“Marjorie Fanslow. Nice to meet you.” She smiled and then tucked the envelope under her arm. Caleb hoped that she was honest, and that Angelique would actually receive the envelope. He turned around and then made his way back to the door. Before leaving, he glanced over his shoulder one last time to see if she was there. Then he sighed and headed out the door.
At eight o’clock that night, after he had made himself a vegetable stir fry and had watched the sun set from his wrap-around deck, Caleb heard his phone ring. He didn’t want to get his hopes up, so he told himself that the private number was probably just a client calling him to ask about an upcoming project. He answered and then smiled when he heard Angelique’s voice.
“Caleb? It’s Angelique.” Her voice was soothing and kind. Caleb sat down and gave Romeo a pat on the head.
“Hi, Angelique. How are you?” Caleb was impressed that Marjorie had followed through with her words.
“I’m doing well. Thanks. Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I’m a hug fan of Galaxy Spa. Thanks for the gift.” She smiled and Caleb wondered if he should be so brazen as to ask her out a second time.
“Well, I’m glad that you’ll enjoy it. I just wanted to let you know that I think you’re a beautiful woman, and even though you aren’t interested in dating right this second…” His voice trailed off and he ran his hands through his hair, trying not to talk so much as to sound like a fool.
“Well, actually…” Angelique paused and then smiled. “I was thinking about it and I have a day that just opened up next week. They cancelled one of our travel shoots, so I’ll be in New York on Thursday instead of Patagonia. Would you like to meet up for lunch at Zuba’s on South?” Angelique lounged on her chaise and waited for Caleb’s response.
“I’ve wanted to try out Zuba’s on South for the last year. I’m not kidding. My buddy told me that they get great bands and that they have a killer menu.” He smiled, the feeling of satisfaction permeating his inner core.
“Sounds like a date, then.” Angelique grinned and then stood up and walked onto her balcony. The sky was now dotted with stars and a cool breeze shifted through the valley. She leaned her arms on the railing, then twirled around and flitted back inside.
“What time would you like to meet?” Caleb didn’t even check his schedule to see if he had any clients booked for that afternoon. If he did, they’d have to be rescheduled.
“Does noon work for you?” Angelique was always good with suggestions.
“Perfect. I’ll see you there.” Caleb smiled and then hung up the phone. He gave Romeo another pat on the head and then looked up at the New York sky. Something told him that his life was about to change for the better.
When he got up the next morning, he thought about calling Victor and telling him that he finally got a date with Angelique. Then he decided that he’d just keep it to himself. He wanted to make sure that she actually had an interest in him before he went broadcasting his personal life.
It felt like it took forever for Thursday to arrive. Caleb was generally a patient man, but having to wait all week to finally see Angelique made him anxious. He shook his head and laughed as he tried to concentrate on his work. He was falling hard, and he had only met her once.
Zuba’s on South had a local jazz band on Thursday. Caleb parked in the lot and watched as a few of the musicians carried their instruments in the back door. He felt nervous which made him chuckle. He had always been overly confident on dates, and had often found himself bored easily. He already knew that an afternoon spent with Angelique Sevaugn would be anything but boring.
When she showed up in her black convertible Mercedes, Caleb whistled softly under his breath. She parked and got out, turning heads as soon as she did. She wore a silky red shirt and a pair of black leggings with leather boots. Her hair was down and it looked thick and wavy. Her stride was long and deliberate, and he watched her for a few more minutes before climbing out from behind the wheel.
“You look amazing.” Caleb met her at the door and held it open so she could walk inside.
“Thanks, Caleb. I’m glad we could get together.” She adjusted her purse and was about to say something else when one of the jazz musicians approached her.
“Excuse me, miss. Aren’t you the model whose face is on the billboard coming into Brooklyn?” He cocked his head to the side and Angelique smiled and nodded her head.
“Yes. That’s me.” She looked at Caleb and then looked back at the musician.
“My name’s Sachi. Feel free to visit us when the show is over. Drinks are on me.” He winked and then strutted way. Caleb pretended not to be irritated, but it was hard to hide his emotions. He knew that dating a woman like Angelique would probably test his self-confidence and his trust. Clearly, she received attention anywhere that she went. He told himself to just take it one step at a time, instead of worrying about situations that he’d likely never have any control over.
The hostess showed them to a window table that was seated right in front of the band. Jasmine sat down and then Caleb pushed in her chair. She smiled at his chivalrous gesture. The band warmed up and the waiter dropped off menus. Caleb folded his hands and gazed in Angelique’s eyes. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week.” He watched as she got comfortable in her seat.
“You know, I didn’t mean to come off so uninterested that night at Salvio’s.” Angelique lowered her voice and rocked forward slightly in her chair. “It’s just that I haven’t dated much lately, and I really do have limited free time ever since signing on with Ford.” She straightened her posture and the waiter reappeared with drink menus.
“I completely understand. I have a pretty busy life, myself. But I wanted to make sure that I took time out for a woman like you.” Caleb smiled and then opened his drink menu. He ordered a Jack and Coke and then watched as Angelique ordered a glass of white wine.
“Thanks for understanding, Caleb. You really do seem like a great guy.” She batted her eyelashes and Caleb’s heart fluttered once again. He could pick up the faint scent of almonds mixed with honey and assumed that it was Angelique’s perfume.
The two sat quietly for a minute, sipping on their drinks when they arrived, and watching as the band tuned up its instruments. Caleb wanted to ask Angelique so many questions, but the also didn’t want to come on too strong. He took a deep breath and then smiled. “You know, I could tell as soon as I saw you that you’re different. I mean, you are obviously a stunning woman. I know that you probably hear that all the time. But, I can sense something else with you, and I feel like I need to explore whatever it is that has me so attracted to you.” He nodded his head with enthusiasm.
Angelique looked away and blushed. As frequent as it was that she received compliments, there was something about hearing such flattery from Caleb that made her warm inside. “I appreciate that. The modeling life is definitely grueling sometimes. You know, with all the egos and the superficiality. So, I have an agreement with myself that I’ll never forget my roots. I have a lot to be thankful for.” She nodded her head and then sipped on her wine.
Caleb could feel Sachi watching Angelique from his position on the stage. The band drew a large crowd and soon the small space in front of the stage was filled with people drinking and dancing. Caleb stood up and reached for Angelique’s hand. She got up as well and let Caleb take her to the dance floor.
Caleb drew Angelique close to his body and moved to the beat of the music. Angelique was impressed with his style and soon fell into a rhythm, dancing and laughing as the band played on. She held his hand and let herself go for what seemed like an eternity. There were no thoughts of work, of schedules, or of obligations. She closed her eyes and a feeling of warmth and connection washed over her spirit.
“You smell so good.” Caleb pressed his face against Angelique’s hair for a moment, unable to resist the urge to touch her in some fashion. She smiled and continued to dance with him in front of the band.
The crowd on the dance floor slow
ly dispersed when the music slowed down in tempo. Caleb drew Angelique closer and whispered in her ear. “I’d love to see you again. I want to spend more time with you.” He held her hand and they danced slowly, like they had known each other for much longer than a week.
“I think that sounds nice. I feel the same way.” She rested her head on his shoulder and enjoyed the temporary closeness, the comfort that came from being in the presence of a confident and caring man. The music finally ended, and everyone clapped with appreciation.
“Angelique. Let’s go for a walk before we leave.” Caleb took her by the shoulders and gazed into her eyes. “It’s beautiful out tonight, and the moon is full.” He didn’t want to say goodbye, and he wanted to maximize the time that he had with her.
“Sounds perfect.” Angelique looked in Caleb’s eyes and then walked toward the table. Caleb studied her figure once again and swooned at the sight of her voluptuous and curvaceous body. After the waiter came, Caleb insisted on paying for the bill, and the two made their way to the front of the lounge. When they stepped outside, the moon had settled directly over the center of the valley, and cast a fine glow over the landscape.
“I love nights like these, you know?” Angelique held Caleb’s hand and smiled as they walked down the steps and away from the establishment. “I used to spend a lot of time outside when I lived in London. I was actually part of an outdoor adventure organization. We traveled all over the world and taught kids how to survive in the wilderness.” Angelique smiled with a nostalgic grin.
“That’s amazing. Where did you travel?” Caleb was even more enamored by Angelique’s personality. He could tell that she was a genuinely compassionate and giving person. She wasn’t the kind of individual who took up causes just for the sake of making herself look good. She truly cared about the people that she affected.
“Well, we spent a lot of time in different parts of Europe, and then we branched out and made trips to both Africa and Asia. It had a profound impact on my life.” Angelique nodded her head and Caleb stopped in his tracks. He drew Angelique close to his chest and then placed his hand under her chin.
“You’re incredible.” Caleb drew her face close to his and then kissed her firmly on the lips. He could smell her honey almond scent and he wanted to caress her entire body. They lingered in their kiss, under the light of the moon, and then Caleb slowly drew away. “Thank-you.” He smiled and they continued to walk down the street.
“You know, Caleb.” Angelique looked suddenly serious. “Part of the reason why it’s so hard for me to date much is also tied in to my travel. I’m sometimes away for extended periods of time, and well…” Her voice drifted off for a moment, and Caleb wondered what she was going to say next.
“I can relate. Sometimes I need to leave for days in a row.” He shook his head, thinking of how much he liked to travel, but remembering that it could also be unforgivably stressful at times, too.
“It’s the reason why many of my relationships in the past haven’t worked.” Angelique bit her lip and then looked at Caleb with a worried expression. “I was engaged last year to a wonderful man. He was from Germany. But, it just didn’t work. I had to leave New York for weeks at a time, and he wanted to start a family as soon as we got married.” Angelique shook her head and a wistful expression fell over her face. “I couldn’t make that kind of commitment.” She sighed and then realized that maybe she was sharing too much information.
Caleb was amazed at the similarities they shared. “I am completely understanding, Angelique. I’ve had similar situations. I haven’t been engaged, but I’ve been in a few really close relationships, and the work plus the travel really drove a wedge between the women that I was involved with and me.” Caleb felt a pang of sadness. He thought back to the tears and the pain that came with ending a relationship. He didn’t want to go through that again.
“Look, I just want you to know that I really do like you. A lot.” Angelique smiled and then took a deep breath. “And I don’t want to go through the same pain again.” She looked away and then looked up at the moon. “It’s really beautiful out here.” She fought back a tear and Caleb stood silently.
They held hands and walked in silence for the rest of their walk, stopping a few times to gaze together at the moon. When they reached the parking lot of Zuba’s on South, they both stood quietly and then Caleb put his hands around Angelique’s waist. “Let me make you dinner tomorrow. I’ll pick you up and bring you back to my place.” Caleb knew that he had clients to meet with during the day, but he was sure that he could work around his schedule.
“I have a shoot tomorrow morning, but I should be finished by about three. I think it can work.” Angelique smiled, slightly amused that her packed days still left time to see Caleb.
“Perfect. What’s your address?” Caleb watched as Angelique climbed into her Mercedes.
“Seven Windy Bush Lane. All the way down the valley.” She winked and then closed her door. Caleb walked toward his car and then unlocked the door. He climbed in and watched as Angelique drove away, then leaned back in his seat. He started the ignition and turned on the radio. Then he drove away from the lounge, and down the valley toward his home.
Victor called Caleb the next day. “Well congratulations, my man. Looks like you found your way in.” He laughed and Caleb smiled. “How’d you wow her?” Victor joked and sipped on his coffee.
“I used some of my natural charms, that’s all.” Caleb wandered to the end of his living room and then looked out the window. It was a sunny day in the Hudson Valley and he looked at the trees as they started to make their change from lush green to bright orange and red.
“Monica told me all about it.” Victor chuckled and then got serious. “Just be careful, Caleb. There are quite a few men that would like to be in your position right now. Some of them are going to be jealous and resentful. Just be aware.” Victor gave his friend the words of advice that he wanted, and then sipped on his coffee.
Caleb wasn’t quite sure how to react to the information, but he knew that he wasn’t going to back off just because a few people were mad that Angelique wouldn’t date them. What could he do about that? She had the right to date whomever she chose, and there wasn’t much that anyone else could do about it. “Thanks for the heads up, Victor.” Caleb nodded and then hung up the phone.
He spent the rest of his morning attending to various client requests and phone calls, aware of the fact that he couldn’t let his work get too far behind, regardless of how consumed he was with emotions over Angelique. After he had gotten himself caught up, he made a quick run to the grocery store and bought some vegetables. Then he went home and spent a few hours preparing a meal for him and Angelique to share. After he had set aside the ingredients, he took a quick shower and then got in his car to head for Windy Bush Lane.
“I see you found it oaky.” Angelique was standing on her balcony when Caleb arrived. She was wearing a pair of fitted jeans and a cropped sweater. Caleb smiled and got out of his car. “I’ll be right down.” Angelique disappeared and then gathered her purse and a sweater. She locked the door and then approached Caleb’s Range Rover. He was a true car aficionado, and liked to reserve the Range Rover for special occasions such as this one.
The sun was shining brightly and a cool breeze swept over the land. Both Caleb and Angelique smiled once they were inside the vehicle. A mutual affection was obvious between the two, and the energy in the air was filled with lightness and anticipation. Caleb couldn’t remember the last time he had been this excited to have a woman at his home.
As they made their way over the hills and along the winding roads that led to Caleb’s house, Angelique gazed out the window. She was equally as fond of the Hudson Valley s Caleb was, and she envisioned herself one day raising a family in this area. She sighed and told herself not to get too excited yet. Yet it was becoming increasingly difficult to contain her true emotions.
When they arrived at Caleb’s mansion, he parked the Range Rover a
nd climbed out from behind the wheel. He opened up Angelique’s door and led her to the front steps, where she stood back and admired the architecture of his home. “This place looks amazing.” She grinned with approval and then waited as Caleb unlocked the door and led her inside.
“Please. Make yourself comfortable, Angelique. Tell me what you’d like to drink. I have wine, if that appeals to you.” Caleb raised his eyebrows and headed to the bar. Angelique nodded her head and took a seat on the couch.
“A glass of wine sounds perfect.” She smiled and then sat back, crossing her legs and looking around with satisfaction at Caleb’s elaborate yet tasteful décor. He brought her a glass of wine and then retreated to the kitchen where he resumed his preparation of their dinner. After he had placed the savory dish into the oven to heat, he entered the living room and made himself a rum and Coke. Then he settled next to Angelique on the couch.
“I think this calls for a toast.” He smiled and raised his glass. Angelique did the same. “To new and beautiful beginnings.” He winked and they clanged their glasses together. They sipped their drinks with lingering glances and then Caleb got up to bring out the food.
“Caleb, your house is amazing. I am really impressed.” Angelique sat back and played with her hair as Caleb entered the room with two steaming plates of food.
“I’m glad you like it. Hopefully you’ll be spending a lot of time here.” Caleb winked and sat down. Angelique’s eyes widened when she saw the elaborate meal that Caleb had prepared.
“Is this a vegetable enchilada? I love Mexican.” She dove in and Caleb nodded his head, thrilled that she enjoyed the food. “You’ll have to let me return the favor one night. My specialty is Italian.” Angelique wriggled her nose and continued to eat her food. Before long, they had both finished eating, and Caleb had his arm around Angelique’s shoulder.
“I’m glad you came over, Angelique. And, just to reiterate. There’s no pressure to rush things. I just know how I feel about you, so I’m ready to jump in when you are.” He ran his fingers through the tips of her hair and then moved closer to her side. He turned her face toward his and then kissed her softly on the lips.
Highlander's Love: Winter Solestice (Against All Odds Series 3) Page 23