Page 23 of Wilde Flame

“Thank you, and yes.” Pulling out the orange juice, I held it up in a silent question.

“I’d love some, thank you.”

She took our plates to the small table that was in the breakfast nook while I poured two glasses of orange juice.

We ate in silence…until it was clear Lilibeth was about to explode.

“Just say what you want to say, Flower Child.”

“Oh, thank God! I couldn’t stand the silence any longer. Do you not get lonely, living in this big house by yourself?”

“No.”

Her fork paused at her mouth. “Do you ever want to get married someday and have kids?”

“I did once.”

“And now you don’t?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I have no desire to give my heart to someone like that again.”

Her brows went up. “Who hurt you and made you think you can’t be happy again?”

Her words felt like a knife to the heart. I dropped my fork to the plate and got up to empty the rest of my eggs into the trash. “You can keep the clothes if you want. I’ll be in my office. It’s across the hall from my bedroom. When you’re ready for me to take you home, just come and get me.”

Without bothering to look back at her, I added, “Oh, and I’ll clean up. The faster you’re out of my house, the better.”

Lilibeth

I watched as Caden practically ran from the kitchen. Glancing around, I let out a slow breath. Standing, I quickly cleaned up the kitchen and put the dishes in the dishwasher, regardless of what he said, then made my way back to what I guessed was the guest bedroom on the second floor.

Grabbing my phone, I pulled up Ensley’s number and hit it.

“Hey,” she groaned. “I hope you’re feeling better than me.”

“Have you started work yet?”

“No, why?”

“I need a big favor. Can you swing by and pick me up at Caden’s house?”

The silence spoke volumes.

“Nothing happened. He brought me here, and I crashed in his guest bedroom. I was fully clothed when I woke up, and he was kind enough to put water and aspirin next to the bed. He’s offered to drive me home, but—”

I heard my voice crack.

“What happened?”

“I crossed a line I’m sure, and he basically said he wanted me out of his house.”

She mumbled what sounded like a curse under her breath. “I’ll be right there.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks, Ensley. I don’t mean to pit you against your brother.”