But he shouldn’t be blaming her. It wasn’t as though she was chasing him, enticing him on purpose. It was something that occurred naturally. If anything, Monique seemed to have tried fighting the attraction just like he had. And lost just like me too.
So where do they go from here? He still had a lot of work to get done in this place. And he was even more motivated to make it perfect for her. Looking around, he was pleased. All the sexual frustration had been good for one thing, he’d made great headway, and the walls were all up.
If it meant not touching her again for a few days, so he could finish, then that’s what he’d do. After all, she was counting on him and he didn’t want to disappoint her. All he needed to do was call her, and let her know he couldn’t make it to dinner. Instead, she could stay at his place and work, and he’d remain at hers and hopefully do the same.
It might not be what he wanted, but it was what was needed. This wasn’t about him anyway. Monique had people coming to the Vineyard and business always came first. They had just lost sight of that for an hour today. That doesn’t mean they can’t get back on track.
It was simple. It was solved. He needed to avoid seeing her as much as possible for the next few days. After this was complete, they could explore what was going on between them further.
Caleb reached in his back pocket and pulled out his cell phone. Should he call or text? Although hearing her voice was going to make him want her all over again, only a coward would send a text. What they shared wasn’t something cheap or something he regretted. It was just the timing for Monique was wrong. It wasn’t like he was going to tell her he wasn’t interested in her. It was just a few days. How hard could that be?
He started dialing her number when he heard a noise from behind him. “What are you doing here?” Caleb hadn’t expected her to show up back at the office. God, he hoped she didn’t have regrets and was here to tell him it can’t happen again. It would make sense, but damn, that’s not what he wanted at all. But his concerns vanished when she walked into his arms and kissed him before responding.
“I wasn’t getting anything done at your place, so I figured I’d take a taxi and come here and at least clean my apartment.”
Clean? Guess that was better than her saying she couldn’t stand to be away from him another moment. That she had to have him again, now. No, those were his feelings. She wanted to clean.
“You could’ve called me,” Caleb said.
“I’ve already disturbed you once today. The last thing you needed was me calling for a ride.”
Strangely enough, he wanted her too. The last thing he wanted was someone who couldn’t do anything for themselves, but he liked her leaning on him for things. She was so independent, and he wanted her to need him a little.
“I needed to stop home anyway and take Molly out,” he stated.
“She has been walked, fed and petted. I think she has forgiven me for…hogging all your attention earlier,” she said playfully.
Great, now my dog is crazy about you too. What next? He wasn’t going to let his parents met her, because it’d be all over then. His mother would monopolize all of Monique’s time trying to play matchmaker. They were doing fine without anyone’s help.
“I thought you were going to rest. You looked tired. I’m sure my getting you up so damn early didn’t help any either,” he said.
“Oh, please tell me you’re not doing that every day?”
“The morning wake up?” he asked. She nodded. “No. Tomorrow eight o’clock the earliest. But if you’re so tired, why come here to clean?”
“Once you were gone, I couldn’t sleep. And besides, Molly was missing you. Have you ever thought about bringing her to the job site?”
Caleb chuckled. “Angel, she’s got a lot of training to go through before she’s ready for public, never mind a work site.”
“I could work with her if you want. You know, train her for you.” He arched a brow and she continued, “I put myself through college working with a dog trainer. Actually I was hired to clean the kennels, but I learned a lot from being there.”
He laughed. “Can’t wait to hear all about that.”
“I can tell you all about it at dinner. But trust me, it’s not all that exciting.” she stated. “If it was, I’d have put it in a book.”
Dinner. Shit. So much for cancelling. Then again, he knew he couldn’t the moment he turned and saw her standing there. “So your stories are really your life? Maybe I should read them” Caleb teased. Not that he would and she knew it too. But he didn’t want to make it in her books. He didn’t want her writing him how she wanted him to be, he just wanted her to want him the way he was.
Damn. He was still all twisted up. Wanting. Needing. What the fuck was wrong with him. Maybe I do belong in one of those fucking books.
“Trust me, they aren’t what you think they are. And to answer your question, no I don’t write about my life. But that brings me to why I am here.”
“To write? I thought you were here to clean?”
“I am. While I was at your place, I spoke to Wynde, she’s an author and a friend. She is going through some tough times and I…well I invited her to the Vineyard to write and finish her book.”
“That’s great. People love it here. So what’s the issue?”
Monique sighed. “She’s arriving tomorrow and I already called and checked, no vacancies anywhere. Not even the B&B. So it looks like she is staying here with me. Not ideal, but at least now I have hot water.”
“All your electricity is up and running. But you’re right, it’s bad timing. How is she going to concentrate here on her book when you couldn’t?” And why do I care? Oh, because she does.
“I wasn’t thinking. Actually that is why I had texted you to see if we could talk earlier.”
“About Wynde?” he asked.
“No. About…all of this. I’ve been pushing so hard to get this place ready for something that didn’t need to take place right now. Why am I putting all this stress on myself unnecessarily?”
He could relate, as he tries to take a month’s amount of work and make it a week. “I think only you can answer that.” For him it was easy, he was doing it for Monique. But even that wasn’t clear. Did it need to be? No. Sometimes things are just what they are. And with her, they are easy. He didn’t want that to change.
“See, that’s my problem. I couldn’t come up with a valid reason either. So…I had wanted to talk to you about slowing down on this project. I’m cancelling the writers retreat. Well actually postponing it. I need to concentrate on a few things and stop trying to take it all on at once.”
That sounded like a wise plan, but he was worried she might have changed her mind because of finances. That had been settled earlier, or so he’d thought.
“Monique, are you saying you want me to stop working on the office space?”
She shook her head. “Not unless you need too. It’s just that we are both trying to make something happen that doesn’t need to. At least not at such a quick pace. I bet you didn’t even take a lunch break.”
Caleb grinned. “I did.” He winked at her and she blushed.
“That’s not lunch it’s….”
“Dessert?” he teased.
She slapped his arm playfully. “Don’t you dare try distracting me,” she warned. “It’s already hard enough being here and knowing all I can do is clean upstairs.”
He liked knowing how much she wanted him. But they needed to talk, something they failed to do earlier. “Okay so if I’m hearing you right you want me to keep working.”
“Yes. But at a normal pace. Sheriff Taylor said you’re a man of routine. Mary-Lou said that too. And both said you’ve broken it. Why?”
He could tell her it was because there was so much to do here, but that wasn’t all of it. Seeing her face in the morning was better than any cup of coffee. “Sometimes things change.”
Monique nodded. “Yes they do.” There was a bark outside and she added, �
�Oh, Molly must be ready to come in.”
“Molly is here?”
“Yes. She didn’t want to be alone. And besides, I like her company. I’ll be right back. I tied her up behind the building in case she needed to do any business.”
He watched as she rushed out to retrieve his dog. When he’d rescued Molly, he’d been concerned that she’d spend long hours locked in the house. Anytime he could, he stopped in and let her out for a run. It was nice knowing someone else thought of Molly too. But that’s who Monique was, always thinking of others. She might not even realize it, but she needs someone to take care of her. Not financially, but in the little things that matter. Could he be that person? A week ago he’d have said hell no. Right now, he was at least considering it. Outside of work, Molly was the only commitment he’d been willing to make. But Monique was right, things do change. Maybe I’m changing.
That didn’t meant he was looking to get married. But there was a lot between single and married. Like dating, exclusively. It’d been many years since he’d done that. It was horrible. They were in their early twenties and back then it was all about control. If you didn’t have it your way, then it was no way. He’d matured a lot since then. Or at least he hoped so. Guess he’d find out. That is if Monique was even interested in dating him. It all appeared that way, but assuming so, would be a mistake.
So dinner was back on and the topic tonight was…dating? That sounded so childish. Why does it even need to be discussed? Was there something wrong with them going along as they were? She seemed content and comfortable. He was as well. There was no issue. So why make one?
Because she’s worth doing this right.
When she entered the building again, Molly looked like she was about to take off running towards him. He knew she’d drag Monique, if not pull her to the floor. But Monique gave the leash a quick tug back and Molly stopped and stayed by Monique’s side.
“I’m impressed,” he said.
“Well I couldn’t let you do all this work for me and me not do something for you in return. But don’t get too excited. This is a long process.”
Good. “That’s fine. I’m not going anywhere.” He noticed her lips curl slightly. “So I was thinking about Wynde.”
“Please don’t tell me to call and cancel her too. She is in a fragile state right now and she needs to be amongst friendly faces.”
“You definitely have that. But I was going to suggest she stay at my place.”
Monique’s eyes widened. “I don’t think I like that idea at all. I mean…well….”
Caleb laughed. “Alone. Me and Molly could stay here with you. That is if you wouldn’t mind the company.”
“Here? You want to stay here when you have that huge beautiful house right on the water?” Monique questioned.
True. Anyone in their right mind wouldn’t make such a suggestion. But anytime he was near her, logical thinking was out. But the suggestion didn’t totally suck either. He would be here with her. Saying that wasn’t something he was ready to do.
“Well if you think about it, I could work here all day long, and you could go and spend the day with her at my house, both writing or whatever. And I won’t be disturbing either of you. This way you can still get your office done.”
“And staying here makes it easier for you how?” she asked.
Oh fuck. He walked over and pulled her into his arms. “Easier to do this.” He leaned over and tasted those sweet lips that wouldn’t stop asking questions. But at least she had his answer.
When he broke their embrace she said, “I…I see you’re point. But I think you should explain it to me again. Maybe this time in detail.” Monique had a wicked grin on her face as she added, “Upstairs.”
She and Molly made their way to her apartment and Caleb was close behind. He wasn’t about to give her the short version. This time, he was going to map out his plan if it took all night.
They really hadn’t settled anything regarding Wynde but that was what tomorrow mornings were for. Tonight, it was all about the two of them. And Monique was right, it was time to slow the pace…and enjoy. Again and again.
Epilogue
Monique had everything ready. The authors would be arriving later today and as Caleb promised, the place was more than she’d envisioned. Then again, he didn’t disappoint in anything.
The Vineyard was her dream, but with Caleb, her reality was so much better. Was everything perfect? No. This space wasn’t going to work for her for the long term, but for now, it would do. She already talked to Caleb about her putting it on the market to be sold. Although he’d been concerned that she was moving back to Colorado, he was as always, loving and supportive. But that wasn’t the plan at all. She needed an office, not this huge building. She had no staff and functions didn’t need to take place there either. Monique had changed a lot over the past few months. She wasn’t driven solely on building her business as much as she was building a life for herself.
Most nights were spent with Caleb at his place, long walks on the beach, and even longer nights making love. It was funny how everything seemed to fall into place. Caleb said it was all his doing, Mary-Lou also tried to take credit. But it wasn’t something anyone had done. It was just…meant to be. Like their lives were destined to cross paths and collide just when they did. Any other time and Monique unfortunately might not have slowed down enough to enjoy this all. Now, she didn’t want to miss a beat.
It was nice not working 24/7. And getting up at six o’clock in the morning was now the norm. Mostly because Molly had to go out to pee, but also she liked cooking breakfast for Caleb before he went off to work. The Café was still their go to, but now for date night dinners. She never pictured herself prancing around a kitchen and cooking every day. She’d lived on take out so long, she wasn’t even sure she remembered how to cook. But when she wasn’t working or just out playing with Molly, she spent her time looking up new recipes to try on Caleb.
There were times even Molly wouldn’t eat it. But Caleb always did. Never complaining. He either loved her, or had a stomach made of steel.
But tonight everything was being catered. She wasn’t taking any chances of poisoning her clients. Wynde had returned to help her pull this all together too. Then again, she wasn’t sure she could’ve kept Wynde away if she tried. She said staying at Monique’s apartment wasn’t like Caleb’s beach house, but she’d suffer through it for a few days.
At least her place was being used. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept there. Anytime she suggested she stay at her place to give Caleb some space, he came up with one excuse after another why she should stay. Some were valid, most were comical, all said with him was where she was meant to be.
“You did a great job. Everything looks nice. I think your clients will enjoy themselves,” Caleb said as he entered the office.
“Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“I don’t know about that. You’re quite resourceful.”
Monique laughed. “Let’s be truthful here. I’m good at some things, but construction, or even hiring someone to do the work, isn’t my forte.”
“Hey, you hired me,” Caleb clarified.
Monique raised her brow. “For one dollar.”
“Exactly. So if you think about it, you’re really a very savvy businesswoman after all. Who else could’ve snagged a deal like that?” Caleb asked. “And think about the benefits that came along with it too.”
“A dollar bill goes a lot further than I thought it did,” she teased.
“You should see what you get for ten,” Caleb grinned and pulled her into his arms.
She was tempted to reach in to her pocket and pull out a fifty, but there was no time. One thing they hadn’t master yet was a quickie. Pushing him back slightly she said, “I’ll see what I can come up with after my clients leave tonight.”
“Are you sure? That couch looks mighty inviting,” Caleb whispered in her ear.
Her pulse raced and
her body reacted, but she wasn’t giving in. “Caleb, you can do me a huge favor.”
“Anything for you angel.”
“Go home!” she said firmly.
He loosened his hold and asked, “You don’t want me here?”
“I always want you with me, but right now, you’re only a distraction. I’ll be lucky if I can remember their names at this rate. Besides, I’m sure Molly needs to be walked.”
“And here I was thinking I’d spend my night listening to all you ladies talk about romance books,” he joked. “Good thing Molly still needs me.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. “I need you Caleb. I always will. But I’m not risking any of these ladies using you in any of their books. If they do, they’ll need a new publisher.”
“Jealous are we?” he asked.
She never used to be. Men could come and go and she never shed a tear. That probably was a good thing. But with Caleb, that was different. He was one story she wasn’t willing to share. One that she didn’t want to end.
“I’m not jealous. I just protect what is important to me. And our life together, is…”
“Just beginning.” Caleb kissed her. “I love you.”
“I love you too. I hopefully won’t be too late tonight.” It hadn’t even started and already she was ready for it to be over.
“Take your time, enjoy your night. I’ll be up when you get home.”
Home. What a beautiful word. It wasn’t the walls, or the beach that made it one. It was his waiting arms that she couldn’t wait to return too.
Before she released him she whispered, “I wonder what a hundred will get me.”
Caleb gave her a playful slap on her bottom. “Guess you’ll see when you get home. But I’m telling you, it might take a lifetime for me to earn it.”
“Sounds perfect to me.” They hadn’t talked about all their future plans, but all she knew, they were heading into it together. And she was more than ready for the next chapter of their lives. Because each day, it only got better. Just when she thought she couldn’t love him any more than she did, she found she was happily mistaken. It never felt so good to be wrong. And she found the one thing neither of them was looking for.
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