SELENA'S POV
My hands still trembled a little as I pulled into Caleb's driveway. The engine hummed to a stop, but my heartbeat didn't. The image of that dark car following me still flashed in my mind. I had tried to convince myself it was nothing, but every instinct in me said otherwise.
I took a deep breath, brushed a loose strand of hair from my face, and stepped out of the car. Caleb's condo sat at the far end of the lane, surrounded by tall oak trees that swayed gently in the morning breeze. The air smelled of damp earth and pine. It was peaceful, yet my nerves were far from calm.
I had texted him earlier for his address and an apology for leaving so suddenly yesterday. I didn't expect him to reply so fast, or to sound so casual about it.
Before I could reach the door, a movement near one of the oak trees made me freeze. My heart skipped.
"Good morning, Selena," a deep voice called from behind the tree.
I turned sharply… it was Caleb, stepping into the sunlight with a teasing smile and nothing but running shorts on. His chest gleamed with sweat, muscles flexing as he adjusted his waistband.
"Good morning, Caleb," I replied, keeping my eyes fixed on the ground. My cheeks burned as I looked at his bare chest.
"Hope it wasn't too hard finding my place?" he asked, walking closer.
"My GPS still works," I said lightly, clutching my phone. "All I had to do was type your address."
He grinned. "And here you are. I went for a run, you know, trying to keep the old werewolf habits alive."
I tried to smile, but my mind was still half on that car. "I can see that," I said, my tone sharp but steady. "Anyway, I didn't come here to talk about your morning routine. I'm here for business. Can we go inside?"
"Of course," he said easily. "But one of these days, you and I should go for a run. I bet you can't keep up."
"Maybe," I said with a smirk. "You're talking to a Beta's daughter. But don't expect to win."
He raised an eyebrow with a teasing grin on his lips. "Really?" he said, "I didn't know you are royalty too."
"Now you know."
"So you think you'd win me?"
"I never said that. I'm just realistic," I replied, taking the shirt from his shoulder and pushing it into his chest. "Now put this on so we can actually get to work."
Caleb chuckled and tossed the shirt over his shoulder again instead of wearing it. I rolled my eyes and followed him as she led me around the back of the condo. "Follow me."
He led me around the back before opening the door to the condo. Inside, the space was elegant, clean lines, soft lighting, and modern art that made me pause for a second. It was… impressive. Everything was spotless, and beautifully arranged.
"Remind me again why I'm here?" I asked, pulling back a curtain to let in more sunlight. "This place doesn't need any fixing. I'd be ruining perfection if I changed anything."
"Didn't you look at the pictures I gave you?" he asked.
"I apologize," I said, "I left that in the custody of Amara… I mean my personal assistant."
Caleb leaned against the wall, eyes following my every move. "I want a second opinion. And like I told you in your office, I figured a woman's touch would give it a better taste."
"If this is your wife's idea," I said carefully, "then maybe I should talk to her."
He smiled strangely and took a slow step forward, too close for comfort. "You don't get it, do you?"
"Get what?" I asked, my pulse quickening.
"That I'm not talking about design," he said, placing his hands gently but firmly on my shoulders. "There is no wife, Selena."
I froze. For a second, I felt that old weakness trying to return… that same trap Darren had used once. Not today.
My phone buzzed loudly, breaking the tension. I slipped away and answered.
"Your ten o'clock is here," Amara's voice said from the other end. "Where are you?"
My eyes widened. "Already?"
"Yes," Amara said. "You didn't answer the question, Selena. Are you still at home by this time?"
"Tell the client to wait. I'll be there soon."
"But where are you?" she asked again.
"I'll explain later," I said quickly, hanging up. I turned to Caleb. "I have to go."
"No problem," he said smoothly, buttoning his shirt now. "Just look around when you can and send your notes. Just give me your thoughts and I'd like your feedback before the week ends."
"That's not possible," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "I have a charity event to plan and the full moon's coming soon, so I have duties to attend to."
"Then you'd better hurry." He said with a grin. "I didn't say decorate the whole place. Just tell me what needs to be changed. I'm still counting on that discount you promised."
"The discount was in exchange for your cooperation with my firm," I reminded him as I made for the door. "Don't forget that."
He smiled faintly but didn't argue.
When we reached my car, Caleb opened the door for me.
"How about a real date later?" he asked suddenly, smiling like he already knew my answer.
I paused, watching him closely. "You really don't quit, do you?"
He grinned, scratching the back of his neck. "Not when it comes to something or someone worth chasing."
"I make no promises," I said as I started the car without looking at him. "But I'll think about it."
"Don't take too long," he said as he closed the door.
"I will look at my calendar and give you a feedback by the end of today."
"Will be expecting that call." He said as he moved away from the car.
As I drove out of the driveway, the smell of oak trees faded behind me. My heart was still racing from that encounter in Caleb's house but I didn't know if it was because he made advances at me or because I felt attracted to him.
In my mind, I knew it remained to be seen if I wanted Caleb to be part of my life.