Chapter 5: Wild Nights and Jealousy Games

Caleb was swamped with work, so I handled all the San Francisco trip logistics. When he saw I’d booked two seats far apart, his face darkened.

I explained, all confidence: “Boss, here’s the thing—I snore when I sleep.”

Caleb pressed his lips together. He leaned in and asked in a low voice, “You call me boss in private too?”

He was way too close, so I scooted away. What kind of question is that? Could he know I secretly call him ‘Caleb the Model’?

The plane landed at midnight, and thanks to jet lag, I was half-asleep following Caleb to the hotel. I didn’t wake up until the afternoon. Saw an email from Caleb—he was at a meeting, and I was free to arrange my own time.

I rubbed my hands together. My bestie, Jamie Brooks, when he heard I was coming to California, recommended a bunch of fun bars. Jamie was the kind of friend who thought "last call" was a personal challenge. He promised to introduce me to some foreign models.

I did my makeup all spicy, slipped on a little camisole, and headed out.

When Jamie spotted me, he leapt up from a crowd of model guys to greet me. He was my high school classmate. His dad shipped him to the States hoping he’d settle down, but he just partied harder.

The five male models Jamie brought were all ripped, wild, shirts loose and open, pouring drinks with everything on display. Jamie had three draped around him, I had two beside me. I was basking in endless rounds of “American beauty” compliments.

Just as I was about to drunkenly kiss one, I felt my wrist get grabbed—like being bitten by a viper.

Looking up, a man even hotter than the models appeared in front of me. His eyes were dark, gold-rimmed glasses, one hand gripping me, looking down on everyone.

I frowned and whispered to Jamie, “This guy’s totally my type, but his grip is way too strong.”

Jamie shook his head at me, wide-eyed. “He’s probably your boss.”

Before I could process that, the ‘viper’ whisked me away. He shoved me into a car and still wouldn’t let go. I struggled, but he wouldn’t budge. So I decided to play dirty, blowing hot air in his ear: “Hey handsome, let me go.”

He was still pissed, but released my hand and grabbed my waist instead. I could see a vein twitching on his forehead.

“Like to play?”

“Daddy will play with you.”

If anyone had been watching, it would’ve looked like the start of a Netflix scandal—a New York exec, a downtown bar, a girl in a silk camisole, and a jealous boss playing the villain. But there was something about Caleb’s anger, about the way the city lights reflected in his glasses, that made my heart trip over itself.