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Caleb didn't wait for her to reply as he pressed his hand into the small of my back, forcing me to walk toward the grand staircase. I felt like a robot on auto.
Caleb was quiet as we waited for the elevator. I could still feel his hand on the small of my back, but oddly enough, it wasn't uncomfortable. I didn't like men touching me. Well, Jace excluded. But Caleb made me feel comfortable…like a brother. He was close to Jace, I knew that much. The man had a freaking key to Jace's house for goodness sakes. He went to see Jace's family without him! Of course they were close. I think it was the fact Jace was so trusting of Caleb that made me feel at ease around him. Jace didn't trust many people, but those he did trust I found were solid people with good hearts and strong minds.
The elevator rolled open and I walked in with Caleb close on my heels. "You're oddly quiet, Olivia."
"I am?" I frowned. "Do you really have anything to compare me to?"
"Well," he rubbed the scruff of his chin in thought. "Considering the first time I seen you, you gave me a run for my money and actually punched me…and the second time you screamed bloody murder at me…yeah, I think this is oddly quiet."
I felt a blush stain my cheeks. There the color is! "Sorry about that." I looked to the floor, feeling embarrassed.
"Don't be." He shrugged. "You were under a lot of stress."
We were definitely talking about our last meeting. "I was."
"You know Jace was ruined when you asked him to never talk to you again." It wasn't a question. It was a statement and it hit me like a ton of bricks.
I nodded. "So was I."
"I know."
"You do?" I felt my eyes look up to meet his.
He nodded. "You wouldn't have gotten back with him if you didn't. Not after learning of his past."
"You know everything?" I asked quietly.
"I know more than I should. I care about Jace and I have never seen him so into a woman before." He paused. "I hope you know what you're doing with him, because I don't think he could survive if you walked away again."
"I don't want to walk away." I said. I meant it.
"Good." He shoved his hands into his pockets. "I don't know if you see it yet, or if he knows it yet, but you mean more to him than anything else on this earth. You make him fucking crazy. Since the first day he saw you, he's been wrapped around your finger so tight he's hopeless."
"I care for him just as much."
Caleb shook his head. "I don't think that's possible." He rubbed his brow. "I meant what I said down there, Olivia."
I felt a frown tug my brow. "I don't know what you're referring to."
"Jace will make you Mrs. Rush. It's inevitable. So, if you can't handle that you need to leave and never look back again." His words were hard and sharp as a dagger to my chest.
I swallowed and stared directly into his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere."
Caleb nodded. "I was hoping you would say that." He stepped toward me, pulling me into his arms. I went willingly, not that I would have had much of a choice. Caleb was stronger than he looked. "Welcome to the family."
At his words of complete acceptance, I felt my eyes mist with tears and I hugged him back. "Thank you, Caleb."
"Anytime." He released me. "If you ever need anything you know where to find me."
I nodded at him as the elevator rolled open, displaying an impeccable reception area. There was a woman sitting behind the desk. She was pretty, but not exceptionally so. And when she smiled, I felt as though it was real.
She stood, rounding the curve of the white gloss desk. "You must be Olivia?"
"She is." Caleb said for me.
I extended my hand and she slid hers into mine. "And you are?" I asked politely.
"I'm Laura. I've worked for Jace and Caleb for years. You've got to be stronger and smarter than these two hooligans to work for them that long."
Caleb clutched his chest as though wounded. "Ouch," I could see he was fighting a grin. "Hooligans? I was thinking we were more like dragons or demons or something." Green eyes flickered to me. "I mean really, hooligans?"
I couldn't help but laugh at their easy exchange and I shook my head. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." She winked, pulling me away from Caleb. "Jace's office is this way. He's on the phone right now but he wants me to send you right in."
"Sounds good." I smiled back at Caleb and he waved, turning to walk in the other direction. Was that where his office was?
"So, how long have you and Jace been an item?" She asked and I felt my eyes bug out of my head. She must have noticed because she quickly continued. "You aren't obligated to tell me anything. I'm just interested. I've never known him to take women seriously. He and Caleb are quite the players." She halted her steps and covered her mouth looking horror stricken. "Oh, I don't know what's gotten into me. I'm so sorry."
