The next morning, Caitlin was the first to wake. After the long night they'd shared, Daniel's kisses all over her body, and those murmured confessions of longing she half-heard yet fully felt—morning seemed absurd to Caitlin.
He was fast asleep beside her, breathing steadily, so peacefully. Caitlin tried to memorize his face, as much of it as she could. A real lover? She wanted to confirm it somehow. What if Daniel was just seducing her again, playing like he always did?
To Caitlin, he was a master illusionist. He never wanted to explain who he really was, what he did for a living, or since when he had stopped seeing Caitlin as just a client. Would this new status dissolve that boundary? She wasn’t so sure.
Right now, the only thing she wanted was to smash his phone. She didn’t want him contacting any other women. Caitlin figured they needed to make a clear agreement if they wanted any of this to make real sense. She would wait until he woke up. No matter how urgent things felt, she still needed to let him sleep.
The sun would be up soon. At the very least, Caitlin hoped to voice one or two of her desires—and Daniel would have to agree to a real relationship. He had acknowledged it, hadn’t he? Caitlin didn’t understand how someone like him had trouble sleeping, while she was constantly struggling to stay awake when overworked. Should she ask him? A part of her whispered no, don’t ask. Their relationship wasn’t there yet.
Unable to fall back asleep, Caitlin went to the bathroom, then grabbed some bread and milk from the fridge. She sat quietly outside, staring off. She wouldn’t wake the sleeping prince. If there was a Sleeping Beauty, surely there should be a Sleeping Prince too, she mused.
First things first, she needed to prepare herself for Daniel’s suspicion. She’d also have to spin a story or two, just enough to keep her pregnancy under wraps.
“Is there something you want to talk to me about?”
Daniel had stepped out of the bedroom. He was already fully dressed, though his hair was still a mess. He walked over to Caitlin, who was staring at him intently. He took a seat across from her, a smile tugging at his lips—one he couldn't seem to hide.
Caitlin assumed he must be pretty damn pleased about last night, judging from that smug face. Daniel reached out to take her hand, but she pulled it back.
“About us?” Daniel raked his fingers through his hair.
“I’m serious,” Caitlin replied shortly.
“So am I, Cat.”
“Then?” Caitlin pressed, impatient.
“Just tell me what you want. Ask whatever’s been bugging you—but I’ll only answer what I feel like answering.”
“Are you a gigolo?” The question burst out of her before she could stop herself.
Daniel didn’t respond right away. Instead, he laughed so hard his face turned red. “Didn’t I tell you already? You should know by now. You’re smart.”
“I want you to stop with that phone of yours. I mean—”
She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence. Daniel wanted her, didn’t he? Then surely she had the right to ask for something that would make her feel secure in this relationship. It might sound selfish, but what normal woman liked sharing her man with others? She’d thought this through carefully before setting her terms.
Daniel blinked, then smiled. “You mean you want me all to yourself? That’s easy. I agree.”
“Can you give me your phone? Just in case.”
“Don’t trust me that much, huh?” Daniel chuckled and crossed his arms, staring at her. “Okay, okay, Cat. I’ll leave it before I go.”
Caitlin thought this was a good warm-up—it made her want to dig deeper. “What do you really do for work? If you’re not a gigolo, then… what are you?” She bit her lip after asking, watching him carefully.
They just stared at each other for a moment. Daniel’s face was unreadable. If Caitlin had to guess, his actual job was probably something remote. The kind that didn’t require early office hours or sitting at a desk from dawn till dusk.
“Hmm, why don’t you get ready for work, Cat?” Daniel took a sip of her drink and gave a teasing smile.
“I got fired.”
Caitlin didn’t want to tell the tragic story behind her unfair dismissal. Daniel grinned, likely amused that she’d finally given up. He’d heard her complain dozens of times, “I hate my job.” She’d been threatening to resign for ages. Caitlin felt slightly offended now that he looked like he wanted to laugh.
“That’s great news. Want to sign a contract to be my pet?” Daniel teased.
“Disgusting.” Caitlin glared at him.
Daniel laughed softly. “I’m joking! You seem grumpy today—PMS?”
Caitlin turned her gaze to the drink in his hand, the one her lips had just touched. As if he didn’t care. She didn’t want to engage with his line of questioning, especially not the one she was afraid of. Caitlin wouldn’t be getting her period anytime soon—thanks to someone.
“Wait a sec.” Daniel got up and headed back to the bedroom.
Caitlin blinked, puzzled, her eyes automatically following his departure. A few moments later, Daniel returned with a mischievous smile, both hands behind his back, hiding something. Her heart thudded excitedly—was this… a proposal?
Her suspicions grew when Daniel dropped to one knee in front of her. She straightened up in her seat to get a better view. His face practically sparkled with charm, and her cheeks flushed red at the thought of a marriage proposal. Could this really be happening? Was she dreaming?
“Tadaaaa…” Daniel held out a credit card, presenting it like a ring.
Caitlin’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “Fine. I’ll take it—just so you’ll be happy.”
Daniel stood up, grabbed his jacket, and began getting ready to leave. That made Caitlin sad. She didn’t want him to go. Was this all their relationship would ever be? It wasn’t fair. But she still didn’t have the courage to tell him the truth.
“Oh, right. I also left a debit card on the nightstand next to the phone you wanted. Just take whatever you need.”
Caitlin followed him to the door, unwilling to let him leave so soon. Daniel turned around when she grabbed his arm. For a moment, they stared at each other in silence. She didn’t want to be alone. She wanted him here. Forever. Or… at least until she was ready to let go.
“Will you come back?” she asked timidly.
“Of course. I still need to check on my apartment. Besides, you’ve got plenty of time to think about our date tonight.” Daniel caressed her left cheek gently.
“I want to hug you. Just for a bit,” Caitlin said.
Daniel nodded. “You know, Cat. Something’s changed about your body, I think.”
Caitlin froze. Then laughed awkwardly and stepped back. “I’m the same.”
Seconds later, Daniel pulled her close, his hand at the nape of her neck, tilting her chin so she had to meet his eyes. “No, no, no… Something’s different. I don’t know what it is. You feel… more like a woman than ever before. I’ve always known you were beautiful, but last night was different.”
Caitlin swallowed hard, then gave him a small smile. “Maybe because I’ve been eating a lot lately.”
“Really? Let me check again.” Daniel tilted his head, leaning in to kiss her.