“Right back at you, lover boy.”
Chapter Six
Cosette
I wake up feeling better than I have in I can’t even remember when. I think just being out from under my parents’ roof and all the pressure that has come along with that … it’s been exhausting. More than I realized. My mom is exhausting. I will never measure up to Juliette. And the one who’s always had my back—my dad—has gone silent.
I check my phone and there are three missed calls from Jeremy. Two texts.
Answer your phone!
Don’t be so childish, Cosette. We need to talk.
I set the phone down on the side table and stare up at the ceiling, feeling like all the good vibes I woke up with are dashed with this little exchange. Well, that’s just it—it’s not an exchange of words at all. It’s him shoving his way into my life when I’ve made it clear I don’t want him there. At least not as my boyfriend, or worse, as my husband. He just won’t let it go. I honestly don’t know why he even acts like he wants me anymore—if he’s enjoying the challenge, or if he can’t see past losing the money that our little union would’ve brought him if I’d cooperate. It’s ridiculous considering the man has plenty of money all on his own.
I delete his voicemails without listening to them. I’m certain I’ve already heard his spiel before, countless times. Since I got back from France and have tried to start my new life at home in New York, I’ve been bombarded with all things Jeremy. If my family can bring him up in two conversations with a guy I’m supposedly dating, there are clearly no boundaries in place.
Enough of this. I need to get ready for the day. I can’t remember when I last woke up without my alarm. I crawl out of bed and take in the view out the window. It’s a lovely day. I grin when I think of this new arrangement with Caden. I’ve thought he was a great guy from day one, but I had no idea he was so hilarious and so … calming. I stretch and head into the guest bathroom to shower. That’s what feels different this morning. The calm.
I take a quick shower, thankful that I brought a change of clothes and some makeup so I can head straight to work. I’ll be at the hotel today with Caden, and I am glad that The Lux isn’t too far from here.
I quickly make the bed and the smell of bacon fills the room. My stomach rumbles and I hurry out of the bedroom.
My mouth goes dry at the sight of him. Caden is standing at the stovetop in a pair of plaid pajama bottoms and no shirt. He has his back to me, so I take a minute to look at him. I knew he was gorgeous, but this … it’s almost criminal. He’s chiseled to perfection. Tanned skin. Muscular arms. There’s some sort of ink on his left shoulder, but I can’t make it out. His back goes narrow at the waist, and I fan my face before he turns around to catch me standing there.
“Hello, lover.” He smirks, and I squeeze my hands together to keep from fanning myself again.
“What are you up to, boyfriend?” My voice is a bit gruff and I clear my throat.
“Just making my girl a little breakfast. I hope you like bacon and pancakes?”
I chuckle and mosey on up to the breakfast bar just as his door flies open.
“Do I smell bacon?” Gus says, and turns to me. “Ahhh … the fake girlfriend spent the night. I like it.”
I can feel my cheeks heating, and I bite down on my bottom lip just as Caden chucks a piece of bacon at his brother and it hits him in the face, but he manages to catch it.
“She stayed in the guest room, dickweed. Get your mind out of the gutter.”
Gus bites off half a piece of bacon and winks at me. “I’m just giving you shit, Cosette. But Caden, you do seem to be in an unusually good mood this morning.”
“What can I say? My fake relationship makes me very happy.” He laughs and sets a plate down on the breakfast bar and motions for me to take a seat.
“I can see that. I’m starving.” Gus takes the barstool beside me.
Caden rolls his eyes but sets a plate in front of his brother. I can’t help but scan his body. His front is as good as his backside, if not better. I guzzle half a glass of orange juice because I’m clearly parched from the view. His abs are chiseled, and they lead down to a serious V. I’ve never been one to fawn over a man’s body, but this is more like art. Like someone sculpted this man into the most perfect male form.
“So, what’s the plan for today?” Gus asks.
“Cosette and I are at the hotel all day today. You’re coming over to work on the top two floors this afternoon, right?” Caden asks.
I don’t miss the ease between them. If I walked into Juliette’s apartment unannounced … her botox would most definitely get a workout. She doesn’t even let me visit when I request an appointment. She says that her home is her sanctuary and she doesn’t like other people’s energy in her space. So the Taylors are a breath of fresh air.
“Yep. Spence and I are going to check out that new building that just became available, and Jesse is working with Doris on the books today, but we’ll be over to join the crew this afternoon.”
“Be prepared to be watched. My mother’s coming to the hotel today to check out the progress. She is not happy about the design changes, so she’s probably going to give you a little grief,” I say, before forking an oversized bite of pancakes and groaning because it’s so good.
“No groaning, lover. The big guy gets a little reactive to beautiful women groaning in his kitchen first thing in the morning,” Caden says it so casually that it takes me a minute to process what he means, and Gus’ head falls back in laughter. “What? I’m only human.”
“He can back up the big guy bit, I’m just sayin’...” Gus points at me with his fork. “Runs in the family, but big brother here—” He nods sagely, and Caden bops him with an oven mitt.
My jaw drops open, but no words come to mind. I’m not used to this type of banter. This type of comfort. This type of genuineness. And raunchy. I giggle behind my hand and know I must be ten shades of pink.
“Cosi, I’ve got to tell you. I find your mother a bit … terrifying.” Gus drops his plate in the sink.
Caden bumps his brother with his shoulder. “Don’t be a douchestick. That’s her mother. Show some goddamn respect.”
“Oh. It’s completely okay. She terrifies me too, most of the time. I love her, but she can be very intimidating.”
I look up to see Caden staring at me before he quickly looks away. “All right. Give me five minutes to grab a shower.”
I nod.
Gus and I make small talk until Caden comes out, and it’s the most I’ve laughed in a very long time. Caden and I catch a quick Uber and head to the hotel.
“Thanks for everything. Letting me stay with you last night. Making me breakfast. Playing along with this ridiculous scheme. I really appreciate it.”
He turns to look at me when we’re stopped at a light. “Trust me. I’m enjoying getting to know you better. You don’t need to thank me. And don’t be nervous about your mom. I’ve got your back.”
Something about his words settles me. Because when Caden Taylor says he has your back, my gut check tells me that he means it.