Chapter 20. The Perfect One

Calista’s POV

His words are stuck in my mind. The tension between us is something else. My heart pounded in my chest as I swallowed hard. Our faces were inches apart, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that made me want to look away, but I couldn’t. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts, and finally managed to shake my head.

“That’s not it,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I was just curious about him.”

His expression shifted, a mix of confusion and disappointment darkening his features. “But I thought you were looking for a job?” he asked, his voice carrying the weight of his letdown.

Guilt washed over me like a wave, crashing against my resolve. I bit my lip, the metallic taste of blood grounding me. “Of course,” I replied, my voice trembling. “I thought you were joking again. I’m sorry.”

“Apology accepted. You look like you could never make a mistake with that innocence of yours, Calista,” he said softly, re