Page 57 of The Billionaire Who Hated Me (Until He Loved Me)

“Of course, Father.”

The call ends.I throw my phone on the bed, knowing that I shouldn’t have called him back.I should have stayed on the piano bench, kissing Cal.Feeling his body against mine.

I sense someone behind me and turn to see Cal leaning against the doorway.I hadn’t closed the bedroom door.

“I don’t mean to intrude.I was just checking to see…” His voice drifts off, and he doesn’t complete his thought.“Anyway, good night.Sleep well.We’ll need to leave the ranch by ten.”

He walks off.

No more conversation.No hug.And absolutely no kiss goodnight.

The next morning, I get ready for the meeting.I choose my favorite power suit, the one that means I’m here to kick ass and take names.It’s a soft green skirt and jacket with tiny gold buttons.

I take extra care with my hair, parting it on the side and using a hot round brush to make bouncy, shiny waves.I choose another pair of strappy Louboutins, this time in nude.

I can’t have a hair out of place today.I can’t miss a thing.

Not only do I want to do a good job for Cal’s family, but I also want to do all I can to win their continued trust.I have no idea what will come of the Sulfur Springs deal, but when I suggested to my father that we find another way to do business with the MacLaines, I meant it.I just don’t know yet what that other way will look like.

I grab my briefcase and bag and walk up the hall to the great room, where Cal waits for me.At least Ithinkthat’s Cal.He turns toward me while his body remains in three-quarter profile, and I see his familiar violet eyes.So yes, it’s him.But…

Holy shit.

I take a few steps closer, doing all I can not to let him see my jaw drop.

Gone are the flannel shirts, dirty jeans, and dusty boots.There’s nothing country about the man standing here.There’s nothing that screams Navy SEAL either, except maybe his clean-shaven face and refined posture.

The rest is prosperous businessman, as in billionaire-level prosperity.I’d bet my entire shoe collection that Cal and Evander share the same tailor, no matter how much Cal might tease his brother for his fashion sense.

Cal’s suit is impeccably tailored, a dark slate gray with a slim fit that does nothing to hide the spectacular build of his body—the broad shoulders, bulked-up chest and arms, flat stomach, and narrow waist and hips.It doesn’t hide his powerful thighs, either.

It’s cut to absolute perfection.The suit.Andthe body.

My mouth is dry.So dry I can’t speak.

Before I arrived at Yosemite Ranch, I was certain I preferred the suit-and-tie look for a man over the cowboy look.But then Cal changed my mind because he looks so scrumptious in worn jeans and a cowboy hat.Now I can’t decide which column I’m in.I don’t think I can choose.

Suddenly, I feel underdressed.Ridiculous, I know, since I’m wearing a custom-tailored suit myself, chosen to reflect my eyes and complement my auburn hair.I’ve layered delicate gold chains at my throat for a bit of sparkle.

I’m not a vain woman, but I know that I look good today, and it’s confirmed in Cal’s eyes.I see appreciation there.

He releases a soft whistle and turns to face me.“I didn’t think it was possible, but you look even more beautiful than the day I met you.You look like a supermodel CEO.”

“And you sure clean up well for a backwoods cowboy.Maybe Evander had the right idea.I wouldn’t mind watching you buck a bronco in this suit.”I step up to him and brush my fingertips down one of his thin lapels.“In fact, I’d pay good money to watch it.”

He chuckles softly, then places his hand over mine on his lapel.A frisson of desire goes through me.I raise my eyes to his.

“You ready?Have everything you need?”

I nod.“We’ll be back this evening, right?”

“Mmm-hmm.”

“You could probably handle this on your own, Cal.”

“Not sure about that.”

I’m not sure of anything, honestly.Not what I’m willing to give up for this man.Not what I’m feeling.Maybe not even my name.