Chapter Nineteen
Caden
By Tuesday after work, I’m exhausted. We had an emergency call just after ten, and it took me half the night to get it isolated and fixed. A homeowner called concerned about lights flickering in their bedroom, followed by a burnt smell. I instructed them to immediately flip the main breaker, and I’m damn glad they did. When I got in there, I quickly found evidence of a major problem that was about to turn into a catastrophic ordeal. The couple ended up going to stay with family for the night, while I made sure the problem wasn’t going to get any worse before we could get back in there and fix it. I grabbed a few hours of sleep before spending my entire day at their house, updating their wiring in two of the bedrooms and the master bathroom.
But finally, I’m done.
My plan is to stop by the gym, grab some takeout, and then head home to eat, shower, and crash. And not wake up until tomorrow morning.
I throw myself into my work truck and drive to the gym. I really should skip it, but considering I haven’t been in a few days, I really need to get my ass in there. Though, I could argue the amount of cardio I’ve done with Adrienne more than makes up for a couple of missed visits to the gym.
That woman is insatiable.
Pulling into the lot beside the gym, I park toward the back, noting how full the lot is. That’s another sign I should just head home and forget about getting in a workout today, but that’s not what I do. I grab my gym bag and move toward the front entrance.
“Good afternoon, Caden,” Candace purrs as I approach the desk to sign in.
“Hey,” I reply politely, scribbling my name and the time onto the sign-in sheet.
“We just put fresh towels in the cabinets, and Rob is upgrading the free weights area.” She bats her eyelashes my way and leans forward, trying to entice me with her low-cut tank top.
A few months ago—hell, maybe even a few weeks ago—I might have been interested. She’s hot, fit, and blonde, wearing skintight little booty shorts every day at work. She checks many of my boxes. However, I can’t seem to pull out even one little come-on line. My normal flirty banter doesn’t feel right, despite the fact I’ve had no problem hitting on her in the past. I’d like to think it’s something as simple as being tired. I got very little sleep last night and have been working like crazy since yesterday morning.
However, I have a feeling that’s not entirely the case. I just haven’t felt the need to flirt with anyone but Adrienne as of late. Hell, even before that fateful night we wound up back at her place for the first time, she’s commanded my attention. Still does, which is probably something I should be concerned about. Usually, by now I’m bored and moving on, but Adrienne’s different.
I just refuse to explore why.
“Thanks, Candace,” I state, backing away and heading toward the locker room.
I keep my head down and walk quickly to my destination. I’m determined to get this done, even if my brain is telling me just to go home. Slipping inside the locker room, I move toward an empty locker. I set my bag on the bench and quickly change into shorts, a T-shirt, and my athletic shoes, then grab my water bottle. I shove my work clothes and bag inside the locker and return to the gym.
I spot several familiar faces, and even though a few acknowledge me, most keep their attention on their workout. I need to work legs today, but I always include a little cardio while I’m here. Of course, the treadmills are all busy, which I should take as another sign to get the hell out of here.
Ignoring the warning, I move to the back of the room and stretch. There’re a few gym bunnies hanging around, stretching and husband hunting. I try to avoid them and their claws, sticking to the far side of the large mat area.
“Hi, Caden,” one of them purrs, batting her eyelashes and waving her perfectly manicured fingers my way.
I politely return the gesture, but I don’t smile. Smiles invite conversation.
I can feel their eyes on me as I go through my pre-workout routine, making sure my ass is pointed to the wall. I do a quick job at stretching and head for some of the leg machines. I usually have a system, a routine, but right now, I’m just trying to get this done. So, I jump on the first machine available and get to it.
I’m just switching machines after wiping it down when I hear a laugh. A very familiar laugh. My brain registers Adrienne’s laugh, my eyes seeking her out automatically. She’s not far away, finishing up using a squat machine. My entire being seems to relax a bit at seeing her, my heart doing this wild little gallop in my chest. I tell myself it’s from lack of sleep, but…
Just as quickly as the smile spreads, it falls from my lips. Standing there, leaning over the machine and inserting himself into Adrienne’s personal space is Brock Streeter. Fucking douchebag Brock. The guy who’s only two years older than me and has been married three times already. He’s always falling in and out of love, usually cheating on his significant other somewhere along the way.
And he’s with Adrienne.
I’m moving before I can even talk myself out of it. The angel on my shoulder isn’t anywhere near, probably hog-tied and gagged by the devil on the other shoulder. He’s slipping on his boxing gloves and ready to throw down with the one guy I can’t fucking stand. He’s cocky, a total manwhore, and thinks he’s better than everyone else. I’ve always hated him, and I don’t hate anyone.
Well, except my sister’s soon-to-be ex-husband, Warner.
Those two were created from the same cloth. Literally. Brock is Warner’s younger brother and are more alike than I’d like to admit.
I barely reach his side when I bark out, “What are you doing, Streeter?”
He turns my way and gives me a charming, nonchalant grin. “Hey, Neumann.” He glances down at his gym outfit and adds, “I thought it was pretty self-explanatory, considering we’re at the gym and I’m in gym clothes.”
I feel Adrienne’s gaze on me, but I ignore her. “You need to move on. Now.”
He laughs. Fucking laughs. It takes every ounce of control I possess not to swing and knock that smug smile straight off his face. “I’m just talking to my friend. That a problem?” he asks, the challenge laid between us.
“Yes.”
He chuckles and turns his attention to Adrienne. “He’s a funny guy. Apparently, no one is allowed to have friends and talk during workouts.” He rolls his eyes.
“I mean it, Brock. Get lost. Leave her alone.”
He glances back at me before returning his gaze to Adrienne. Then, he does it again. “Ahhh, so it’s like that. You staking your claim, Neumann?” He turns to Adrienne and says, “Watch out for this one. He changes women more than I change my underwear.”
“Fuck you, Streeter.” My agitation flares, the anger building and ready to explode.
“All right,” Adrienne says, stepping between Brock and me. To Brock, she says, “Thanks for offering suggestions. I’ll take them into consideration with my workouts.”
Brock stands tall as he gazes down at Adrienne. “Yeah. If you need any help, just holler.” He looks my way out of the corner of his eye. “You gonna be all right?”
The insinuation is evident, as to say she’s not safe with me. Complete bullshit. I’d never hurt Adrienne or any other woman. Now, a douche like Brock? Yeah, my fist has always wanted to meet his jaw.
“I’m fine, thank you,” Adrienne insists gently, a reassuring smile on her lips as she turns my way. “I heard you had a rough twenty-four hours,” she states. It’s not a question.
Brock walks away, but I still can’t seem to get this gut-churning anxiety to abate. I can feel the tension in my jaw and limbs and have no clue how to get rid of it. Usually, I’d go to the gym, but since I’m already here and have no desire to continue my workout, I realize I need to cut my losses and go home.
“You okay?” she asks, taking a step closer and into my personal space.
I run my hands through my hair. “Yeah.”
Her light-brown orbs sparkle beneath the fluorescent lighting. “We were just talking, Caden.”
A lump forms in my throat. “I don’t care.” My words come out harsher than I intend them.
“Clearly,” she replies, crossing her arms over her chest and leveling me with a look. “Listen, I don’t know what’s going on with you, but it’s obviously something.”
I take a deep breath and close my eyes for a couple seconds. When I open them, she’s still watching me intently, waiting. “I just don’t like that guy. He’s Scarlet’s brother-in-law, and he’s just as big of a douche as his older brother.”
“I see. Well, good thing I think he’s kinda gross then, huh?”
I blink a few times, confused, because women seem to love the guy and practically lick the gym sweat off his nuts. “Yeah?”
“Totally. He screams douchey player with a side of asshole.”
I can’t help but smile. “He totally is.”
“I figured,” she replies, glancing around before returning her brown eyes on me. “Jack mentioned you had a rough night.”
“Yeah, I, uh, should probably head home. I’m clearly a little edgy and tired.”
She nods, her soft curls bouncing around the elastic band holding them together. “I have some chicken and dumplings at home in my Crock-pot if you want some.”
My stomach growls at the thought, but I ignore it. “I really should get home. I need a shower and bed. I was just gonna grab something on my way.”
Adrienne shakes her head adamantly. “No way, cowboy. I got you. I’ll run home and grab the food and meet you at your place. You go shower, and I’ll be there by then. You can eat and then crash.”
I admit, the thought of a homecooked meal does sound damn good right about now. “I don’t want to put you out.”
“You’re not, believe me. The Crock-pot is half full. If anything, you’re helping me out by eating a bunch of it. Otherwise, I’d be eating the leftovers for a while, and that really doesn’t sound appealing.”
She waits for me to accept, but I can tell by the way she’s looking at me, she knows what my answer will be. I just need to get on board with it too. “All right, if you’re sure it’s no trouble.”
“None at all. I’ll meet you back at your place,” she insists, practically bouncing up and down where she stands.
“Okay. Give me about thirty minutes.”
“You’re not going to finish your workout?”
“No, I’m not feeling it tonight. As tired as I am, I’ll probably hurt myself. I shouldn’t even have stopped,” I reply.
“Well, I’m glad you did,” she says, squeezing my forearm before taking a step back. “I’ll see you shortly.”
I nod, watching her walk away. As she turns to head into the women’s locker room, I notice Brock off in the distance, a smug smirk on his asshole face. I want to flip him off, but figure I’ve said and done enough today where he’s concerned.
Normally, I don’t let jerks like him get to me. I’ve met plenty in my short thirty years of life. But when I looked over and saw him talking to Adrienne, a horrible feeling came over me. I know what it’s called, but what I can’t understand is why. I’ve never felt jealous over anyone before. I didn’t like it—at all—and I know it wasn’t just seeing Brock.
It was Adrienne.
I wanted to protect her. I wanted to throw her over my shoulder and run straight out of the building. I wanted to stake my claim and tell the world she was mine. Hell, I practically wanted to pee all around her to keep everyone else at bay.
Which is why I need to end it.
Probably pretty soon.
The sooner the better, actually. Maybe not tonight, because that’s kind of a dick move to allow her to bring me dinner and then call off our friends with benefits arrangement we’re in. But the next time we’re together, we should probably talk. We both agreed this could happen until one or both of us said otherwise, and it’s time to say otherwise.
Why does my heart feel like it’s going to burst from my chest?
I head to the locker room and strip out of my gym clothes. Usually, I’d shower here, but I barely did anything. I didn’t even work up a sweat. So, I quickly change back into my work clothes, make sure I have all my personal items packed up, and make my way to the exit. I walk right past Candace at the counter, even though she’s trying to grab my attention. Only when I’m standing outside, in the warm, slightly humid air, do I feel like I can actually take a deep breath.
Climbing into my work truck, I head for home, anxiously. I’d like to think it’s because of the prospective shower, meal, and sleep that’s coming, but I know better. I’ll get to see Adrienne, even for just a little while, and I’m incredibly excited about that.
Fuck.
Running my hand over my face, I contemplate ending our deal tonight rather than waiting. She’s consuming my thoughts, my dreams. She’s everywhere, in my house, my SUV, and even at work. Literally. There’s no escaping her.
I’m so screwed.
I pull into my driveway and practically stomp toward my back door. I toss my bag on the floor by the washing machine and make my way to the bathroom attached to my bedroom. I’m stripped naked in a few seconds, my clothes littering the floor to be dealt with later. I wait until the water is the perfect temperature and step inside, letting the emotions and exhaustion of the day wash down the drain.
My mind only thinks of Adrienne and the fact she’s headed this way, so as soon as I’m washed, I turn off the water and climb out. A yawn erupts from my mouth and my eyelids start to droop. I contemplate texting her and telling her not to come, but the truth is, I want her to.
I want to see her.
Hold her.
Kiss her.
Make love to her.
WHAT?!
Back the horse up, cowboy. You do not make love. You fuck. Period.
I’m certain it’s just the fatigue talking at this point. I could tell myself I’m the Prince of Egypt and I’d probably go searching for my crown. I’m not quite the spring chicken I used to be, staying up most of the night, usually with a few beers in me, and then heading off to work the next day with less sleep than the night before. Jack told me it’s all downhill from thirty, and I’m starting to believe it.
I go to my bedroom and pull out a pair of boxer briefs. Adrienne’s seen me in them before, and I want to be comfortable when I crawl into bed. Just as I’m walking out of my bedroom, a delicious scent fills the air. I follow it, the fragrant aroma of chicken and homemade goodness, which leads me straight to the kitchen.
“How’d you get in?” I ask a bit gruffly.
“You left your door unlocked and the key in the knob,” she informs me, dangling my keys from her index finger.
“Oh.”
“Sit,” she instructs. “It’s ready.”
I watch as she dishes me up a hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings. The moment she places the bowl in front of me, she turns to the fridge and grabs a can of Coke. I should probably drink water, but I’m so tired the caffeine probably won’t have any effect on me. When she sets that beside my bowl, I ask, “Aren’t you going to eat?”
“I was just going to take some back home with me.”
“That’s silly, Adrienne. It’s here. You’re here. I’m eating, so eat with me.”
She nods before returning to my cabinet and pulling a second bowl down. She fills it about halfway with her mixture and grabs a bottle of water from the fridge before joining me at the table. I take a bite, the flavor exploding on my tongue. “Damn, this is good.” I swallow my first bite and scoop up a second. “Thank you,” I say, the hint of a smile on my lips.
“You’re welcome,” she replies before diving into her own food.
By the time her first bowl and my second are clean, I can barely keep my eyes open. “Come on.” She stands up and extends her hand.
This is when I should tell her to go, that our time is over.
But those words don’t come out.
In fact, I can’t say anything at all. I just place my hand in hers and walk beside her to my bedroom.
She moves to my bed and pulls back the thin blanket. “In you go.”
I can’t help but smile as I climb into bed. The serenity and comfort wrap around me instantly. When she covers me up and heads for my door, I find myself asking, “Aren’t you joining me?”
Yeah, not at all what I was going to say…
She grins, her long, slender fingers gripping the door frame. “Not tonight, cowboy. You need your rest.”
I sleep better with you beside me.
“’Kay,” I grumble, turning on my side and curling around my pillow. “Thank you for dinner.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Sorry I was an asshole.” I can’t keep my eyes open.
“It’s okay, Caden. Get some sleep. I’ll clean up my mess and lock up behind me. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Night, Adrienne.”
“Good night.”
It’s her presence that keeps me company as I drift off to a heavy, blissful sleep.