“Hey.”
I bristle at Cade’s voice, surprised to see him leaning against the building. “Are you waiting for something?” I ask.
“Yes.” He straightens. “You.”
My glare is cutting. He walked out of the studio with Emma soon after recording finished, yet here he is.
We might as well review today’s interview.
“Are there any questions you want removed from the final cut?”
Locs thump against his cheeks. “Nope. Lula can keep them all.”
“Even the dating one?”
“Absolutely. I’m unavailable, and I’d like that to be publicly known.”
A surprised cough bursts out of my chest, sharp and way too loud. “Got it,” I choke out. “Well, enjoy your afternoon. I’m waiting for my ride.”
“A ride?” Cade’s jaw clicks. “Why didn’t you ask me to take you back to Clear Lake?”
“Why would I?”
The good energy between us dissipates as he marches away, leaving me alone on the sidewalk. His steps are agitated, but I don’t call for him. It’s better this way. Today was nice as agent and client. There’s no need to ruin it with a silent and awkward thirty-minute drive home.
My rideshare app chimes, alerting me that Teela’s silver Subaru is five minutes away. Then I’ll be home and safe from Cade and his random confessions.
“Get in the car.”
Red fills my vision, a mix of rage and the red minivan beside me. “Excuse me?”
Cade pushes his elbow out of the open window. “You’re not being driven home by some stranger, so get in the car.”
“In your dreams.” I flick my hand, shooing him away. “Go home, Cade. I’m fine.”
Naturally, like the stubborn man he is, he does the exact opposite. The ancient minivan groans as he pushes it into park. “What are the odds you let me drive you home?”
“Rule three!”
“Fine.” The door creaks open, and he swings his legs out. “Shaylene Joy Turner, you have three options.” My blood drops at the use of my full name. “One,” he continues, “you break the rules and play our game. Two, you be the angel I know you can be and get in my car. Or three, I’llputyou in my car. The only downside to option three is that I’ll make a big scene. And I’d hate to ruin that beautiful hair of yours.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” My hands fly up to shield my perfectly puffed afro.
He cocks his head and smiles. “Try me.”
Chapter Fourteen
I shouldn’t be thishappy, considering Shay is huffing, puffing, and ignoring the hell out of me, but I can’t help but laugh at the situation.
“If I were in better shoes, I would’ve outrun you,” she mutters, and I barely manage to avoid a high heel to the head when she tosses the dangerous weapons into the back seat.
“I’m glad we’re in agreement,” I say. “If it weren’t for that crack in the sidewalk, you would’ve run all the way back to Clear Lake.”
“Or hitchhiked.”
My head whips to the side. “Absolutely not. If I find out you’re hitchhiking, I’ll—”
“Chase me down a sidewalk in broad daylight? Throw me over your shoulder like a disobedient toddler? Toss me into the car and buckle me in while I nurse my poor ankle? Yeah. Trust me. I know you will.”
