“No. He won’t. Because he doesn’t care.”
Max grinned. “He will. He asks about you every day.”
My heart stilled and I had to make a concerted effort to find my anger again. I shook my head. “He doesn’t really care, Max. Trust me. I’m just another notch he’d like to put on his headboard.”
“Apparently, he’s pissed you off today. I know the feeling—he’s pissed me off every motherfucking day since I met him.” Max’s face softened, a grin touching his handsome face. “So if you don’t want to go home because of him—don’t. But I’d like to think you and I are friends, so do it as a favor to me.”
Max watched me intently, twisting his New Orleans Saints cap around backward. Kari looked from one to the other, her arms crossed in confusion.
“You guys give me a headache,” I muttered and stormed toward the restaurant to get my purse.
I wasn’t sure what Max’s point was, but I knew firsthand how exhausting Cane could be. And I was kind of exhausted myself. Home sounded better and better.
“You better have food for me. And rum!” I yelled over my shoulder, Max’s chuckle following me into the diner.
FIFTEEN
Jada
The hot waterrained down on me, pelting my back. I let it knead the muscles that were taut with stress.
The water rolled down the drain and I wished it could take me with it. At least until I could make sense of my life. I didn’t want to run—not like I did after the divorce. I just wanted an escape. I needed a reprieve from the confusion and frustration that found me the same day I met Cane.
I jumped out of the shower, threw on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, and went to the kitchen. Max had his arms wrapped around Kari from behind, his head bent into the hollow of her neck.
“You better tell me you got me something to eat,” I warned, catching them off guard.
“That was the deal. I’m a man of my word.” Max motioned toward the table and at a bag of takeout … and a bottle of Bacardi.
“I could kiss your faces right now,” I said, catching myself. “Well, not you, Max.”
“Hey.” Max smiled, holding his hands up. “If that’s what y’all are into …”
Kari smacked his chest and he pulled her back into him, making her giggle.
I grabbed a seat and unpacked the contents of the bag, my stomach rumbling. The hot, greasy smell was way more appetizing than it should have been.
“Flowers? What’s up with this?” Kari asked curiously, spotting the vase of tulips that I had set by the sink. She walked over and picked up the note, a silly smile on her face.
“Cane sent you flowers?” she gushed. “How sweet.”
I set my burger down, my appetite beginning to wane. “No—Lucysent me flowers. He was very clear about that.”
Kari looked as confused as I felt. “This card is very sweet, Jada. And very personal. This doesn’t sound like something he would have Lucy say. And who is Lucy, by the way?” She laughed at her own question.
“His secretary,” I sighed, glancing up at Max who was taking everything in. “What’s up with your friend, Max? Has he always been such a dick?”
Max slowly walked over to the table and sat down, his face not giving anything away. “What did he say?”
“Nothing. Abso-freaking-lutely nothing. I thanked him and he said he would tell Lucy she did a good job.” I raised my eyebrows, challenging Max to a response.
Max shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips. He leaned back in his chair looking amused. “Look, Cane is—”
“An asshat?” Kari cut in.
“No. Cane is complicated.”
“Good for him. I’m not. I’m simple,” I said.
