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 technology anymore.
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?”
I nod and swallow my bite of steak. “The builders say three weeks until the kitchen’s fully restored. They’ve had to rip up the flooring and remove most of the cabinetry to make sure everything dries out properly and there’s no risk of mold.”
Ann makes a sympathetic tutting sound. “It’s such a shame, but three weeks isn’t too bad, is it?”
“As long as it’s done right,” I reply.
Ann turns her attention to Rowan, her tone light and curious. “I hope you two are getting along okay, living together again.”
I have to lift my wine glass to my mouth to hide the grin threatening to break free. If only she knew.
Rowan lets out a slightly awkward laugh. “Yeah… it’s fine.”
Dad chuckles, clearly joking. “Well, only three more weeks and then you can go back to ignoring each other again.”
Ann swats his arm playfully. “David!”
Rowan forces a small, weak laugh, but I feel a sharp twist in my gut.
It’s suddenly very obvious to me that Rowan doesn’t like the idea of me moving out.
The realization settles heavily. We’ve known each other for twenty-five years.
We’ve already lived together before. There’s no awkward “getting to know you” phase.
We already know each other’s habits, comforts, and routines.
It wouldn’t be strange at all. But I’d assumed it would be too much for him, too soon…
now I’m not so sure. And I know Rowan won’t say any of that out loud, he’s too busy second-guessing everything.
I keep my hand on his thigh under the table, stroking slow, reassuring circles with my thumb and giving the occasional gentle squeeze, hoping he can feel what I’m not saying yet.
…
The meal winds down with the usual pleasantries.
Dad signals for the check, and after a brief, good-natured argument over who’s paying…
he wins, as usual… we all stand and begin gathering our things.
The restaurant has grown quieter, the river outside now dark and glittering with the lights of the city.
We step out into the cool night air and head toward the parking lot by the river.
Dad glances around. “Where’s your Jeep parked, Rowan?”
Rowan freezes beside me, shoulders tensing instantly.
I jump in smoothly before he can fumble for an answer. “Oh, he’s riding with me tonight.”
Ann’s brows lift slightly, and she lets out a soft, surprised laugh. “Really?”
Rowan nods, a little stiffly.
Both of them share a quick look, eyes flicking between Rowan and me with open curiosity. I can practically see the wheels turning in their heads.
“One of his tires popped earlier today,” I explain casually, keeping my tone light. “He didn’t have time to deal with it, so…”
Dad smiles, though it’s a little tight around the edges. “Well, I’m glad to see you two have finally grown up. Nice to see you getting along and actually sharing space again. All those years apart seem to have done you both some good.”
I laugh quietly, keeping it easy. “Yeah… okay. Well, see you.”
Ann and Dad wave as they head toward their own car.
As they walk away, I do what I’ve been doing all day without even thinking about it anymore: I open the passenger door for Rowan.
He mumbles a quiet “thanks” and climbs in.
It feels right… making sure he’s settled safely before I round the car and slide into the driver’s seat.
The moment the doors are closed, Rowan groans and tips his head back against the headrest, eyes closing.
I reach over and gently stroke his cheek with the back of my fingers. “Hey… you did good tonight.”
He offers a soft, tired smile. “If you say so.”
I grin, lean across the console, and grab the back of his neck, pulling him into a kiss.
It’s deep and devastating from the start…
my tongue sliding against his, slow and possessive, tasting the wine he’d been drinking.
Rowan melts almost immediately, clutching the front of my shirt tightly as he kisses me back, breathless and needy.
When I finally pull away, he looks dazed, lips slightly swollen.
“Let’s go,” I murmur. “I’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”
Rowan nods, still looking a little stunned. “Uh huh…”
I grin, start the engine, and reverse smoothly out of the parking space, the river lights reflecting off the hood as we pull away.