Caleb

by Trent, Emily Jane

Chapter 5

  Caleb was in the kitchen making chicken soup from a package he’d found in the cupboard. Feeling tired, Livi stretched out on the sofa to rest her head and reflect on the evening. She remembered the performance and the joy of accomplishment—then disaster.

  Livi had shared her memory of the incident, and Caleb had described how she’d clutched the curtain, sliding down as if descending a fire pole. She didn’t recall that part, as those last few seconds were occluded.

  Livi trembled to envision her fall if she’d hit with her full body weight. Her head would be in much worse shape—if she’d survived it. She hugged a couch pillow to her chest, the shock wearing off and reality setting in.

  The next thing Livi remembered was opening her eyes and seeing Caleb. The vision of his face would be burned in her mind from then on. He had stepped in and taken charge of her safety. She sighed, letting relief flow through her.

  She didn’t want to think of facing Alex. It was all too much, and she was exhausted. The doctor had ordered her to rest, and that was all she had the strength for. Having Caleb in the kitchen and staying to care for her was a comfort.

  Caleb was a friend yet so much more. He had reappeared in her life, and his presence was exciting. He was sexier than she’d remembered, and he had been hot then. Livi didn’t know where the relationship would go, if there was a chance that there was a relationship after tonight.

  Having Caleb serve her chicken soup was a thrill, because he was with her. Her emotions were in turmoil and a tinge of anxiety surfaced. She didn’t want Caleb to go, but there was no reason for him to stay. Yet if her head didn’t hurt, she might not be responsible for her actions.

  Caleb came in the living room, carrying a tray of food. “I thought it would be easier to bring this to you.”

  “I can walk to the kitchen.”

  “So I see.” Caleb set the tray on the coffee table. “Is that why you’re lying on the sofa?”

  He did have a point, and Livi was feeling wiped out. “I’ll sit in the chair, then you can hand me the tray.”

  Caleb made a drool-worthy waiter, along with his other attributes. He frowned, endearing Livi to him even more. “Need help?”

  Livi waved the spoon at him. “I draw the line at being spoon-fed. My head was injured, not my arms.” She nibbled one of the crackers on the tray and stirred the soup.

  Caleb returned to the kitchen and came back with a microwave dinner on a tray. “I found this in your freezer…I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Please, help yourself.”

  Caleb took big bites of the low-fat cuisine he’d found for a late-night snack. He’d devoured the meal before her soup was half eaten.

  “I’m sure that didn’t fill you up,” Livi said. “There is mint chocolate chip ice cream in the freezer.”

  “Yep, I saw it.” Caleb headed for the kitchen. “I’m going for that next.”

  The scene was awfully domestic, and Livi rather liked it. She finished her soup and crackers, then started on the applesauce. “Here, you can take this,” she said, lifting her tray when she was finished.

  Caleb came to the rescue and bused the dishes into the kitchen. When he returned, Livi was sitting on the sofa. “I think the medication the doctor gave me is wearing off,” she said. “I’m starting to get one doozy of a headache.”

  “I expected you would.” Caleb brought her a couple of painkillers with a glass of water.

  Livi downed the meds and rubbed her temples.

  “I think it’s time for bed,” Caleb said.

  Livi gave him a sexy look, but he was having none of it. “The doctor said to rest. You need to sleep.”

  Caleb helped her up from the sofa, not that she needed it. But having his arm around her wasn’t objectionable. “Do you need anything?”

  “I can change and get into bed, if that’s what you mean.” Livi would prefer that Caleb assisted, but not in the way he meant. She needed to get it together before she passed the point of no return. The attraction was getting the better of her. Maybe trauma did that to a person; the doctor did say she might experience mood changes—but she was grasping at straws.

  “I’ll sleep out here,” Caleb said, “but leave your door open so I can check on you.”

  This night was improving. Now if only the meds would kill the fistfight going on in her head.

  “There is bedding in the hall closet,” Livi said, then pointed to the sofa. “And that pulls out into a bed, so you can be comfortable.”

  Livi went to her room, leaving Caleb to fend for himself. She got ready for bed, so tired that she thought she could sleep for a week. She snuggled into bed with the covers under her chin and could see a faint light from the other room.

  The pain had lessened but her head felt heavy. She wasn’t going to last long. Her last thought was of Caleb. And it wasn’t about him helping to put on her PJs like she was an invalid. She envisioned being naked in bed beside him, remembered his muscled physique, and her body responded with delightful sensations.

  *****

  If Caleb checked on Livi during the night, she wasn’t aware of it. She’d been out cold, and when she woke up, sunshine lit the window. She slipped out of bed and took more painkillers as a precaution. She wasn’t nearly as stiff and sore as she’d anticipated.

  Livi showered and dressed, feeling decent. Her energy hadn’t returned but she didn’t have any new symptoms. Her balance was fine and her vision clear. There was a dull ache in her head, but she could live with that.

  Before stepping out to the living room, Livi had the mischievous thought that she might find Caleb sleeping. She envisioned the covers tossed away, and he’d be naked…

  But Livi found the sofa empty and the bedding stacked at one end, neatly folded, military style. She went to the kitchen to find Caleb cooking breakfast. He wore a white cotton shirt that strained under his chest muscles, and the sleeves hugged his pumped biceps.

  “Good morning,” Caleb said, flashing her a charming smile.

  It was a good thing that Caleb was only staying over one night, because Livi didn’t think she’d survive another—especially since she was feeling so much better. If Caleb was going to dress like that, he couldn’t expect her to resist.

  “Breakfast?” Livi went to the counter and ogled the strawberry pancakes.

  “The strawberries were frozen,” Caleb said. “That’s all you had.”

  “I’m sure I can suffer through.” The food looked delicious, and Livi was starved. “Mmm, coffee.” She poured a cup then sat at the table, prepared to be served.

  Caleb dished up the pancakes and sat across the table. He’d already put out the butter, syrup, and utensils.

  “I know I hit my head yesterday, but I didn’t know I hit it that hard. It looks like you’ve made a scrumptious stack of pancakes for me…but I’m sure I’m dreaming.”

  “If that’s all it takes to impress you, I’m in good shape,” Caleb said, then took a bite dripping in syrup.

  “And this coffee is really good,” Livi said. “Do they teach you that in the Navy?”

  “They teach survival.” Caleb winked at her. “You can’t survive without coffee.”

  Livi devoured her breakfast then poured a second cup of coffee. “A girl could easily get spoiled being pampered like this.”

  “How’s the head?” Caleb said.

  “It’s not my first concussion,” Livi said. “I’m a dancer, remember? There were times I leaped in the air and my partner’s timing was off, so I hit the floor. A face plant can cause a concussion. I can attest to that. As concussions go, this one isn’t as bad as I feared.”

  “You must have a hard head.”

  “So I’ve been told.” Livi carried her dishes to the sink. “And before you start worrying, I’m not going to the academy to teach today. I texted Elena that I’m cancelling class.”

  “I’m glad to hear that.”

  “I have an appointment with my dance therapist,” Livi said. “And I have some e
rrands. This will be a good opportunity to catch up on those.”

  Caleb studied her.

  “You don’t have to follow me around…as gorgeous as you are.” Livi grinned. “I’ll be careful.”

  “You aren’t supposed to stress your brain,” Caleb said. “It needs a chance to heal.”

  “I promise to do only brainless tasks today.” Livi looked into his deep brown eyes. “Satisfied?”

  Caleb only smiled.

  When the kitchen cleanup was done, Caleb said, “What time is your therapy, because you still need to go to the police station.”

  Livi’s spirits sagged. “I’m not anxious to do that.”

  “I’ll be with you,” Caleb said. “Since I didn’t make it back with the team last night, I didn’t have transportation. A couple of the guys delivered my truck. It’s out front, so I’ll even drive you to the station.”

  Livi groaned, but there was no way out. Alex had to be stopped. But why was it that Livi had to be the one to make him pay for his deeds?

  *****

  The police station was intimidating, making Livi feel as though she’d committed a crime. The incident report had been filed, but the offender had not been arrested. There hadn’t been proof of a crime, and the allegations had been denied. Livi’s fall had been logged as an accident.

  With Caleb by her side, Livi provided enough evidence to make the police file a criminal complaint. The court would mail the document to the defendant. He would be required to appear in court and make a plea regarding charges. Alex was going to be furious, but it served him right.

  Caleb had the interviewing officer’s attention. He showed his credentials, mentioned that he was ex-military, and explained that he’d been in charge of protection last night, which appeared to garner professional respect. He went on record as a witness and told the officer in no uncertain terms what he’d seen.

  Livi had been nervous about challenging Alex. It was her word against his, and she knew how that would turn out. But with Caleb on her side, the odds shifted. Whether the case would go in her favor, she couldn’t say. She’d done the right thing, although she dreaded facing Alex.

  “I have to work with the guy, you know,” Livi said when outside.

  “Not for long,” Caleb said. “If he’s nailed for this crime, he won’t keep his job as artistic director.”

  “You’d be surprised.”

  Caleb waited for her to explain.

  “Never mind. I’ll tell you about it later,” Livi said. “But thank you for everything.”

  Livi kissed Caleb’s cheek then said, “Gotta go.” She had to get to her appointment, but she looked back to see Caleb still standing in front of the station.

  “I’ll text later to check on you,” Caleb said.

  Livi waved then went on her way. She was used to walking in Philly, since it was the best way to get around—and her therapist was only a couple of blocks away. She didn’t want Caleb to take the day off work, and he would have if he thought she needed him. She’d assured him that she wasn’t in critical condition, and that she would let him know if that changed. As long as she was careful, she would be fine.

  On the way to the therapist, Livi thought of Caleb. She liked having him around—a little too much. She had better steel herself against getting attached. A disaster had drawn them together, but chicken soup and strawberry pancakes didn’t mean they had a relationship. And a trip to the hospital wasn’t a date.

  The entrance to the medical office was half a block ahead, so Livi tried to put romance out of her mind. She went up the elevator to her therapist’s office, and the receptionist took her back. Angela Wittmore was a dance movement therapist.

  That required training in physical therapy plus knowledge of the movement of dance. In ballet, dancers used their bodies to create extraordinary movements with precise control. Understanding the range of motion and strength required took special training. A dance therapist was required to be a former dancer as well.

  Livi didn’t wait in the treatment room for long. Angela knocked then entered. She was in her late thirties, with shoulder-length blond hair and blue eyes. She was slender and graceful, having danced professionally for ten years.

  Once a month, Livi had a session and looked forward to it. Angela was a topnotch therapist, plus she understood the world of ballet. It was helpful to have another woman to talk to, one who had been through similar stresses during her career.

  Angela began with some light massage. “What’s new with you?”

  Livi relayed recent events, then said, “A concussion doesn’t prevent me from having physical therapy. If anything, it’s relaxing, which I’m sure is an aid to recovery.”

  Angela wasn’t as shocked about Livi being injured by her director as another might be. She’d been a part of the ballet world and had her own stories to tell. Over the years, she had shared many with Livi.

  While Livi went through the therapy session, Angela shared insight on current ballet news. Some of it was enlightening. “It seems that last year turned out to be ballet’s reckoning, when the longtime director of the New York City ballet stepped down.”

  “Yes, I followed that story,” Livi said. “He denied all allegations, yet he resigned from his position after his misconduct was talked about in the media.”

  “And two months afterwards, in Canada there was an evening of dance on the subject of women…without a single female choreographer on the program.”

  “That’s how it has been everywhere,” Livi said.

  “Last spring, in Paris, the opera ballet dancers claimed bullying and expressed dissatisfaction with their male director,” Angela said.

  “Yet ballet’s choreography, teaching, and artistic direction have long been dominated by men,” Livi said. “We need to seize the opportunity and consider what ballet’s future might look like…if women were allowed to participate in the management.”

  Angela sat across from Livi, briefly interrupting the therapy session. “That’s why I agree with what you’re doing by seeking the position of artistic director.”

  “It’s a glass ceiling, but a few other women have broken through,” Livi said. “I’m determined to do the same and play a role in changing conditions. But it’s not easy. You know that Alex is going to fight me every step of the way.”

  “He plays dirty,” Angela said. “His violent behavior is reprehensible. I’m hoping that last night’s incident will make it more difficult for him.”

  “Alex has a lot of backing,” Livi said. “He’s tight with the major donors and the board of directors—all of whom receive benefit from supporting him.”

  “I’m sure of that.”

  “But I’m not going into this unprepared,” Livi said. “I’ve been to all of the fundraisers over the last few years, and I’ve made a few allies of my own. And there is a chance the board will listen once I shed light on the brutal methods Alex employs.”

  For the rest of the session, Livi chatted with Angela. It was great to have a friend who understood how things worked, and what Livi faced. It was an uphill battle, but she was determined that Alex wouldn’t win.

  *****

  Livi was under doctor’s orders to rest, so dancing was off-limits for a week or so. She planned to wait a few days before instructing class, too. But she had a lot to keep up with, so at the end of the afternoon, she went to the academy.

  Since it was late, Livi hoped to avoid Alex. He would know that she’d pressed charges, since he had friends in the police department. He wouldn’t have to wait for snail mail to receive the news.

  But Livi wasn’t going to cower in the corner and stay away. She had a job to do, and her dancers counted on her. Facing Alex was inevitable, although she preferred to avoid another confrontation so soon.

  Luckily, Alex had left before she arrived. Livi went to the office, where Elena was still wrapping up some paperwork. “Livi, I’m so glad to see you.”

  Livi gave her a hug. “That must have been so frighten
ing, when you heard what happened.”

  “Me…what about you?”

  “Yes, I was scared, I admit it,” Livi said. “But I had a lot of good care.”

  “Caleb?”

  Livi smiled. “He was great to go to the hospital with me. And he stayed with me last night.”

  Elena widened her eyes.

  “He slept on the couch,” Livi said. “I guess you figured out that he’s a friend. He knew Brendon.”

  “I’m sure there’s more to that story.”

  “Yes, and I promise to tell you,” Livi said. “But I have a dull headache, so I think tales of my past will have to wait.”

  “I’ll wait,” Elena said. “Caleb is gorgeous… That smile. And those muscles.”

  “Yeah, don’t get me started.”

  Elena went back to work, tapping on her keyboard.

  When Livi’s phone dinged, she checked for a text, figuring Caleb might check on her. But it was Alex. I don’t advise you to pursue a case against me. We need to meet somewhere and talk. We can work this out.

  That was a thinly veiled threat. I don’t advise you to meant you’ll be sorry if you don’t stop. Livi knew Alex too well to believe that he was being nice. There wasn’t a chance in hell that she’d meet him somewhere. But she was at a loss about how to handle this.

  Livi was rattled, as she’d been on the receiving end of Alex and his temper less than a day ago. She wasn’t anxious to be alone with him for any reason. Needing support, she shared the text with Elena.

  “You can’t agree to meet him alone,” Elena said.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it,” Livi said. “I don’t know how to deal with this level of aggression. I need to steer clear of Alex, yet I still work for him.”

  “It’s awkward, but if you only engage with him inside the academy, you can be sure that you aren’t alone.”

  “Caleb would want me to tell him about that text,” Livi said. “But I hate to, because I’ve already been enough trouble.”

  “I doubt he sees it that way,” Elena said. “In a situation like this, you need some muscle on your side. We both know the police won’t be enough.”

  “I’m lucky they even filed a complaint against Alex.”