"Do the men inside not work for you?" He gestured to the door. "This is your project, is it not?"
"I have contracted them, yes." Where the hell was he going with this? And how in the world did he know this was my...project?
"Then, should they not be getting you your coffee?" His eyes were trained on my face as they waited for a reaction. I was torn between wanting to kick him in the shin and turning to walk away.
What was it with these godly gorgeous men popping up out of the woodwork with their cockier than cocky attitudes, expensive suits and shiver inducing names. In all my life, I had never met someone like Jace, and now, Caleb. Was this for real?
I plastered a smile on my face. "It was nice to meet you Mr. Cage, but I should be on my way."
Caleb moved into step beside me. He was powerful, obviously privileged, confident and determined. Oh, he was definitely dangerous. Probably just as dangerous as Jace. Damn it! Why couldn't I stop thinking about Jace?
"I assure you, Miss. LeRoux, it was all my pleasure." His voice was deep and close to my ear. I could almost feel the heat of his breath against my ear. It made me shiver and that made me angry.
He was definitely pissing me off. "You're probably right."
Beside me, I heard him gasp and I had to fight the urge to look up at him. "And, you're just as fiery as you are beautiful. I see what my friend likes."
Who was this friend of his? "You don't know me well enough to make such an assumption."
He chuckled. "You do not think I have seen enough to know what another man might be intrigued by?"
I felt a blush creeping into my cheeks. "So, this friend of yours is a man?"
"You are perceptive, too." I could hear the grin in his tone and I chomped down on my bottom lip to keep from spitting out a threat. "Yes, I most definitely see what he likes. Although, I must admit you are not his usual...victim."
I looked up at him. I was unable to stop myself. I didn't understand this man and I most certainly did not understand my desire to knock him upside the head. He was stunning and clearly hitting on me. Well, at least, I thought he was hitting on me. But, in the back of my mind, there was a nagging need for Jace. No other man would do. Again, I couldn't help but admit to myself I was ruined. And what the hell did he mean...victim? Who uses that word? I must be so off base, because I really didn't understand.
"Is there something you want from me, Mr. Cage?" I asked shakily. I didn't know if I could control my anxiety if he continued with this charade of his. It had already been a stressful morning and he was only making it worse. Who was he? I decided then, as soon as I had a moment alone, I would Google him. Oh, my good friend, Google.
"Yes, actually there is."
I felt as though I had been slapped, but I quickly regained control of myself as I pulled open the door of the Starbucks. "And, what might that be?"
"Well, since you obviously do not trust me, I think I will show you I'm not the evil villain you assume me to be." I scowled at him and he grinned. "I only want to help you carry the coffee back."
"Oh," Shoot. I hadn't even thought of how I was going to get the coffee back to the shop. I guess I could have stacked the trays on top of one another and hoped I didn't trip. But, knowing me, I could have a clear pathway and I would still fall face first into the ground. It is just who I was, and it was, definitely, not genetic. My mother was the epitome of control and grace. It was probably why she couldn't stand to have me as a daughter.
As a child, I would often come home with mud under my fingernails, twigs in my hair and tears in my dress. I had adored playing with the boys at the parks. It was fun, but I learned early on, it was not appropriate for a lady. Not one born by my mother, anyway.
Caleb reached out and swiped his thumb over my lower lip. The contact made me jump back as though he'd burned me. I felt silly under his concentrated frown.
"Are you all right?" Caleb asked. He looked mildly uncomfortable as he shoved his hands in his pockets. It was not a look that suited him. He was too confident. "You looked upset."
I forced a smile, as I shrugged off his concern. "I'm fine. Let's get the coffee's ordered. The boys are bound to wonder where I am."
"That's true." Caleb agreed as he watched me walk to the counter. It was not long until I felt him close behind me.
I read my list off to the woman behind the till before looking back at Caleb. "What do you want? It's on me for the help."
Caleb's eyes twinkled as he smiled. He ordered a black coffee. Gross. Could he get any more boring? "What do you want?"
"I'll get a white hot chocolate, please." I said as I started to fish through my purse for my wallet.