Cadence
P RESENT TIME
I finally know what's inside the garment bag Keiran handed me earlier.
Because it's what I'm wearing now, and it's what has me pacing back and forth for the past five minutes.
He really wants me to wear this. Seriously?
The powder room in my restaurant has a full-length mirror, and my reflection on it has me alternately cringing and wincing.
This is just...this is just not enough to cover a human being, for crap's sake!
A red shimmery slip of a dress with spaghetti-thin straps, a deep V neckline that dips dangerously low, and a thigh-high slit on one side that makes me feel like I'm one wrong move away from a wardrobe malfunction.
Oh, let's just get it over with, Cades!
I march out of the room with my chin held high...and my entire staff does their best to snort back their laughter. Most supportive team ever? NOT.
"Knock them dead, boss," Gemma calls out from the corner.
Not if I die first, argh!
"But not Grant! I really think he'd die if he sees you in that."
Cripes!
I trip over my feet at the mention of Grant's name, but unlike before—-
Keiran isn't there to catch me, and I end up flailing my arms for several long seconds before finally managing to grab the back of a chair to keep myself from falling. Phew. I almost thought I'd end up kissing—-
"Let's get moving."
Keiran's already walked out of my restaurant by the time I recover, and Gemma rushes toward me with a guilty look on her face. "I was just joking, I'm sorry." She looks at me nervously. "Did I make your new boyfriend mad?"
"It's fine. He's not mad."
"And the bit about him being your new boyfriend?"
I shake my head, and Gemma's eyes widen. "But the others said—-"
Onesimus suddenly shows up, saying wryly, "He doesn't like to be kept waiting."
Oh, right, crap.
"Text me if there's any emergencies," I call out to Gemma even as I follow behind Keiran's chauffeur in a hurry. Once inside the limo, I turn to Keiran, intent on apologizing for making him wait—-
Gulp.
His handsome face looks as if it's carved from stone.
"You're still in touch with Poorly then."
Poorly?
Who's—- oh .
I clear my throat. "Grant's last name is Porely—-"
"That's not an answer to my question."
Oh, right, um...
I know I have nothing to feel nervous or guilty about, but that's exactly what his cold gray eyes is making me feel.
"He and Dad are business partners."
"Of course."
Is that...innuendo I'm hearing?
"But we're just friends."
"And does he think that, too?"
Keiran's mocking tone throws me off for a loop. Is he accusing me of being a flirt? Or am I allowed to think that Keiran is feeling jealous furious affected over hearing Gemma talk about another man?
"Uh..."
"If you need time to think about what to say, then that's all the answer I need."
My eyes widen. "No, that's n-not—-"
Oh.
I'm no longer able to speak when I realize we've already reached our own destination.
Harbour Locke Country Club.
My stunned gaze flies to him, but Keiran's expression reveals nothing.
Why?
Why bring us back here of all places?
What is he planning?