by Leanne Banks
“I’m here. I’m awake.” Beginning to shiver, she stepped out of the tub. “Is the pizza here?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Cade said, opening the door and extending a terry-cloth robe in her direction. “You want this?”
“That would be perfect,” she said, grabbing the robe and clutching it against her.
“Don’t drag your feet. I don’t want the pizza to get cold,” he said.
“Okay, okay,” she said to herself then spoke louder as she towel dried herself. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
She pushed her hands through the sleeves of the robe, tied the sash and bent over to pull the plug out of the drain of the tub.
Stepping out of the bathroom, she headed down the hall to the kitchen and found a table spread with steaks, shrimp, baked potatoes, asparagus—she noted in shock—and bread. She looked at Cade in surprise. “I thought we were having pizza,” she said.
“You don’t want it?” he said.
“No,” she said. “Of course I do. I’m just so—” She was both amazed and touched. “How did you do this?”
“A little help from my brother. I couldn’t pull off the lobster. This time,” he added, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Unable to stop herself, she threw herself against him and wrapped her arms around him. “I can’t believe this. Aren’t you Mr. Hotshot?”
He squeezed her against him. “You get this excited about a nice meal?”
“It’s not the meal. It’s the fact that you would go to trouble to make me happy,” she said. As soon as the words were out, she feared she should have kept them in.
“It wasn’t that much trouble,” he insisted, clearly uncomfortable.
“It was nice. Very nice,” she said. “Thank you.”
She lifted her lips upward, and he paused a half beat, then kissed her. The pause bothered her, but then he kissed the bother out of her.
Cade pulled back. “I can’t let you distract us from eating this meal.”
“Even if I tried my very best?” she said, sliding her fingers down the neck of the robe to the belt.
“Stop,” he said. “Or Stella will get this while I’m hauling you off to my bed.”
He pulled out a chair for her and she took the seat, reveling in his attention. Abby and Cade ate the steak and vegetables, nibbled on the bread. She sipped a fruity martini he’d concocted for her and poured into a beer mug. “This is fabulous. I haven’t had a meal like this in—” She broke off. “I can’t remember when I had a meal like this.”
“I’m glad you asked for it,” he said, nodding. “I should do this more often.”
“I didn’t ask for it,” she said. “I was joking. I told you I was joking. I never expected you to actually to do this.”
“So I surprised you?” he asked, a wicked glint in his eyes.
“Yes, you surprised me,” she said. “And it’s all wonderful, but I’m so full I don’t think I can eat one more bite.”
“Better make some room,” he said, taking another bite of his steak. “There’s something chocolate in the fridge.”
Surprised again, she shook her head. “You’re joking.”
“Not me. I guess I can let you take a little break if you need to. Want to sit in front of the fire?”
“As long as you promise to keep me awake,” she said.
“Burning the candle at both ends again,” he said. “I warned you about that.”
“It’s temporary. My schedule should ease up soon. Besides, I have to ask you, what time do you get up and go into the shop?”
“That’s different,” he said. “I’m used to getting up at 5:00 a.m. I’ve been doing it since…” He shot her a dead-serious look. “Since you were ten.”
“You are wicked and horrible. People don’t know,” she said. “They all think you’re this super amazing, wonderful upstanding citizen, but I know the truth.”
“And what is the truth?” he asked, his eyes glinting with the devil again.
“You are quite simply the devil,” she said. And I’m falling out of my crush on you and into love with you. She bit her tongue to keep from saying the words. She’d always known she had a crush on Cade. In her more melodramatic moments, she’d insisted it was a lifelong passion. But real forever love? Oh, no, this wasn’t good.
Cade’s hand shot out to grip her arm. “Are you okay, Abby? You look a little squeamish. Did the food bother you?”
Abby shook her head. “Not at all. It was wonderful, and you know it. Thank you for arranging such a fabulous meal. I’m very touched,” she said, feeling her throat grow swollen with emotion. Oh, heaven help her, she couldn’t cry. “I’m also very full, so I’d like to take you up on that offer to sit in front of the fire.” She stood. “Let me help you clear the table first.”
Moments later, he linked his hand through hers as they walked into his den. It was Friday night, so there wasn’t much on television. Abby sank onto the sofa. “Oh, what a day and now what a wonderful night.”
“Rough day?” he asked.
“Just busy. Went to the community center, visited Katrina, took an exam and got fitted for a bridesmaid dress.” She winced when she realized what she’d said. “I’m sorry. Really sorry.”
“It’s okay,” he said. “I’m happy for Laila.”
She searched his gaze and saw that he was telling the truth. A sliver of ease slipped through her and she sighed. “That is really good.”
He nodded and pulled her against him. “Anything else?”
“Not really. My car is working great. I’m not behind on my papers. I have a group presentation next week, and I’m ready for my part.” She paused. “Um, I guess I should tell you this. I don’t have to stay tonight, but I told my mom I might be staying overnight with a friend.”
“I don’t want you lying to your family about us,” he said.
“But you also don’t want me telling them the truth about us, either,” she pointed out, lifting her hand to his chin. “That makes it kinda tough, so I told her the truth when I said I might be staying with a friend. You are my friend, aren’t you?” she asked, leaning toward him and pulling his head down to hers. “A very, very good friend, right?” she asked and he kissed her.
Abby fell asleep just before ten o’clock, which told him she was continuing to burn the candle at both ends. He’d have to wake her up to fuss at her, though, and she looked so tired he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He picked her up and carried her to his bed. She semi-awakened then immediately fell back asleep. Cade slid into the other side of his bed and tried to remember the last time a woman had spent the entire night. His house was his private domain, so he rarely invited a woman to stay longer than an evening. He looked at the outline of her feminine form beneath the covers and knew she was naked underneath. It wouldn’t take much for him to want to wake her and make love to her. He knew she wouldn’t protest, either. He couldn’t remember a woman who had matched his sexual appetite, but Abby did.
He couldn’t explain it and sure as hell didn’t want to overthink it, but he liked seeing Abby in his bed. She was the last thing he saw before he fell asleep and the first thing he saw when he awakened the next morning. Sometime during the night, she’d snuggled up against him. Her legs were laced through his and one of his arms was curled around her waist. Her eyelids were fluttering and she blinked as her eyes opened as if she weren’t sure where she was.
“You’re here with me,” he said. “In my bed.”
“I was getting there,” she said. “I’m not always speedy quick in the morning. I don’t remember coming into your bedroom,” she said, lifting her head to glance around. “I haven’t spent a lot of time here before, so I was curious…”
“You didn’t get here under your own steam. I carried you,” he said.
She looked at him in surprise. “Well, darn, I wish I hadn’t missed that.” She gave a sheepish smile. “I must have fallen asleep very early. Sorry.”
“It wasn’t that early,” h
e said and lifted a finger to her nose. “If you’re nine years old.”
She swatted his hand away. “Thanks a lot. I was a regular box of Cracker Jack last night, minus the popcorn and the toy.”
He laughed. “You made up for it before,” he said and pulled her against him. “And today you’re all mine.”
When Abby finally looked out the window, she saw that it had snowed several inches during the night. So much for another motorcycle ride. Not today. They still managed to share a glorious day without leaving Cade’s property. After breakfast, she joined him in his workshop as he tinkered with the motorcycle of a friend who had asked him to pimp it out. During the afternoon, he watched part of a college game while she put the finishing touches on her brief PowerPoint presentation. Afterward they went outside and tossed the ball with Stella. The dog couldn’t get enough of the game.
When it began to turn dark, they went inside and ordered pizza.
“You’re quiet,” Cade said after a few moments of silence. “And you’re not eating much of the pizza.”
“I hate to see the day end,” she admitted. Her stomach was clenching at the prospect of returning home and having to pretend that she still wasn’t involved with Cade. Plus, the day had been so wonderful and they hadn’t done anything monumental. They’d just been together.
“Me, too,” he said. “But it will be easier this way if we don’t have other people knowing our business.”
“I guess,” she said.
She saw him stiffen slightly. “You don’t agree?”
“Well, I’m one of six children. My mother is all wrapped up in planning Laila’s wedding, so I’m not sure she has any time to think twice about who I’m dating as long as he’s not a recently released convict.”
He chuckled. “I guess I could pass muster on that one. I just don’t want to deal with the gossip and uninvited opinions. I don’t like people talking about my private business.”
“Except when you asked Laila to marry you in front of the whole town,” she said, because it popped out of her mouth before she could bite her tongue. She bit her lip instead—way too late.
“That was strictly a moment of insanity invoked by a combination of a stupid discussion with my brothers, whiskey and the fact that I’d recently turned thirty,” he said.
Abby gaped at him and covered her mouth. “You were having an age crisis?”
“I figured she probably was, too, since she’s the same age as me. I figured I need to start a family sometime. May as well be sooner than later.”
Cade could start a family with her, Abby thought, but although he had come around to seeing her as a lover, he didn’t seem to view her as a viable option as a wife. The knowledge stung, but her ego had taken a beating more than once with Cade. “So that was a phase,” she said. “You’re not interested in having a family anymore.”
“I didn’t say that, but it’s got to be the right time with the right person,” he said.
A stab of pain shot through her. She’d already hinted that Cade could have what he wanted with her, but he seemed determined not to hear her. She refused to beg. “I hope you find exactly what you’re looking for.”
He blinked at her response. “What does that mean?”
“Exactly what I said. I think people get into relationships to meet different needs. We all have to figure out who can really meet our needs and who can’t,” she said and picked up her slice of pizza and prayed she would be able to swallow the bite she took.
Cade seemed more thoughtful than usual during the next hour. He watched her carefully. “I’m thinking you’re going to have another busy day tomorrow since you played hooky today.”
“You’re thinking right,” she said, mentally reviewing her insane schedule.
“How’s Monday since you’ll be busy Tuesday night?” he suggested.
She was impressed that he remembered her standing ROOTS commitment, but didn’t allow herself to get too worked up over it. “Monday is better. What did you have in mind?” she asked.
“I’ll come up with something better than Monday-night football. Will that work?” he asked.
“Yes. I love surprises,” she said.
“It’s a good thing one of us does because I hate them,” he muttered, then pulled her against him. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” he demanded.
“You mean you can’t read my mind? I would have sworn that was one of your superpowers,” she joked.
“You must have me confused with someone else,” he said.
“Nope,” she said, shaking her head. “I would swear it was you.”
“Well, you’re wrong, and I’ve noticed you still haven’t told me what’s going on in your brain,” he said.
“Good for you,” she said, still not revealing her thoughts and feelings. “Observant, too.” She lifted her hands to his shoulders and sighed. “When are you going to stop talking and kiss me?”
Between the impending holidays, her cousins’ upcoming double wedding and Laila’s wedding planning, things at the Cateses’ household were moving at a fever pitch. Her sisters were busy with their jobs and social lives, and it always seemed as if one or two of them were moving in or out of the house. Her brother, who still lived at home, provided ample companionship for her father since they were both football freaks and her brother would choose to root for the team opposing her father’s choice just to up the ante.
All the busyness made Abby wonder if anyone would really notice if she were gone for a few days, or more. A tempting thought when she daydreamed about taking a trip with Cade… As if that would happen. Maybe in her next life.
On Sunday, her mother encouraged all the kids to go to church. “It won’t hurt you. You may even learn something,” she’d always said.
Abby often enjoyed the worship service on Sunday morning. It was a quiet slice of time that offered her the opportunity to calm down and remember what was important. Today, however, as she sat with her mother, father, Laila and Jackson, she found herself checking her watch and resisting the urge to squirm. Just two weeks away from Thanksgiving, the sermon topic focused on sharing with both friends and those less fortunate. The pastor pointed out that even though our friends may not seem to need anything, many of us keep our vulnerabilities hidden. He also said that we should especially keep people in mind who have suffered losses during the holidays.
Abby couldn’t help thinking of Cade. People thought of him as the man on whom everyone could depend. He was, but Abby had caught a glimpse of the pain of loss he suffered, pain he rarely let anyone see. It frustrated her that he would only let her so close when she was certain she could make some of his pain go away. Even though he clearly had passion for her, she knew he didn’t view their relationship as long-term, and that hurt her every time she thought about it. Something inside her kept her from giving up just yet. During the last hymn, she thought about how to help Cade through the holiday season. Christmas was right around the corner and she wanted him to feel joy instead of dread.
After church, she helped her mother put a big Sunday lunch on the table. Roasted chicken with vegetables, mashed potatoes and biscuits. Her entire family, along with Jackson, made it for the meal.
Abby’s father gave a quick grace, and a second after he said “Amen,” her brother was reaching for the mashed potatoes.
“I’m glad all of you were able to join us for lunch,” Abby’s mother said. “I’m sorry you missed church. The minister gave an excellent sermon. Don’t you agree, Abby?”
Abby hated being put on the spot, especially when her mother was using her as the example, especially when she was not the least bit perfect. “Very good sermon. The minister reminded us to be generous and thoughtful to everyone because we don’t always know when people are suffering. Mom, you and Dad have been such good examples in this area, I’m sure the rest of us will be thinking about this.” She searched for a change of subject and glanced at Laila. “How are the wedding plans coming?”
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��I can’t believe all the details,” she said. “It’s not just choosing my dress. It’s also choosing the bridesmaids’ dresses and what the men will wear, the decorations for the church, what the theme will be.”
“Vegas sounds like a great theme to me,” Jackson muttered. “Eloping.”
Abby’s mother gasped. “Don’t you dare think of it.”
“Too late for thinking,” Jackson said. “But don’t you worry, Mama Cates. I want everyone to know Laila is off the market.”
Everyone at the table except Abby laughed. Jackson’s comment was in stark contrast to Cade’s determination to keep his relationship with her a secret. One more little stab, but Abby brushed it aside.
Speed-cleaning the dishes and kitchen after the meal with a couple of her sisters, Abby mentally planned her afternoon and evening.
“You sure are quiet,” Jordyn, one of her sisters, said as she dried a pot.
“And you’re cleaning like a bat out of you-know-where,” Jasmine agreed, as she dried a pan. “What’s the rush? Aren’t you gonna hang around for the football game?”
“Not today,” Abby said. “I have too much to do. I’m behind on my schoolwork.”
“Well, don’t work too hard,” Jordyn said, shooting her a look of concern. “You’re looking a little thin and rough. Circles under your eyes.”
“If it were anyone but you, I’d wonder if you were lovesick,” Jasmine said just as Laila walked into the kitchen.
“Lovesick?” Laila echoed. “Who’s lovesick?”
“No one,” Abby said firmly. “I’ve just got a lot of schoolwork to do. Add that to working at the community center and ROOTS and I’m swamped.”
“Hmm,” Laila said, clearly unconvinced.
“Like I said,” Jasmine repeated. “I’d think you were lovesick if I didn’t know you better. You’ve always been more into your grades than dating.”
“And you’ve always been more into dating than anything else,” Abby said with a laugh.
