But mainly for proving Jon wrong.
Just like that, I’m walking away from the game, and I don’t feel like a failure. Tonight isn’t about being the guy who plays through it. Maybe it’s about being the guy who finally doesn’t have to.
And all I want to do is run to the woman who made this all feel real.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Whoever is ringing mydoorbell is about to get their nuts crushed.
I finally take a day off, and this is how the universe rewards me?
Technically, it was a sick day, but it’s the first day since starting my internship that I’ve done very little work. None of my clients had any meltdowns or disasters to take care of. Not once did I have to listen to one of Trevor’s tirades. Instead, I took a bubble bath, had an appointment with my dietitian, cooked meals for the week, decorated, took another bath, and fell asleep early.
Rushing through the living room, I kick the paint-splattered tarp aside. In an attempt to make this place home, I’m testing splotches of pastel pink, peach, and cream paint in the living room and foyer.
But I can’t get rid of the kitchen’s textured floral wallpaper. Mallory loves it too much.
On tiptoe, I squint through the peephole and clutch the baseball bat like a lifeline. “Who is it?” I call out. “I have a weapon!”
The dark blob is unfamiliar. So instead of being a hero, I back away from the door and prepare to call the police, but my body freezes when the intruder’s laugh weasels its way through the tiny gap under the door.
“Stand down, Agent Shay. It’s me. Can we talk?”
There’s only one person who calls me that, and he shouldn’t be at my house at midnight.
“Can it wait until the morning?”
Cade sighs. “I’d like to do this now, if that’s okay.”
“Am I being fired?” I ask. “I’d like to formally request being fired at a normal hour. Preferably after I’ve eaten so I’m in a better mood and less likely to have a meltdown.”
God. There’s that laugh again. “I wouldn’t dream of losing you again. You can’t get rid of me that easily.”
I’d open my door for any of my clients at this hour, especially if they sounded as determined as Cade does, so I do. The man who occupies most of my thoughts is leaning against the doorframe, as if being here is the most normal thing in the world. Navy deepens his sun-soaked skin, practically identical to the hue of his eyes in the darkness. His chest doesn’t budge, unyielding against the baseball bat jammed against his sternum.
It’s a warning to stay back and stay outside.
With his hands raised, he grins. “This isveryon brand for you.”
I step onto the porch and close the door behind me. “What are you doing here, Cade?”
He looks as uncomfortable as I feel, with stiff shoulders and eyes that won’t stay on me for more than a second. It could be the fact that I’m in a matching set of sheer pajamas, but it looks more like he’s in physical pain.
Mint fills my nose as he exhales. “I’m sorry.”
“For waking me up in the middle of the night when I’m sick?”
“Sick?” Discomfort shifts into worry as one hand cups my cheek and the other presses against my forehead. “What’s wrong? How long have you been sick? Mallory didn’t tell me that. Do you need something?”
“Sleep,” I murmur, trying to sound annoyed, but biting down my smile proves to be impossible. “I’m okay, Cade. Still having a rough PCOS flare up, but I listened to some advice from my least favorite client and took a much-needed day off work.”
“Least favorite client my ass, but I’m happy to hear that.” His hands fall from my face, but he’s still smiling. “What would you say if I told you I took a much-needed few days off?”
The good mood vanishes as my eyes snap to his hip.
Thisis why I don’t take days off. I’m supposed to know what’s going on with my clients, regardless of what I’m going through. If I hadn’t fallen asleep after asking him to get me a shirt, I would’ve known. I would’ve already sent Rio an email.
I should have been there for him.
