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“What will I find out?” He smiles as he uses two fingers under my chin to tip my gaze to his.
My heart is pounding, and my mouth is dry despite the water flowing over us. “That no woman is worth being associated with a family so dysfunctional.”
His full laugh calms me. “I don’t want to be with them, Leona. I want you.”
Cade waits in the hotel lobby while I go up to my room to change for dinner. When I return, he’s leaning on the concierge desk, chatting with Brian. In a black suit with a white shirt and no tie, he looks every bit the casual businessman. No one would believe a beast lives within that elegant form and easy smile.
With his top two buttons undone, just a hint of blond hair shows, and my mouth waters at the sight. I’m not at all sure why he wants me, but I shouldn’t overthink it.
As if sensing me, he turns and studies me from head to toe. I was going to wear black pants and a peach blouse but decided on the red slip dress. I bought it on a whim and never dared to wear it before.
Without looking back, he says something to Brian, who laughs. Cade makes his way to me like a lion stalking his prey. “You’re stunning.” He leans close and kisses my cheek. “I want to take that dress off of you right now. It’s going to be a long evening.”
My cheeks heat but before I can respond, my mother bellows my name from across the lobby.
Every head in the room turns toward Patty DeRosa with her perfectly dyed and styled hair, wearing a bubblegum-pink pencil skirt and matching blazer. “Where have you been all day, Leona Jane DeRosa?”
She pulled out the middle name. I must be in trouble. Taking a deep breath, I face her. “I made a new friend, Mom. We went to lunch and he took me for a tour of the area.” Not all of the truth, but not a lie either. I’m good with Mom not knowing Cade was giving me the best sex of my life for the last few hours.
Mom’s attention shifts to Cade. She gives his suit a long stare and then his watch. I can practically see the calculator ticking off dollar signs in her head.
Wearing the most charming smile, he holds out his hand. “Mrs. DeRosa, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Cade Petroyan.”
Completely out of character, my mother blushes as she gives him the tips of her fingers, and giggles when he kisses the back of her hand. “Do you live in the area, Mr. Petroyan?”
“Cade, please. I live about twenty miles from here.” He keeps her hand in his when she makes no move to take it back.
“You must call me Patty. Will you stay for dinner and the show? We’ll have an extra setting made. We’d love to get to know Leona’s new friend.” Mom’s voice is like syrup.
His smile could light the entire resort. “It would be my pleasure, and I confess, Patty, I’m in no hurry to leave your daughter’s side.”
Slipping her arm through the crook of his arm, Mom says, “We should go before we’re late.”
He looks about to burst out laughing when he takes my hand and draws me along with them. “See, this is going to be fine.”
My stomach swims with butterflies.
Six
Cade
Iwant to be the bigger man and not react to the sister who betrayed Leona or the ex who hurt her. Just not sure I can pull it off. Plastering a smile on my face, I offer my hand when Patty introduces me.
John DeRosa stands and shakes my hand. “How do you know our little Leona?”
“We met while she was walking the path through the woods. I needed some help and Leona was gracious enough to assist.” It’s mostly the truth.
Her sister, Melony, makes a scoffing sound. “What on earth could she do to help a man like you?” She looks at me as if she might like to have me for dinner, instead of whatever’s on the menu.
Melony has been married for one day and her husband’s frown says it all. He sits as straight as the back of his chair will allow and scratches his five o’clock shadow. His gaze narrows on me. “I’m sure Leona was happy to help. Would you care to share what service she provided you, Mr. Petroyan?”
There’s no way to tell the truth, but I struggle for a believable lie.
Clearing her throat, Leona smiles. “Cade is exaggerating. He had his foot caught under a root and I just helped him work free. It was nothing. Like Melony said, what could I do? I’m not an outdoorsy woman.”
“I might still be out there if it hadn’t been for you.” I hate that she accepts the disrespect from her sister, and I get the impression it’s a common occurrence.
Derek mutters something under his breath.
