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MY HANDS SHOOK ASI put my earrings in, and appraised myself one last time before I was to meet Caleb in the living room. My strapless gown was a beautiful aqua blue, with an empire waist, ruched bodice and a sweetheart neckline. The willowy fabric swept all the way down to the floor, caressing my feet. It was another gift from Caleb, for the fashion show, and despite the many protestations to wear something so expensive, I’d found it on my bed earlier that afternoon.

The last two weeks had flown by in a blur, and in spite of the rumor mill churning overtime at Callahan Industries, I kept my head down and continued working like nothing had changed.

There was a light knock at the bedroom door, and when I opened it Caleb leaned against the doorjamb with his tuxedo jacket hanging over his arm. We looked each other over, my eyes lingering on his chest and his face, and his lingering on the exposed skin of my neck.

For two weeks I’d been lusting after him, wishing that every time we’d watched a movie, or had dinner together that I could reach out and touch him, or tuck myself into his side, and rest my head on his chest. Those inclinations came far too naturally when I was around Caleb, which is why I’d made a point of distancing myself at the office. The gossips were already speculating about the nature of our relationship, and even knowing that it was somewhat strategic on Macy’s part, I didn’t feel at ease about any of it, not to mention that Jennifer was now out for blood. My blood. Not that I paid her much mind. I was too preoccupied with the preparations for the fashion show, and making sure that it would be executed as flawlessly as possible.

“You look…” Caleb cleared his throat, and I felt my cheeks warm. He could make me feel like my seventeen-year-old self in a heartbeat, complete with rosy cheeks, and a fluttering pulse.

“So do you.” My smile was shy. “I just need to slip my shoes on and I’ll be ready to go.”

When Caleb didn’t reply, I turned and picked my shoes up on the way to the bed. I sat down, ready to slip them on, when Caleb knelt down in front of me.

“Let me.” He lifted my foot, and slid the strappy heel on with more finesse than I expected. Once he’d done both feet, he reached out his hand and helped me stand, steadying me when my heel wobbled on the carpeted floor.

I blinked, and then reminded myself that everything Caleb did and said tonight was part of the ‘act’, our story for the tabloids, and the Board of Directors who were attending the event. It wasn’t real.

“Thank you for the dress,” I said, taking a perfunctory step back. It didn’t help much since I was already so close to the bed. “Although I would have been just as happy with something a little more inexpensive.” At the wounded expression on Caleb’s face, I rushed to add, “I just don’t want you to think I expect it.”

“Believe it or not,” his mouth lifted up on one side, “I am capable of doing something nice just because I think you deserve it.”

Oh brother.

He was laying it on thick.

“You don’t have to butter me up,” I giggled, trying to tamper down the intensity of the atmosphere around us. If I didn’t at least try get a handle on it, it would take on a life all of its own. I couldn’t have that.

“I’m not.” Caleb’s expression turned serious, his eyes fixed firmly on mine. “A beautiful woman deserves a beautiful dress.”

“Want to make sure I look good on your arm?”

That was the nerves talking, but I was unable to ignore the elephant in the room. We were about to step out as a couple for the first time, announce our relationship to society. Naturally Caleb would want us looking our best.

He took my hand, and lifted it to his mouth. With soft lips, he pressed a kiss to my palm, so gentle and light I wasn’t sure I felt it.

But I did.

Everywhere.

“Actually,” his light stubble rubbed my skin as his mouth moved. “I’m the one hoping to do you justice tonight. The press will think me underdressed in comparison.”

If I were wearing panties they’d be ruined because let’s face it, Sean Connery himself could get some tips from this man. He was smooth, intrepid and dare I say chivalrous. Act or not, he knew what he was doing, and I didn’t see anything wrong with relishing the flattery.

Just a little.

Caleb’s grin turned lascivious, and my belly twisted.

Of all the treacherous things my body could do.

I swallowed, and extricated my hand from Caleb’s grasp. “We’d better get going. We don’t want to keep the press waiting.”

I slipped past Caleb, taking my silver clutch purse from the dresser, and left the room. Caleb said nothing, but I felt his eyes on the naked flesh of my shoulders, the sultriness of his body behind me. I had to focus, and keep my head on straight if I had any hope of surviving the game I was about to play.

Henry, who I’d dubbed Saint Henry after his first week with us, was in the nursery with Braelynn. The little Miss was supposed to be sleeping, but her eyes widened when she caught sight of Caleb and me. I was still getting used to that reaction from her, having her give me her own version of a smile whenever she saw me, but it warmed my chest a little more every time.

Caleb kissed Braelynn’s head, and left to make the necessary arrangements with the extra security detail. Alfie had been stationed at home with Henry, and Caleb hired two more guards for us. I didn’t think we’d be as newsworthy as we were, but the press had been relentless in their pursuit of information, and after the Danielle debacle, Caleb wasn’t taking any risks with our safety.

I lifted Braelynn from her crib. “Wish me luck,” I whispered and kissed her little nose. “I’m going to need it.”