Page 20

She takes me back in, her pace picking up, and my grip in her hair tightens. It’s not long before I’m growling, my body tensing as she finishes me off.

When she pulls back, wiping the corner of her mouth with a satisfied smirk, I take a moment to catch my breath.

“Well,” I say, leaning back and tugging her to her feet. “Guess I’m buying this place.”

Her laugh is soft, smug. “Thought you might.”

I pull her closer, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. “You’ve got some serious sales tactics.”

She grins, smoothing her skirt and glancing at the windows. “Anything to close the deal.”

I watch her for a moment, still catching my breath. The city behind her, the way she stands there like she owns the place — it’s a hell of a sight.

“You sticking around?” I ask, tugging my jeans back up.

She tilts her head, smirking. “Depends. You got anything else to offer?”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Not tonight.”

She laughs, grabbing her bag and smoothing her hair. “Well, Mr. Grayson, I’d say this was a successful showing.”

“Yeah,” I say, pulling on my jacket. “I’ll sign the paperwork tomorrow.”

“Looking forward to it.”

She winks, walking to the door with a sway in her hips that I can’t look away from. Once she’s gone, I glance back at the bed, then out at the city.

This place is mine now.

Chapter 5

The bar is buzzing, neon lights flickering over the crowd as glasses clink and music pounds through the speakers. Zane leans against the bar, his arm draped casually around Remy’s shoulders. She’s laughing at something he said, her hand resting on his chest, fingers playing with the buttons of his shirt.

I take another swig of my beer, trying not to glare at them. It’s not like I’ve got a thing for Remy—I don’t. But the way Zane gets to just… have that? It grates on me tonight.

“Caleb, you okay?” Remy’s voice pulls me out of my head.

I nod quickly, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just tired.”

She gives me a curious look, but Zane distracts her, whispering something in her ear that makes her giggle. I grip my bottle tighter.

“I’m gonna hit the ladies’ room,” she says, hopping off her stool. She gives Zane a quick kiss and disappears into the crowd.

Zane watches her walk away, smirking like he’s won the damn lottery. Then he turns to me, his grin fading. “What’s with the growling, man?”

“What growling?”

He arches a brow, crossing his arms. “The low-key, broody, jealous shit you’ve been pulling all night. Spit it out before I beat it out of you.”

I snort. “Fuck off, Zane.”

“Seriously, what’s your deal?” He steps closer, eyeing me like he’s ready to throw hands if I don’t answer.

I slam my bottle on the bar. “You wanna know my deal? Fine. I’m losing my fucking mind.”

Zane blinks, caught off guard. “Alright, what the hell’s going on?”

I rub a hand over my face, sighing. “It’s Maya. This whole long-distance thing. She’s halfway across the country, and I’m here pretending I’m fine. I’m not fucking fine, Zane.”