Seven

Fallon

The day had already been chaotic enough without Reid Callahan deciding to meddle in my life. My filming schedule was packed, and I had spent most of the morning reviewing brand partnership contracts. My car troubles were the least of my concerns until, of course, my mother had to go and spill that information to Reid.

I should’ve known something was up when he called out of the blue.

“Hello, Reid,” I said, already bracing myself for whatever nonsense he was about to spew.

“Hey. Your mom mentioned that your car needs some work done.”

I scowled, gripping the phone tightly. “Why would she tell you that?”

“And why are you calling me about it?” I added sharply, my annoyance bubbling to the surface.

“Let me have your address so I can send my mechanic to pick it up,” he said, completely ignoring my irritation.

“No thanks,” I snapped, my pride refusing to let him swoop in and fix things.

“That wasn’t a request,” he stated flatly before hanging up.

I stared at the phone in disbelief, my jaw dropping. “He’s so freaking rude!” I fumed, pacing around my living room.

My foot caught the leg of my tripod, and I nearly toppled it over. “Argh!”

There was no way I was giving him my address. He couldn’t just bulldoze his way into my life like that. I was perfectly capable of handling my own problems.

A few hours later, I had just finished filming content for a skincare brand when a sharp knock echoed through my apartment.

Frowning, I set my phone down and walked to the door. I wasn’t expecting anyone.

When I opened it, a tall, lanky man with a friendly smile stood there.

“Good day, ma’am. My name is Theo, and I was sent by Mr. Reid Callahan to pick up your vehicle.”

I blinked. “Excuse me?”

“Mr. Callahan instructed me to handle the repairs personally,” he said politely.

Of course, Reid had found a way around my refusal. My mother must have given him my address.

I sighed, debating whether to send Theo away, but he looked so earnest and polite.

“Give me a second,” I muttered, shutting the door briefly.

Grabbing my keys, I returned and handed them over. “Take care of my baby.”

“She’s in good hands, ma’am, and will be returned to you in perfect condition by the end of today.”

“Thanks,” I said begrudgingly before shutting the door.

I tried to focus on editing my content, but irritation lingered in the back of my mind. Reid always had to be in control, didn’t he?

When a knock came at the door hours later, I half-expected it to be Theo again.

Sure enough, there he was, holding my keys.

“All set, ma’am. Your vehicle’s been fully serviced and fueled.”

I arched a brow. “Fueled too?”

“Yes, ma’am. Mr. Callahan insisted.”

“Of course he did,” I muttered under my breath.

“Thank you, Theo.”

“My pleasure, ma’am.”

As soon as I shut the door, I stared at my keys, debating whether to let it go or confront Reid.

I chose confrontation.

Pulling up his number, I hit call.

He answered on the second ring. “Fallon,” he said smoothly.

“Thank you for fixing my car,” I said, keeping my tone polite despite my simmering frustration.

“You’re welcome.”

There was a pause thick with unspoken words.

“Next time,” I added pointedly, “ask before sending someone to my place.”

“Noted,” he said, sounding entirely unbothered.

“Why did you do it?” I pressed, needing to understand his motivations.

“Because I could,” he said bluntly.

I blinked, momentarily stunned by his arrogance. “Unbelievable,” I muttered.

“Anything else?”

“No.”

“Good. Have a nice day, Fallon.”

The line went dead before I could respond.

I tossed my phone onto the couch, fuming. Reid Callahan was infuriating, but I couldn’t deny that his gesture had made my day a little easier.

Still, I wasn’t about to let him know that.

Later that evening, Mia called, her voice buzzing with curiosity.

“Girl, what’s up with the car situation? I saw your Instagram post about it.”

I sighed. “Reid sent a mechanic without my consent and got it fixed.”

“Ooooh, Mr. Fiancé being all chivalrous?” she teased.

“More like controlling,” I muttered.

Mia laughed. “Come on, Fallon. A man who handles your problems like that? I’d marry him in a heartbeat.”

“You can have him,” I joked.

“No thanks. He’s your headache now.”

I groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

“Anyway, take the win. At least your car’s back and better than ever.”

“I guess,” I admitted reluctantly.

After ending the call, I stood by the window, staring out at the city lights. As much as I wanted to stay mad at Reid, a small part of me couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to him than the arrogant businessman he presented to the world.