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“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him jealous before,” Tristan laughs.

“Nope, definitely got the hots for his lodger,” Quentin adds, high-fiving Xander.

“Okay, enough. I think it’s time to call it a night. You’ve had your fun.”

“We’re going,” Xander says, “But make a move before you miss out,” he says, clapping me on the shoulder.

They may now know we met in New York, but April, though, has made it clear she’s not interested. While most women are falling over themselves for my wealth and status. It appears nothing could be more of a turnoff for my little dancer.

I shake my head and sigh at my friends. “You’re all delusional.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Tristan says as they file out of the apartment, leaving me alone with the mess of the evening and a frustrating lodger who refuses to accept my help in rebuilding her life.

CHAPTER 38

APRIL

I’m not sure what makes me head back downstairs once I know Caleb’s friends have left. It could be the way they ribbed him all night at my expense or simply because I’m tired of trying to avoid him. I’ve missed him and our banter. I thought staying out of his way would lessen the desire. Instead, he’s taken to invading my dreams, leaving me hot and wanton when I wake up.

“Scarlett wants to expand. She wants me to run the dance studio,” I say, leaning against the wall, watching in fascination as his shoulder muscles shift under his t-shirt. I cross my arms over my chest to stop myself from reaching out and touching him.

Caleb turns to face me, giving me a half smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I know. She called me this afternoon.”

“Aren’t you happy? You have a new potential owner,” I ask.

Caleb shrugs.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, annoyance bubbling in my chest.

“I don’t know April. Whatis itsupposed to mean? I’vetried to help you, enable you to keep your business, but you’ve thrown it back at me.” He slams the takeaway containers into the bin before dragging open the dishwasher and loading the plates. Not sure why it’s so sexy watching billionaire Caleb Frazer doing domestic chores, but it does something to my insides.

I pause. Is that what I’m doing? Throwing his generosity back at him?

“I can’t be indebted to you,” I say, wanting to explain, make him understand.

“Why would you be indebted? I’m offering to help you.”

“I don’t want to be beholden to anyone—I can’t be bought.” The words are out before I can stop them.

“Who said anything about buying you?” It’s Cal’s turn to look confused.

“I make my own way,” I say, knowing to someone like Cal, it won’t make sense. But help is one thing. It’s when they want something in return, and men with money, they always want something in return. Endless promises were made and then broken when they got what they wanted. I saw it repeatedly in my past life. A life I’d rather forget. A life I have no intention of bringing up to the man in front of me.

Cal turns and leans his back against the kitchen unit. He folds his arms over his chest, his t-shirt stretching over his muscles, the sight making my mouth water.

What on earth possessed me to come downstairs?

“So I can’t get involved in a business venture with you?”

“No,” I say, shaking my head, even though I’m only half listening to his words.

His words penetrate my brain.

Business ventures?

What?

“I’m talking private investment,” he says. “My own funds.I’ll invest my money, and you pay me back when you can. I’ll be a silent partner.”