Page 83 of Don't Tell

"Did what?"

"I put my work online, the three pieces, yesterday. Under my own name."

A pause on the line.

"Suz."

"I know."

"I’m crying."

"Don't."

"Too late."

"Renée — "

A pair of hands slides onto my waist from behind.

I jump.

Renée hears the jump.

Cade kisses the side of my neck below my earlobe. He has come up behind me without making a sound, and his mouth is warm against my skin. His hands at my waist have already settled in the way they have been settling for some time, which is his way of making sure I remember whose hands they are.

"Suzanne Jenkins, what was that? What was that sound?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing my entire ass."

"I really have to go now."

"I hate you. I hate both of you. Tell him I hate him."

"Renée says she hates you."

"Tell her the feeling is mutual," Cade says.

"He says the feeling is mutual."

"You are both terrible. Goodbye."

She hangs up.

I’m laughing and tilting my head to give him better access to my neck, which my body has decided to do on its own. His hands at my waist are now sliding up under the hem of my shirt, andthe tea on the counter is going to get cold, and I’m going to be late for my meeting if he does any more of what he is doing.

"Cade."

"Mmm…"

"Cade, I have a meeting."

"Mhmm."

"In forty minutes."

"With?"