Page 108 of To Tango, with Desire

“I hope I’m not intruding on your work. I thought I’d catch you before you left.”

I ignored the unsettling sensation in the pit of my stomach. I was wary about being alone with Kade after what happened last time. Zane had warned me to be on guard, and I was beginning to think my husband was right. “Your timing is perfect. I just finished up with a client, and Deidre is packing up in the back.”

“Can we go upstairs to talk?”

I scanned his face, noticing the dark circles under his eyes. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just . . . I need to talk about this, and you’re the only person who I could think of who would hear me out, ya know?”

“I think we should chat down here.” There was a look about Kade that left me feeling tense.

Not that I needed any more stress. Even though I’d played it cool with Zane on Friday, I was worried that I might be pregnant. I’d called the doctor who’d confirmed that Plan B wasn’t an option given I was on the pill. And that I was at a very real risk of being pregnant if I’d ovulated. It was too soon to tell, so it was more than likely just a scare. But in the quiet moments, when I had a chance to catch my breath, it plagued me.

It didn’t help that my dad was scheduled for his major operation in a few weeks either. Any time I tried to discuss it with him, he changed the topic. “When are you getting pregnant,” he’d ask. “Now that you’re married, it’s time for grandchildren.”

I’d been a fool to think my parents would be happy that I was married to a billionaire. In true Lebanese fashion, they were impatient for me to start breeding.

“Amira?”

“Hmm?”

“You zoned out there for a sec.”

“Sorry, go ahead, I’m all ears.”

Kade toyed with the ring on his middle finger. It struck me that the man was always in motion. It felt like he never really sat still.

Before he could begin, Deidre came out of the back room, her bag over her shoulder.

“I’m off, Amira, dear.” She smiled, shoving back a strand of bright purple hair. She was insistent that her hair be any color other than boring gray at her age. I bet her grandkids loved it.

“Did you want a ride home?” I asked, hoping to stall her.

“No, I’m off to the theater this evening with my daughter. But thanks all the same.”

And just like that, she was gone. And the feeling of dread returned.

“She’s colorful,” Kade noted.

“Deidre’s a lifesaver. I don’t think I’d be getting through half as much if I didn’t have her here.”

“Hey, I saw a write-up on your business online last week. You’re becoming famous.”

“Oh god, don’t say that.” I’d never wanted fame. I just wanted to live out my dream, to make it a success. And it was. I felt it with every new order, with every magazine interview. Zane was telling me I needed to hire a social media manager and PR group to handle things, but at the moment, I was focusing on fleshing out my brand, adding new elements to my designs.

Now that the website was well and truly up and running, I finally felt like I was legitimate. I even had employees. And Zane was right. In a few months, I’d need a lot more.

“But you didn’t come here to talk about fashion, so spill.”

He shifted. “I could really use a drink.”

“Got milk and soda.”

“I’ll pass.” He grinned, but the humor didn’t reach his eyes.

I was about to ask him if he was okay when he began. “I have a secret.”

I steeled myself. “Okay.”