Chapter 38Cade
Cade
The sheets drape across my abs, my pupils adjusting under the darkness to fasten to the ceiling. Emotional turbulence has trembled the shit out of my life lately, but it’s Olivia who keeps me on solid ground.
This faceless woman who’s taken care of me even when I couldn’t physically hug her. Her beauty on the outside only matches the beauty she’s wrapped me in ever since she entered my life.
Ever since that fateful night.
I lift my right hand in front of my face, my gaze lingering on the metal around my middle finger. For as long as I attempted, I failed to ever make a shred of sense of that night.
My soul claimed her at that moment, these stainless-steel wings practically flying me to Olivia. Just as they flew her right back to me.
Is Olivia’s love for me? Or for my wings?
She fell in love with me before she even knew a detail about me. I can’t help but wonder if her love is some sort of byproduct of her initial infatuation.
And then there’s the anklet.
As much as I understand her purpose, it poisons my confidence just the same. The object that wrote our destiny is now the very thing that can erase it.
How’s that for irony?
A vibration from my nightstand knocks my head to the side, my phone screen lighting the black room.
Jenna: Can we meet up one of these days? Just to talk.
My throat cocks, a queasiness crawling up my throat as I return my attention to the dim ceiling. I’d like to think I’ll tell Jenna we’re done and that there’s nothing left for us to discuss.
I’d like to.
Olivia
Cade: Can I pick you up for your lunch hour? I want to take you somewhere.
Me: Obviously. Save me! ??
I bite my lip, placing my phone down on my office desk. How the hell am I supposed to respond to my emails, voicemails, and queries from my clients now? Not to mention, I have to figure out how to enter a like-kind exchange.
My elbow props on my desk, knuckles resting on my cheek as I look over to Alex’s cubicle. “Hey, have you ever entered a like-kind exchange that wasn’t one-to-one?”
He runs a hand through his short hair, staring at his computer screen with a tight-lipped smile. “No, sorry. You might have to call the tax software support line.”
I roll my eyes, sighing as I drop my head on two crossed forearms. “This is the last year I forget to play Mega Millions.”
A rumble gyrates against my elbow, and my chin peeps up to see the incoming text.
Cade: Okay, stupid question. But there’s a catch …
My brows dip as I sit straight to pick up my phone.
Me: ?????
Cade: I’m not taking you to lunch.
Me: I retract my acceptance of this invitation.
I’m smirking as I flick my eyes to the desk telephone, knowing I’m procrastinating making the necessary call I’m getting paid for right now.
I’ll get it done.
Eventually.
Cade: I want to do this in broad daylight, and work is going to be a little crazy the next week to get a moment. Still interested?
My eyes roam the sentence a few times, my stomach soaring with anticipation. Hell, I enjoy surprises. Especially if Cade’s delivering them.
Me: You’re lucky I brought lunch. And that you have a cute ass.
Cade: Glad that came through for me ?? See you at 12? 1?
Me: 1 ??
I grin as my heels tap along the concrete walkway, Cade just a damn pot of gold at the end of the sun rays. Literally.
Cloaked in all black from his leather jacket to his boots, he flashes a crooked smile in his straddled position. With one palm laying on his thigh, the opposite elbow rests on the handlebar of his bike. “Hey, girl.”
Ovary. Explosion.
My teeth ghost my bottom lip, a volcano erupting in my lower belly when I invade his space. Without waver, his elbow lifts from the chrome bar before the cool pelt of his glove caresses my cheek. His balmy lips seal to mine, and the tingle of his scruff leaks down to my core.
I fist the lapels of his coat, dragging him closer when our tongues touch.
He cradles my chin between his sheathed fingers, a few tendrils of hair whipped across his Suddora bandana as he peers down at me.
“My gloves aren’t dirty, don’t worry. I wouldn’t dare grease you up during work hours,” he murmurs, a smirk decorating his lips.
“New rule,” I purr. “Whenever you’re in these gloves, you touch me.”
He nods smugly against my lips. “That’s a good fucking rule. I think I can be a good boy and obey that.”
Our smiles crush with a kiss, notes of mahogany whirling under my nose as the delicate breeze snakes between us.
“Am I going to be okay in heels?” I murmur.
The tip of his nose nudges mine before his hand drops. “I installed wider foot pegs for you.” Then he shifts in his seat, grabbing the helmet dangled from the chrome of the handlebar. “Besides, since when do you scare easily?”
“Since I’m wearing designer heels.”
“Am I supposed to sympathize with this?” he asks, extending the gear to me.
“Uhm, yes .” I gape down at my plaid work pants before pointing to my black heel. “They’re Jimmy Choo.” Then I’m straightening under Cade’s hooded stare.
“I can’t even make a legitimate joke back because I have no idea what the fuck that is.”
I roll my eyes as I pluck the helmet from his hand.
“Only one of the world’s most famous designers.
” My lips button to the side, eyes locking on the tire of his bike as I consider the future repercussions.
“Hmm, I don’t know, my shoes are trickier than my clothes.
I spent a fortune on these. Maybe we should just take my ca—”
“Olivia?” His voice springs my head up, a glove-clad hand combing through his hair. “Shut up and get on the bike.”
“You’re playing with fire, you know that, right?” I ask.
He holds a palm out before I press mine into it. “I’ll buy you a new pair.”
“They’re about four hundred dollars,” I retort as I swing a leg over behind him. “But okay, if you insist. I ain’t saying no to that.”
“Small price to pay for your high-maintenance ass,” he mutters playfully.
I smirk as I nestle my chin on his leather-clad shoulder, my hair dangling to the side as I stare at his side profile. “So, where are we going?”
His chin dips as he inhales a breath, and he’s adjusting the straps of his gloves. “Do you trust me?”
All humor is hollowed out of his question, my brows dipping as I witness his jaw grow tense.
“With every part of me,” I whisper.
“Good.” He nods gently, our gazes now joined. “Because there’s something I want to do for you. And I really need you to have faith in me.”
A pinch of anxiety grows in my stomach amongst all the butterflies. But whatever fear of the unknown I harbor, I know I want to tackle it with him. No one else. Whatever moment he has in store, it was meant for us. Only us.
“Give me a sec. It always takes me a minute to plant my feet,” I grumble.
His soft smile appears when he rotates to snake a hand around my waist. “Okay, sit straight,” he says, pressing into the leather of my jacket.
The vinyl seat grates against my crotch as I do, and then he’s bending to cup my calf. He lifts it to rest the bottom of my heel on the aluminum ledge, the gesture brewing a wet warmth in my panties.
I peek at my right side, locating the same platform to lay my other foot on. “I should be ready to ride this thing by tomorrow, don’t you think?” I joke.
“Yeah, you’re gonna be riding something,” he quips, helping me slide the gear over my head.