Page 34 of The CEO Alpha’s Substitute Mate

I don’t care. As long as he doesn’t bother me, he can look at me sideways all he wants. Another thing I didn’t realize was how many burdens I had been carrying. With my responsibilities suddenly cut in half and no longer having to worry about money or bills, I feel lighter than ever. I haven’t gone back to the rooftop since that night.

I don’t want Callum finding me there again. The idea of being alone with him—My heart shakes at the thought. It’s not like I hadn’t dated before, but there is an intensity to Callum that makes it hard to think when all his attention is focused on me. I thought when we came here he would only tolerate me or at least try to make my life harder. However, all he’s done is accommodate me in that quiet, cold way of his at every turn. It makes it really hard to dislike him.

I stretch my arms over my head one last time before straightening and calling out, “All right, girls. Go change. Class is over.”

I watch my students scurry off to the changing rooms, and I turn off the music. October has brought a certain chill to the city, and I reach for my cardigan before heading toward the radiator to check the settings.

I’m still crouched next to it when I hear someone call out to me.

“Miss Reyes?”

I look over my shoulder, and a tall, broad-shouldered man with blond hair and blue eyes is standing in the doorway. He’s wearing a suit, a coffee cup in his hands, cutting an attractive figure. He seems oddly familiar, though, and I get to my feet.

“Yes?”

“I’m Amara’s father, Harvey Ledger.”

Amara is one of my students, and I realize I’ve seen him at the door to pick her up. “Mr. Ledger.” I adjust my weight on my good leg. “What can I do for you?”

He looks a little nervous and asks, “How’s Amara doing in class?”

I beam at him. “She’s excellent. She holds her form very well and is incredibly dedicated. In ballet, you need dedication and focus more than talent, and she’s got all three.”

“That’s good. Her mother always wanted her to learn ballet.” He turns the cup in his hands.

“I’ve seen you pick her up but not her mother.”

“She passed away two years ago. It’s just me and Amara now. She really likes you, and I’m convinced you’re the reason she works so hard.”

My heart warms. “She’s a lovely girl, and I’m sorry for your loss.”

He just shakes his head. “I heard you have a son. Amara mentioned that you once brought him to class.”

“Yes, he’s six.”

“So you’re a single parent too?”

I’m about to say no because lately it doesn’t feel like I’m a single parent, but I am, aren’t I? I’m single at least.

“Yes, kind of.”

He doesn’t ask me to elaborate on the last part. Instead, he looks down at his cup and clears his throat. “I was wondering, if you have time this weekend, would you like to get coffee with me?”

My lips part, and I murmur, “Are you asking me on a date?”

He flushes. “Yes. I haven’t been on any dates since my wife passed, so I’m not sure if I’m doing a good job of asking you out. I did practice on my way here.”

I can’t help but smile at how charming he is.

I’m about to say something when a figure appears in the door behind Harvey. My eyes instantly lock in on Callum, who’s walking toward us, his expression dark. Just as I’m wondering what crawled up his ass, he comes to stand beside me. His hand reaches out and wraps around my waist, and he yanks me into his side.

I’m still processing what is happening when he says tightly, “I’m afraid she’s busy.”

I freeze and look up. Callum is watching Harvey rather than me with his hand spread across my hip.

What is he doing?

The man goes red to the hairline. “Oh. I didn’t, I didn’t know you were dating somebody.”