Liz peeks in and places a hand over her chest as she gushes. “You’re coming into your own, Rowan Prescott. Your mother would be so proud of you right now.”
Her words hit like an arrow—sharp with grief but glowing with warmth. My throat tightens, and I blink rapidly to hold the tears at bay. It isn’t Liz’s fault that this sorrow likes to sneak up on me when I least expect it. Still, the reminder is a blade I’m not quite armored against.
I manage a shaky smile, hoping she won’t notice how close I am to falling apart.
“Toss on the black flats,” she instructs briskly,rescuing me from the spiral. “It’ll keep things casual…ish.”
I snort. “At least you’re not throwing heels at me.”
“Please. I want you to be able to walk up to him, not topple into his arms. Wait…” Her smirk deepens. “That could work, too.”
I shove my feet into the flats when a knock rattles the door. My stomach clenches instantly, twisting into knots.
He’s here.
The knock comes again—firmer this time, like Cade has already decided patience is optional.
Liz smirks like the devil herself and flutters her fingers at me. “Enjoy your evening,sugarplum.” She slips toward the door, clearly planning to open it for him, but I dart forward and beat her there.
“Goodbye, Liz,” I hiss, shoving her gently into the hall.
She chuckles all the way down the corridor, muttering something about “Team RoCa forever.”
Taking a steadying breath, I pull the door further open to greet Cade.
And there he is.
Cade Westin in all his broody, golden-eyed glory, standing stiff-backed in a black shirt that stretches across his chest like it was personally tailored by the gods, just for him. His jaw ticks when his gaze sweeps over me, lingering just long enough on the silky top that heat prickles my skin.
“You’re ready,” he says, voice low and clipped, but there’s a roughness underneath that betrays him.
“Observant as always.” My hand flutters in a little ta-da motion before I can stop it. “Should I spin for your approval?”
His mouth almost curves, but then he steps closer, filling the doorway. “I don’t think that’s necessary. Do you?”
I roll my eyes. “Your approval? Definitely notnecessaryfor me. Just be thankful you didn’t come ten minutes ago like Liz did when I was only wearing a robe.”
The sharp inhale he takes makes me instantly regret mentioning my previousattire. But it also makes me glad Liz chose this top for me. Especially when his heated gaze lingers longer over my chest than usual.
My stomach does a ridiculous flip, and for a moment, the air between us feels like it might combust.
He clears his throat, offering me his arm in an old-fashioned, unexpectedly formal gesture. “Shall we?”
I arch a brow, hesitant to touch him with my emotions rampant already. “What is this, a date or a duel?”
“Depends on how the night goes.” His gaze catches the low light, glinting like molten metal.
Shifter shits.
I might actually be in way over my head here.
As my bedroom door clicks shut behind us, I can’t decide if I’m walking into an evening of answers or setting myself up to be completely undone.
Chapter 26
CADE
Rowan opens the door, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.
