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I can’t be the only one who he’s had that with.

“Stop overthinking,” Kat says, squeezing my shoulder. “What will be, will be.”

I stay silent, not sure what to say. Alcohol has loosened their tongues and I’m not really comfortable discussing this with them. Before I can think on it any further, Harper pipes up.

“Now, Pen, who is this new man I keep hearing about, and does my big brother know?” she asks.

We all turn to face the tall beauty who has been friends with the Frazers for years, happy the attention is diverted from me.

“Ah, Kristophe,” she says smiling.

CHAPTER 60

CALEB

Mason pulls up outside Scarlett’s apartment building. Another week, and she’ll be free to move into the apartment above the dance studio. The builders are completing the finishing touches. I head to the door, bouquet in hand. If I’m doing this, I’m doing it properly. No messing. I need to make April feel safe and cherished.

She buzzes me in, and I make my way up the stairs. My heart beats faster the closer I get to her. It’s not like I haven’t seen her, but that saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder, is true where April is concerned.

As I pass, one of the downstairs doors opens, and an older lady with snowy white hair and a full face of makeup pops her head out. She scowls at me until she notices the flowers, and her expression softens.

“Taking April somewhere nice?” she asks.

Why am I not surprised April is already on a first-name basis with the other residents? She knew every receptionist, maintenance man, and cleaner in my building by their first name within a fortnight.

I smile. “Mount Crystals,” I say.

I’m going for excellent food and privacy. Robin Downsend runs a tight ship, making it the place to go if you're known and want a hassle-free evening. I don’t think having her face plastered all over the newspapers is what April needs right now. Elijah has taken care of Crawley’s threat, but I’m treading carefully. When you poke the bear, sometimes it has a tendency of biting you and I don’t want April in Crawley’s sight.

“Fancy… but not too fancy. I think our girl will like that,” she says. “Have a lovely evening.” Without another word, she shuts the door, leaving me staring. I shrug and make my way up another flight of stairs, knocking on April’s door.

The door opens, and April grins, her hand under her hair as she fiddles with her earring. She steps back, letting me enter. She looks stunning. The dress she’s wearing is breathtaking.

“You look—” I stumble, looking for the right word.

April turns to face me, her eyes twinkling.

“Caleb Frazer, lost for words. Now that must be a first.”

She chuckles, but the flush to her cheeks does not go unnoticed.

“There seem to be a lot offirstswith you,” I admit, holding out the flowers.

April takes them.

“They’re beautiful,” she says, burying her nose in the bouquet. “Come in and let me quickly put these in some water.”

She disappears into the kitchen, only to return a few moments later with them in a vase. She places it on the side before walking up to me, her hands snaking around my neck.

“Thank you,” she says, pulling my mouth to hers, her lips teasing mine. When I wrap my arms around her waist andpull her closer, she pulls back to stare up at me. “I’ve missed you,” she admits, taking my breath away.

I drop my forehead to hers. “Not as much as I’ve missed you.”

She stares up, our eyes locked. “You’re just missing the sex,” she replies.

“I will not deny missing your delectable body.” I pull my head back and drag her hard against me, letting her feel exactly how much I’ve been missing her. “But I miss you. I miss your presence, chatting about our day. I even miss your singing,” I say with a smirk.

She grimaces at the memory of the day I came home early from work to find her singing at the top of her lungs in the shower.