He nods without hesitation. “Yeah, okay. That makes sense.”
I seize the opportunity to tease him, a small smile tugging at my lips. “You should know that, being head of social and all.”
Cade laughs, the sound low and warm. “Do you want me to drop you off at work? I’ve got to go check on how the renovations are coming along at my place.”
My chest sinks. I’d completely forgotten about his renovations. The thought of going back to my apartment alone… of not having Cade wrapped around me… settles something uneasy and hollow in my stomach.
I frown as we approach the Porsche, still not answering. We climb in, and the silence stretches for a few seconds.
“Why don’t you come with me?” Cade asks.
I offer a small, not-quite-genuine smile. “Okay.”
Cade starts the engine and I lean my head against the cool window, watching people pass by on the sidewalk. My emotions are a messy swirl… newfound happiness tangled with a strange, looming sense of loneliness I can’t quite name.
Twenty minutes later we pull up to a brand-new street of modern homes. The grass is still patchy and new, the cement freshly laid, and most of the houses are still half-built. We stop outside one with tall dark gates and sleek, contemporary lines. It looks finished to me.
I climb out as Cade cuts the engine. “It looks done to me?”
“Yeah,” he says, nodding. “This is where I’ve been living, but one of the pipes burst and completely ruined the kitchen. Thankfully I haven’t had to pay a dime… builder’s error.”
I nod sympathetically. I’d be furious too if I’d built my dream home only for something like that to happen.
Cade gestures toward the house. “The company assured me they’ve sent their best team to fix it.”
I follow him inside. To my horror, one of the builders immediately approaches Cade with an easy smile and shakes his hand. The man is wearing low-slung work pants andnothingelseon top, sweat glistening across defined chest muscles and abs. He’s not unattractive… at all.
I don’t even hear the conversation they’re having because I’m too busy realizing I just noticed another man that way for the first time in my life.
The builder eventually walks away. Cade turns back to me, leans in close, and cups my crotch possessively through my trousers.
His voice drops low and dark against my ear. “Keep staring at these men like that and I’ll have to punish you again.”
A whimper slips out before I can stop it. I nod quickly. “Maybe I’ll just… wait in the car,” I mutter.
Cade presses a gentle, teasing kiss to the corner of my mouth. “Good boy.”
I shiver hard at the words and turn around, desperate to escape the testosterone-and-muscle-filled chaos of the house.
Chapter Twelve
Cade
We’re seated at a quiet table by the tall windows of a restaurant downtown that overlooks the river. The evening light is soft and golden on the water. I’m chewing a perfectly cooked piece of steak when Ann launches into an animated story about the afternoon she and Dad spent together yesterday… some gallery opening, followed by a long walk along the waterfront. Her voice is warm and happy, and Dad watches her with that familiar fond expression he’s had for years.
Dad eventually turns his attention to Rowan, who’s sitting beside me looking every inch the composed professional in his full suit, the picture of innocence. “Thanks for signing those documents, Rowan. Marge had them on my desk first thing this morning.”
Rowan nods politely and takes a sip of his wine before replying, “I’m glad she got them to you.”
Dad leans back in his chair, a proud smile forming. “You know… I’ve been thinking about this for a while now. Cade, you’ve stepped up in ways I didn’t expect. You’ve handled the clients, the press, and the events… everything that puts our name and our reputation in front of the world. That’s not a small thing. Mercer Security isn’t just known for our technologyanymore. We’re known because of the face we show, and that face is yours now.”
He raises his glass slightly. “So, officially… you are now the Head of Social Affairs and Public Relations for Mercer Security. The public face of the entire company. It’s a big responsibility, son. I’m trusting you with our image, our partnerships, and our future growth. Congratulations.”
I can’t help the slow smirk that spreads across my face. “Thanks, Dad.”
Rowan offers me a soft, genuine smile from beside me. Under the table, I discreetly reach over and squeeze his thigh, my fingers lingering for a moment in silent acknowledgment.
Ann tilts her head, still smiling. “So, how’s your home coming along, sweetheart?”
