I look up to see the front door swing open, and Caden Taylor steps inside with more swagger than should be allowed for one man. Tall, with light brown hair and dark eyes that are impossible to look away from. His gaze locks with mine and he smiles. He has a smile that reaches his eyes, and my breath catches at the sight of him. 
“Hello? Earth to Cosette. Why are you staring at him? Is he the guy? Isn’t he a construction worker from the Bronx?” Jeremy says with such disdain, I can’t help but roll my eyes.
The man is so snobby I can barely stand to be in his presence any longer. If it weren’t for the love I have for his family, I’d have walked away and never looked back. 
“Yes. We’re together. And he’s an incredible developer, so I’d appreciate it if you’d show him the respect that he deserves.” I raise a brow at both Jeremy and my mother. She’s busy shoving Louie back down in the plush silk lining that he’s grown accustomed to. 
“Caden Taylor? You’re dating him?” my mother finally says, as she glances over at him and back to me. “He’s so … American.”
“He sure is.” I curtsy with a fake smile plastered on my face. “Now if you’ll excuse me. I’d like to greet him properly.”
My hands are shaking when I storm away, and Caden’s gaze doesn’t leave mine as I close the space between us, ignoring all the people waving and smiling at me as I do so. I know my mother and Jeremy are watching and I need to make a point, once and for all. This madness needs to stop. I’m just hoping Caden is willing to play along. 
“Hey,” I say as a wide grin spreads across his face. His brother Gus is beside him but I don’t have time to greet him just yet. “I need a favor. Will you play along with something?”
“You don’t even have to ask,” his voice is smooth and confident. 
I glance over my shoulder to see my mother and Jeremy watching me. Jeremy smirks, as if he doesn’t believe anything about this.
It’s time to up my game. 
I push up on my tiptoes and wrap my hands around Caden’s neck and pull his mouth down to mine. I only intend to peck his perfect lips, just enough to get my point across. But when his mouth covers mine and his hands reach up to hold either side of my face, everything changes. I step in closer, enjoying the hard heat of his body, and his tongue slips in, deepening our kiss. 
I couldn’t pull away if I wanted to. 
And I most definitely don’t want to.
I haven’t been kissed like this … ever.