shirtless.
“Cal!” I hissed, terrified Ashley would wake up and find us in a compromising position, “What are you doing?” I smelled the beer on him. “Are you drunk?”
He silenced me with his fing
ers across my lips. He brushed them lightly back and forth until the skin was a mass of sensitive nerves, then he pressed his fingers between my lips, into my mouth. My hand curled around his wrist, and he stilled but didn’t remove his fingers. Just…waited. I squeezed his wrist, not able to get my whole hand around it, as he began to stroke his fingers into my mouth in a steady rhythm.
My eyes widened in the dark, trying to see his face, but the slow movement of his fingers sliding between my lips was the most erotic thing I’d ever experienced. It took all my effort for my hips not to match his pace. I let my tongue flick the tips of his fingers as they withdrew from my lips. He rewarded me with a low growl, pressing them back in the same, steady pace.
His gaze dragged over me, perched on his kitchen bench, half-clothed. I shivered, and he pulled me closer, heat radiating from his chest. My hand landed on the hard ridges of muscle around his torso, and I desperately wanted to see him in the light. I let my hands explore, memorising the feel of him.
Cal’s other arm snaked out, sliding around to scoot me forward until I was flush against him. My legs wrapped around his hips, the soft cotton grazing sensitive flesh. I could feel every defined inch of him in his sweats as he pressed against me with the same rhythm as his fingers.
A whimper built in me. I breathed hard through my nose, but it wasn’t enough to hold back, he was hitting all the right places. I tugged at his wrist, and a predatory look on the little I could see of his face told me he knew. A shiver started deep inside me. He pulled me closer, harder, and that’s all it took.
His fingers slipped from between my lips as I gasped, whimpering. He lifted me off the benchtop, arms tight around me. I clung to him, needing to feel him wrapped around me. My head dropped to his bare shoulder, my lips brushing his skin. I tasted salt as he carried me through his apartment, laying me gently on his bed.
I could barely sit up, tremors still shuddering through me. He knelt beside the bed, drawing me close to the edge, staring right into my eyes.
“Gorgeous,” he whispered, stroking hair back from my cheek.
