Chapter Three
Caleb came out of his room when he heard a raised voice from the living room. He walked in to see Michael, Helen, and Bella.
“What’s going on?”
Michael said, “I’m just trying to tell Helen there’s nothing she can do about you, and she’s not taking it very well.”
Caleb laughed. “I bet that’s killing you, lady.” He turned to Michael. “I’m sorry you were dragged here.”
Michael grinned. “Oh, I knew it would happen sooner than later.”
The men grinned at each other.
“You can’t make me keep him here,” Helen screeched.
Caleb held up a hand. “Listen to me and get it through your thick skull. There’s absolutely nothing you can do. You can’t keep me away. Have your little fit so Bella and I can get something to eat.”
Michael coughed to hide his laugh, and Bella’s mouth dropped open, and her eyes widened.
Helen screeched again, turned, and stormed out of the room. “This isn’t the end of this. You’ll all pay for this.”
Caleb tried to look disappointed and threw his hands in the air. “Well, hell, that’s it? We don’t get the full tantrum you usually do?” he yelled.
Michael started laughing, and Bella pressed her hands to her mouth to keep her laughter in.
“I’m so glad you took on this assignment. You’re going to be so much fun to work with, but mainly, I know you’ll protect Isabel, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen this young woman smile.”
Caleb grinned at Bella. “Michael, you want to stay for dinner? Bella and I are going to order in some … Chinese?” he asked Bella.
She nodded.
“Chinese,” he told Michael.
“Damn, I wish I could. Next time.”
“Sounds good. Hey, if she throws a fit again and demands you come here, call me, and I’ll save you the trip.”
“I never thought I’d find someone who could go up against Helen.”
“I have five other partners, all ex-cops and all little pricks, so she’s nothing next to them.”
Michael laughed again. “Good to know.”
The elevator door closed behind Michael before Caleb turned to Bella. “Do you know how to order in?”
Bella shook her head. “My mom does it. She usually gets things that are good for me to keep my weight down. No one wants a fat actress.”
He gritted his teeth. “That shit ain’t flying. I’ll call down. They’ll know.”
Thirty minutes later, one of the security guys brought up a box filled with fragrant food. “Now, we’re hungry for Chinese.”
Caleb grinned. “Next time we order, I’ll make sure I get your order, too.”
“Thanks, man.”
Caleb set the box on the table. “Do you want to go get plates and forks for us, honey?”
“Yes.”
They sat down and passed the different cartons of food back and forth until their plates were full.
“I’ve never eaten this much food in my life,” she murmured.
“Just eat what you can. Hey, look what I found. Chopsticks. Do you know how to use them?”
Bella shook her head. “No.”
He showed her how to hold them and then how to pick up the food. He waited until she took a few bites. “It’s a little better eating with the sticks, isn’t it?”
She grinned. “I don’t know about that. But it’s more fun.”
They both laughed and ate until they were full. He had her laughing hysterically when he told her about his day and the plane ride.
They cleaned up together and then walked down the hallway to their bedrooms.
“You need to get some sleep. We’ve got a long day tomorrow.”
She nodded. “Yes. Good night.”