Caleb Read Online Free PDF Page A

assets from that jerk, okay?”
    She laughed to keep from crying. “Only because I’m paying you.”
    He snorted. “For you, I’d do it for free.”
    She flicked her gaze back and forth between his intense eyes looking for signs of deception. Rare honesty was all that met her, and that knowledge lit a strange and vibrant fire in her heart.
    Overwhelmed by her feelings, she took a step back. “Thank you, but I insist on paying. This is a business arrangement, and both of us have obligations to meet.”
    His lips slid into a sexy smile. “All right. But the terms of the deal are that you’re to pay me whatever you believe my services are worth at the conclusion of our business.”
    “That’s not what we discussed on the phone.”
    He shrugged. “Take it or leave it, sunshine.”
    Sunshine? Her heart smiled. “That’s not fair. You know how desperate I am.”
    “Yes, I do. A shrewd businessman knows how to work a deal.”
    “But the deal is not in your favor.” If he hadn’t come highly recommended by Elle, she might have changed her mind. Elle had warned her, though, that Caleb could be a big flirt, and she was certain he was playing with her now.
    “That remains to be seen.”
    Oh hell. “Fine. I accept your terms.” She held out her hand for him to shake.
    Instead, he lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed. The sigh that slipped from her mouth surprised her and brought a seductive smile to his lips.
    In an effort to keep from flailing at his feet, she laughed and slipped her hand from his. “Elle told me about you.” She said you love to flirt with the ladies.”
    “Me?” He put a hand on his chest as his eyes lit with affection. “I’m just a good ol’ boy who likes to have fun.”
    “Uh-huh.” She nodded, unable to erase the smile from her face. “So, back to the details.” While she could still remember them.
    “I expect this process to take two to three months. When the appropriate time comes, you can leave. I’ll make up a reason. Maybe you grew tired of my overbearing ways, and you never returned. At some point, I’ll let people know we’re no longer married, but those issues won’t be your concern.”
    He chuckled, his gaze unnerving her. “Who’s going to believe you’re overbearing?”
    She snorted. “Trust me, plenty of people in town.” Jackson at the feed store. Everyone at Lenny’s Hardware.” She did what she needed to keep this place going.
    He dug in his pocket, placed the small box on his palm, and held it out to her.
    “What’s this?”
    “Open it.” He smiled, his eyes twinkling with pleasure.
    She lifted the lid and revealed a gold ring with a sparkling round diamond in the center. Beautiful in its simple and elegant way. She lifted her gaze to his in question.
    He gave her a warm smile and took the box from her hand. His big fingers dwarfed the small ring. “I wasn’t sure if you had something suitable. I’d thought you’d wear it as a wedding ring if needed after our pretend wedding.”
    “You brought me a ring?” Not that it meant anything, but it seemed like a thoughtful gesture all the same.
    “I’m a man who likes to be prepared, and I knew we’d need a prop.” He shrugged. “Don’t get too excited. It was my ex-wife’s.”
    The beautiful ring lost its shimmer. The setting was opulent, but now tainted by a failed love.
    “I figured once we pretended we were married, you could wear it until the end of our arrangement. Consider it a symbol of goodwill and trust as we begin our life together. Naturally, when you break up with me, you’ll return it.” He chuckled. “Just don’t throw it into the river in a show of grandeur. I’m sure I can get some money out of it.”
    “I thought you were going to be the one to call it quits when all was said and done.”
    “Nah.” He shook his head as he pulled the ring from the box and took her hand. An unexpected sizzle of attraction claimed her as he separated her ring finger from the rest.