43. Caleb
Chapter forty-three
I think this is the first time I’ve truly had fun at a black-tie event.
Most of the time, they only feel like a place to maintain relationships in the business world. Potentially meet someone to sneak off with later if I didn’t bring someone with me.
With Lex, my cheeks ache from smiling so hard.
I’ve introduced her to as many people as I can find, boasting about Legacy Malt and Jed’s Tavern.
I’ve even name-dropped Claire’s salon for making my girl look so lovely tonight.
Not that Lex needs help in that department. She always looks stunning to me.
When I first noticed her standing with Gage, my heart stopped.
Her red hair is pulled back into a sleek high ponytail, gold crystals hanging within the strands.
The tight bodice of her dress is covered in pearls and gold sequins, and falls into a soft tulle skirt.
She looks like a goddess. A siren queen. My Siren.
“I’m just going to the bathroom, and then we’ll make our debut on the dancefloor. Sound good?” I say into Lex’s ear.
We’ve just finished the dining course. The whole time we’ve been at the table, she’s had a hand resting on my thigh. It felt so possessive, so wonderfully claiming. Her cheeks are slightly flushed from the champagne she’s been sipping all night.
My sister forced us all to have a shot at the start of the night, even our parents and grandparents were roped into that one, but it felt so nice to have Lex included in that moment. She felt like she had always belonged with us.
I smile as she nods to my question, places a quick kiss on my cheek, then turns back to her conversation with my mother and Beth.
I get stopped a few times on my way to the bathroom, but manage to escape any drawn-out conversations.
I manage to avoid a long queue, getting in and out of the bathroom quickly.
Once I’m on my way back to our table, I spot James and Jackson by the bar, leaning in and talking with serious expressions.
I should probably make conversation with them, but I’ll wait until I can coerce Gage to join me so we can keep the focus on Smoke and Barrel and not give James the opportunity to bring up Lex.
Especially since we’ve been very open with our relationship tonight.
I pivot in the crowd to try to avoid the High Rollers’ line of sight and instead cross another path I’d rather avoid.
“Caleb. I was hoping to run into you tonight.”
Mia grabs my hand, pulling me down so she can kiss my cheek. She uses the move to step far too close into my body, making my pulse spike, and I quickly step back.
“Hi, Mia. How are you?”
“Work keeps me busy.” She shrugs. “Although I was disappointed I didn’t hear back from you. Didn’t you get my text?”
I shove my hands in my pockets, trying to look casual and disinterested.
I don’t want to give her any ideas. I could lie and say I didn’t get it.
Say I changed my number. But all that would do is spare Mia’s feelings when Lex’s are the only ones I care for.
“Actually, I have a serious girlfriend now. I’ve blocked anyone from the past from my phone.
I don’t want anything to disrupt what I’m building with Lex. ”
Her eyebrows jump up. “So, it’s true?”
“What?”
“I’ve heard chatter all night that Caleb Heart brought a girlfriend, but I didn’t believe it. ”
“I’m happy to confirm it.” I smile.
“The playboy extraordinaire has been tamed,” she muses.
“She must be quite special to have captured your attention enough that you’d put a label on it.
I didn’t think you were interested in that.
” She sways her hips in an over-the-top way as she crowds my space and rests a hand on my chest. “Especially when you used to be so eager to have casual fun. Multiple times.”
I step back again and bump into a table, halting any further retreat. “She is special. And if you don’t mind, she’s waiting for me.” I dart around Mia and throw myself into the crowd, eager to get back to Lex.
I drop into my chair and wrap a hand around Lex’s waist, leaving a kiss on her shoulder as I’m filled with a sense of gratitude to have her here with me, not just tonight, but in my life.
“Can I steal you for a dance now?” I whisper.
“I would love that.” She turns to say something to my mother and sister, then stands from her seat.
I look up at her, pure happiness on her face as she peers down at where I’m still seated.
My heart beats as I imagine a similar position.
Her standing before me, and me on my knees, begging her to be mine forever.
There’s a buzz in my veins, glee fizzing through my fingertips.
I really must google if marriage kink is a thing. Maybe I’m just that far gone for her.
“Caleb, you dropped this in the bathroom.”
My brows pinch at the interruption of Mia’s voice.
When I turn to her, she’s holding out the red pocket square that was folded into my suit jacket.
She stuffs it back into its rightful place, then wipes the corner of her mouth as if she’s suggesting something.
She has the audacity to wink, and my blood boils, snatching the high I was on just moments ago.
“What are you doing, Mia?” I glare at her as I stand from my seat and hold Lex against me.
She touches her chest, faux shock painted on her face. “What do you mean? ”
“Don’t give me that shit. You know what you’re doing, and I know what you’re doing.”
She softens her face, but I can see right through the facade she’s throwing up.
“Caleb, I’m not sure what you mean. It was just some fun.
I thought you would appreciate your pocket square back.
I know how much you appreciate a well put-together suit, just as much as you appreciate getting out of it. ”
“I think you’re forgetting who you’re talking to.” My words cause her composure to slip slightly, before she adjusts her stance and tilts her chin up. “You will apologise to Lex for what you’re implying, and then I suggest you leave my family’s event.”
Mia clicks her tongue and looks beside us to where the rest of my family sits. I don’t know if I’ve been loud enough for them to pick up on the tension, but if I have, I hope they’re all staring daggers at her.
“Lex, I apologise. Caleb and I exchanged nothing more than conversation earlier. Tonight, that is,” she says with a smirk, then turns, only to run right into my sister.
Beth’s arms are crossed over her chest. She looks as vicious as the hounds of Hell.
“Daddy, will you give me an advance on my chore money this week?” she calls out.
“A what, sweetie?” my dad says from somewhere behind my back.
“An advance on my chore money. I was just going to take out the trash,” Beth says as her eyes practically spit fire while they run up and down Mia.
“Oh, I’ll pay you for that one, angel,” says Grams.
“Don’t expect to find yourself on another Heart guest list, Malibu Barbie,” my sister warns.
Mia scoffs and stalks around Beth without a backward glance.
“I’m just going to make sure she can find the exit. ”
“Be gentle when you push her through it, Bethy, we don’t want any assault charges.” Grams snickers.
I hold Lex’s face in my hands, guilt souring my guts. “I’m sorry that happened, baby. I’m so sorry.”
She holds my wrists, stroking her thumb along the back of my hand. “It’s okay, I know you have a past. I’m not worried.”
“You’re not?”
“I trust you.” The sincerity in her words is like warmth wrapping around my heart.
I rest my forehead against hers. I don’t know what I did to deserve her trust. Her vulnerability. But I know what a gift it is.
“Besides, I’ve read the articles. I know how many women are walking around with broken hearts because they never made it to a second date with you. I know what we have is different. I know what we have means something to you.”
“It means everything. You mean everything.”
“I’ll be yours, if you’ll be mine.” She smiles. Every time she says those words, I feel owned by her a little more.
She rests her arms over my shoulders, all playful and flirty. “I believe my boyfriend promised me a spin around the dancefloor.”
“Lead the way, Siren.”