Chapter 16

The instant Cecilia approached Caleb, he stepped back in disgust. Reaching for the intercom beside the door, he pressed the button and said coldly, "Security, please escort Ms. Cecilia Nander out. From now on, she isn't allowed entry into this neighborhood without my permission." With that, he slammed the door shut, leaving Cecilia outside, bewildered and humiliated. Caleb leaned against the door, the cool surface seeping through his clothes. The lingering scent of Cecilia's perfume filled the air, but all he felt was frustration, annoyance, and bitter irony. An imitation would always remain just that–an imitation. What he longed for was the original—Winona's sharp tongue, her fiery passion, her unrestrained spirit. At dinner, the chef served Caleb a bowl of bright red, spicy chili stew, which was made by his special request. Caleb scooped a spoonful, placed it in his mouth, and swallowed. Instantly, the heat exploded across his tongue, burning down his throat into his stomach.