Chapter 27
CHAPTER 27
APRIL
I wake up with a start, the clock on the bedside table telling me it’s ten already.
What? I never sleep this late. I’m usually an early bird.
The room is in total darkness. I hit the button next to the bed and watch as the blinds open, allowing the light of the day to stream in. No manual curtain pulling in this penthouse, no manual anything from what I can tell. This man has everything automated!
After Samuel left, Caleb gave me a tour of the apartment before telling me to make myself at home. I excused myself almost immediately, needing to put some space between us, especially after his revelation. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to make of that. Cal didn’t say anything else, instead, he handed me one of his t-shirts and bade me goodnight.
I look down at the offending item. Damn it! Even the smell of his detergent brings back memories I thought were long forgotten. Memories that had me tossing and turning for hours despite my exhaustion. Last night, I grabbed a quick shower before I fell into bed, but the soothing smell surrounding me kept me awake for hours.
This morning, however, is the start of a new day. I throw back the covers and groan as I climb out of the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on. My chest still feels tight, but not as bad as yesterday.
I shower and get dressed in the second outfit Val and Dorrie gave me. I will need to purchase some new clothes. These are great for covering myself, but the trousers are just clinging onto my hips and will not suffice in the long run. Maybe shopping will be something I can do this afternoon.
I head downstairs and jump when I find a lady with blonde hair standing in the kitchen.
She turns and smiles. “Morning. You must be April. Caleb told me not to wake you. I hope I haven’t been too loud?”
I shake my head, and she smiles at the look of confusion I send her way.
“Sorry,” she says, stepping forward and holding out her hand. “I’m Paula. Caleb’s housekeeper. I’m here every day. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”
“Pleased to meet you, Paula,” I say. “Is Cal, sorry, Caleb around?”
“No, but he left you a note on the table.”
Paula points to the table where we had eaten the night before.
“Thank you,” I say, heading over to the note.
April
I hope you slept well.
I wanted to be around when you woke up, but after the fire, my attention is needed in the office so I’ll see you tonight .
By now you will have met Paula, my housekeeper. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask, she’ll organise it.
The box contains a new phone for you. I’m aware yours was destroyed in the fire. I’ve already input mine, Trish's, my PA, and Samuel’s number. I’ll leave the rest to you.
The black keycard allows you access to the apartment and this floor. Concierge can let you up, if you forget it. They are aware you are staying with me.
Chloe is coming at 11:00. She’ll be self-explanatory when she arrives.
Try to get some rest today, and I’ll see you later.
Cal
Who is Chloe? Clearly not his housekeeper, but who else?
Well, there’s only half an hour until I find out.
I head into the kitchen just as Paula is leaving.
“I’ll be down there,” she says, pointing down the corridor with three doors heading off it.
“Okay,” I say, not quite sure what to do or say.
She smiles warmly, and my shoulders relax. If I’m to stay here and she comes in every day, I better get used to it.
After our whirlwind tour, I know the first door is Caleb’s home office. The second is a state-of-the-art home gym, and the third is a guest bathroom.
I shake my head, wishing I had my sports gear and could go for a run. My mind wanders to images of Caleb on a running machine, sweat dripping down his body, his olive skin glistening.
I lick my lips because my mouth is suddenly dry. I head into the kitchen and throw open the fridge, surprised to find it fully stocked.
“Oh, I forgot to say,” Paula says, reappearing and making me jump. “Oh, sorry,” she says, as I hold up a hand before clutching it to my chest, willing my breathing to return to normal. “I’ve stocked the fridge. If there’s anything you need or want, let me know, and I can arrange for the concierge to have it delivered for you.”
I stare at the woman open-mouthed before slamming it shut. “Er, thank you.”
She smiles and makes a gesture to let me know she’s leaving.
How the other half live. I don’t even need to go to the supermarket to buy orange juice. I can make a call and have it delivered. This is surreal.
I pull out the carton of juice and hunt through the cupboards until I find a glass. I collapse onto one of the stools in the centre of the room, pouring myself a generous portion. The kitchen is a quarter of the size of my entire dance studio.
A buzzer sounds somewhere in the apartment.
I hear Paula answer, although I can’t make out her words. She reappears at the door, but this time, I’m ready to give her what I’m sure is an awkward smile.
“Chloe is here. I’ve told them to send her up,” Paula says. “If you need anything...”
“Thank you,” I say again, unsure of what else to say. I don’t even know who this Chloe is.
Paula greets someone, followed by a loud clattering and banging sound .
“Thank you, gents, that was really helpful,” another voice says.
I step out of the kitchen, the sight in front of me taking my breath away.
A woman around my age stands in the living room. As if sensing my arrival, she turns with the most welcoming smile.
“Hi, I’m Chloe. You must be April,” she says, stepping forward and holding out her hand. “Caleb sent me. He told me about your unfortunate circumstances. I’m so sorry. It must have been awful,” she adds, her voice full of genuine sympathy. “I’m here to help replace some of the things you lost.”
I stare wide-eyed at the woman in front of me.
“I think there’s been some misunderstanding, Chloe,” I say when I look at the store she’s come from. Under no circumstances can I afford this shop or their brands.
“No misunderstanding,” she says, leading me to the sofa. “Caleb left strict instructions. You are to have whatever you need. He’s got it covered.”
My phone beeps on the table, and I get up to retrieve it. I need to call Caleb anyway and ask him what the hell he’s playing at.
I glance down at my phone.
Speak of the devil.
CALEB:
I know Chloe has arrived. Let her sort out your clothes.
My head pops up, and I look around. Is he watching us? Does he have a nanny cam?
CALEB:
No cameras. I checked with concierge I know she’s arrived .
I can almost hear the smirk in his voice. He thinks he knows me so well.
ME:
I don’t need your charity. I can buy my own clothes.
Three dots appear and disappear, reappearing and disappearing as if he’s trying to decide what to say.
The phone in my hand rings, and Samuel’s name appears.
I answer and wait.
“Morning, baby girl,” Samuel says.
I walk into the kitchen, wanting some privacy.
“Hey,” I reply.
“What’s happening?” he asks although I have a feeling he already knows.
“Has Caleb just called you?” I ask, suspicious of the timing and Caleb’s lack of reply.
“Er…”
“Samuel, since when did the two of you become best buddies?”
“It’s not like that,” he says. “I’m… he’s just trying to help you.”
“I’m not that woman,” I say, grimacing at the words as they come out of my mouth. “I’ve been taking care of myself since I turned eighteen.”
“You have, and everyone else around you,” Samuel says.
After a pause, he sighs. “Is it really so bad to let someone else take care of you for a change?”
I sit on one of the island stools, my elbows resting on the granite surface, phone against my ear.
“It’s too much. I don’t want him to think I’m taking advantage or worse. That he can buy me.”
Does he think buying me some clothes will pave the way to his bed ?
My stomach flutters at the thought.
“Ask yourself this. Why do you care?” Samuel asks quietly.
I drop my forehead into my hand and exhale into the phone.
“I’m not a charity case,” I say eventually, not wanting to unpack Samuel’s statement or examine it too closely.
“No, you’re not. Caleb doesn’t see you that way. He’s simply trying to help. The same way you help all those who come to your dance studio. How many times have you sent one of the kids off with money to buy something at Betty’s?”
“That’s different,” I say. I think back to Cal’s declaration. He promised I was in control. I need to believe he means it. There’s no way I’m going to end up back in his bed, however sexy he is.
“Why is it different? If you give all you can afford to help someone else, whether it’s a pound, or two thousand pounds. Helping someone when it’s within your means is an act of kindness. Are you saying because Caleb’s wealthy, he’s not allowed to help?”
I hate it when Samuel talks sense.
“It’s different. I know those kids,” I say, eventually.
Samuel laughs. “Baby girl, you exchanged bodily fluids with the man. Please don’t tell me you don’t know him or he you. He knows you in the biblical sense.”
It’s true, but it still weighs heavily in my stomach.
“If it was me offering to buy you things. What would you do?” Samuel asks suddenly.
“That’s different.”
“Why?” he says as my heckles rise.
“Because… because you and I have been friends for years, and when you needed it, I helped you out.”
“Fine then, I’ll give you the money,” Samuel surprises me by saying .
What the hell is going on?
“You don’t have that kind of money…” I say.
“I do. Caleb offered it to me last night after you’d gone to bed. He wanted me to buy you everything you need.”
I pull the phone away from my ear and stare at it before putting it back. “Say that again.”
“You heard me. I told him no. I told him that if he wanted to help you out, he should do it openly and honestly. It’s funny how he knew you’d reject his offer. The man seems to know you better than you realise.”
I’m not sure what to say. Caleb Frazer confuses me. My response to him confuses me. He ties me up in knots. But the more I learn about the man as an individual, the more I’m spiralling.
As if sensing my turmoil, Samuel speaks again. “You’ve always been the first to help others. Let someone who can afford to help you. Maybe you can repay him in other ways.”
“I’m not prostituting myself out to him,” I say sharply, as thoughts of having Caleb Frazer between my thighs sends an unexpected flood of moisture south.
“That’s not what I meant. Why would you think that?” he says, sounding flummoxed.
Why indeed!
“Cook the man something nice to eat, get him a thank you gift. Hell, I don’t know, buy him flowers or chocolates. I’m sure some form of acknowledgement would be welcome. Show him you’re not taking him for granted. Agree to work for the man, help him, help the community—stop being stubborn.”
I freeze. Samuel has never been short with me before, but I’ve pushed a button.
“Hey,” I say
“Sorry,” he lets out a huff down the phone. “Stop giving him a hard time. ”
“Since when did you become a Caleb Frazer fan?” I ask.
This entire conversation has surprised me.
“Since I watched the man tie himself in knots, turning a city upside down trying to find you.”
My breath catches as my brain tries to absorb all Samuel has said. My head wants to rebel, but my heart tells me he’s telling the truth.
“Okay, I’ll accept his help. But I’ll find a way to repay him.”
Samuel chuckles. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“Look, I need to go. Chloe is waiting patiently for me in the other room,” I say, before adding, “And Samuel, thank you for always being there for me.”
“Always, baby girl, always. I’m only repaying the favour.”
We disconnect, and I stare at my phone. Should I be jealous? Few people impress Samuel. He’s jaded. His past, like mine, has made him so. It’s why we’re two peas in a pod. But there’s something about Cal that he admires. I can see it in his stance and how they are around one another. I get the impression the feeling is mutual. After all, Cal went to him to track me down.
I move back into the main area and look at Chloe, who is busy trying to occupy herself on her phone.
“Let’s do this,” I say, which earns me a great big smile.
“Perfect,” she says, moving to the first rack. “We’ll start with casual and move up. Just so you know. I also have a case full of dance and gym gear. Apparently, all the brands you like. Mr Frazer asked your friend which you preferred.”
I roll my eyes. “I feel ganged up on. They’ve been colluding behind my back.”
Chloe laughs. “They both clearly care about you,” she says, and I decide against correcting her. I’m not going to try to guess what’s going on in Caleb Frazer’s head.