Acting The Part

Chapter 14: Caleb

I pulled up to Megan's building at precisely 6 PM. Punctuality had always been important to me, but tonight, there was more to it. I was actually looking forward to this, more than I'd anticipated. Today wasn't just about putting on a show or sealing another business deal.

Tonight, I was taking her out.

I leaned back in the driver's seat for a moment, my eyes scanning the entrance of her old apartment building. I'd sent over a team earlier to help her and her roommate with the move to the condo, but she had more things that I thought possible could fit in this box masquerading as a shitty apartment.

The condo wasn't the best place I owned, but it was miles better than this shithole. I told her it would be temporary until we tied the knot. Then she'd stay with me at my place—our place, if she ever let herself think of it that way.

I checked the time again, my fingers drumming against the steering wheel. Where was she?

Just as I was about to step out of the car, the door to the building opened—and there she was.

Fuck.

Megan stepped out into the evening light, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. She was wearing this white dress, almost conservative in its cut, but the way it hugged her curves was anything but.

It was like the fabric was painted onto her body, accentuating every dip and swell, clinging to her like it was her second skin. The purity of the white against her skin made her look almost angelic, but I knew better.

She was no angel, and that dress, despite its modest length, was doing nothing to hide the sinful thoughts running rampant through my mind.

She walked toward the car, her hips swaying just enough to make my mouth go dry, and I cursed under my breath.

How the hell was I supposed to take her somewhere public tonight? I didn't want anyone else's eyes on her. This beauty, this fire—she was mine to savor, mine to touch. But I had to put on a show, take her somewhere where the rich and famous frequented.

I had plans for tonight, plans that involved introducing her to some of my friends, especially Mr. Brent, a famous director I'd done business with before. He was always looking for new faces, and Megan's face—well, it was unforgettable.

She smiled as she approached, her eyes sparkling, and I couldn't help but return it. I stepped out of the car, circling around to open the door for her like the gentleman I was pretending to be tonight.

"You look beautiful, Megan," I said, my voice a little rougher than I intended. I was trying to keep things light, but damn, she was making it hard.

Her smile widened, a hint of pride in her eyes as she glanced down at herself. "Thanks. I wasn't sure if this was too much."

"Trust me, it's just enough," I said, opening the door for her. "Maybe even a little too perfect."

Her eyes flickered with curiosity as she slid into the passenger seat, and I shut the door behind her, taking a moment to collect myself before getting back into the driver's seat. Keep it together, Caleb. You've got a plan for tonight. Stick to it.

But as soon as I got into the car, the scent of her perfume hit me, and whatever self-control I had left went straight out the window. My hand moved on its own, sliding over her thigh, feeling the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her dress.

She shot me a look, one eyebrow raised. "We haven't even left yet," she teased, but she didn't push my hand away.

"I can't help it," I muttered, my fingers slipping higher, brushing the hem of her dress. "You're making it impossible to focus."

Before I could stop myself, I leaned over, capturing her lips in a kiss. It was soft at first, just a taste, but the moment she responded, I lost all sense of restraint. My hand slid further up, and I froze when I realized she was only wearing this thin thong, might as well not wear anything.

"Megan," I growled against her lips, my hand slipping under her dress to cup her bare ass. "You're not—"

She smirked against my mouth, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes, her own filled with mischief. "Surprise."

Fuck.

I didn't even think. My hand moved, pulling her thong down her legs and tossing it somewhere in the car. She gasped, her cheeks flushing as she slapped my arm, but it wasn't out of anger. It was playful, teasing.

"Caleb, we're going to be late," she scolded, her voice breathless as I kissed her neck, my hand still exploring the bare skin under her dress.

"You've got no underwear on," I muttered, my lips brushing against her ear. "How am I supposed to focus when all I can think about is bending you over and taking you right here?"

She let out a soft laugh, pushing me back just enough to meet my eyes. "You'll suffer throughout the night, Caleb. You'll be sitting there, thinking all about how I'm naked under this dress. How easy it would be to just bend me over the table and fuck me right in front of everyone."

Her hand slid down to my lap, and I groaned as she squeezed my cock through my pants, giving me just enough pressure to drive me insane.

"Megan," I warned, my voice strained. But she just smirked, pulling her hand away and opening the car door as soon as we stopped outside the restaurant.

She didn't wait for me to come around and open the door for her. No, she stepped out on her own, giving me a teasing glance over her shoulder as she walked toward the entrance, leaving me sitting there, hard as a fucking rock.

I took a deep breath, adjusting myself before climbing out of the car. I couldn't let her get the upper hand, not tonight. I caught up to her, slipping my arm around her waist as we walked into the restaurant together.

Her body fit perfectly against mine as we moved, and I could feel the tension humming just beneath the surface. She was comfortable in her own skin, but I noticed the way she was biting the inside of her lip—a nervous habit I'd picked up on. She was putting on a brave face, but there was something about tonight that had her on edge.

I leaned down, my lips brushing against her ear as I whispered, "I'm here, baby. Don't be nervous. Just be yourself. I'm going to introduce you to some important people later, but you've got nothing to worry about."

She gave me a small, grateful smile, relaxing a little as we made our way through the restaurant. But before we could reach our table, someone stepped in front of us, blocking our path.

"Caleb, fancy meeting you here!" a voice called out, dripping with enthusiasm.

I looked up and immediately recognized the blonde standing in front of me. Shit. Violette. Of all the people to run into tonight, it had to be her.

Violette was a walking bombshell, all curves and platinum blonde hair, the kind of woman who turned heads wherever she went. And the kind of woman I had a history with. A history that I wasn't particularly interested in revisiting right now.

"Violette," I said, my voice carefully neutral as I tightened my arm around Megan's waist. "It's been a while."

Violette's bright blue eyes flicked to Megan, but the smile on her lips didn't falter. She was good at this game. "And who's this?" she asked, her eyes scanning Megan like she was a rival.

I could feel Megan tense beside me, but before I could say anything, Violette stepped closer, effectively ignoring her as she focused all her attention on me.

"Well," Violette purred, "I didn't expect to see you here. We should catch up sometime, don't you think?"

I felt Megan's hand tighten on my arm, and I glanced down at her. She wasn't the jealous type—at least, I didn't think she was—but I could tell Violette was getting under her skin. Megan aimed the pink diamond ring toward her as if saying, The man is mine.

"Actually," I said, my voice firm as I met Violette's gaze, "this is Megan. My fiancée."

Violette's smile faltered for a split second before it was back, brighter than ever. But I could see the flicker of surprise in her eyes, and I couldn't help but feel a small sense of satisfaction.