His lips twitched. “Pick a figure, then.”
The words were spoken casually, like a million dollars really meant so little to him. Meanwhile, I’d fight a vending machine if it tried to eat my quarter.
“You’re right about Whiskey. He does need surgery,” I said slowly, trying desperately to think about what else I needed money for. “And I do have a lot of debt.”
Cade crossed his arms. “All your debts will be cleared, and I’ll cover any future surgeries your cat needs. What else?”
I blinked and looked around Kitty’s place. She’d been stressing ever since the heater went out last winter. “Um, the café needs a lot of repairs that Kitty can’t afford. Maybe you could give her a donation?”
“I’ll write a check. Next?”
Disbelief had me shaking my head. “You want to give me more? This is a pretty one-sided negotiation.”
“I’ve been working toward this promotion for a long time, and I need you just as invested in this plan as I am.” He cracked a tight smile. “I also don’t have the time or luxury to haggle with this. You can rob me blind if you want to.”
But I didn’t want to rob anyone. Wiping out my debt and paying for Whiskey’s surgeries was everything. Helping Kitty was the icing on top.
I blew out a breath. “I don’t really need anything else.”
“Let’s not focus on needs, then. What do you want that money can’t buy?” he pressed. “There’s gotta be something. Membership to a club here in the city? Weekly reservations at the most exclusive fine dining? I can get you on any list, and I’ll cover the tabs.”
The mention of lists snagged my interest. “Anylist?”
Cade only raised his dark brow in a silent challenge.
“I guess there’s one list I can think of.” I chewed on my lip, hoping I wasn’t overstepping. “But you’ll probably think it’s silly.”
“Name it.”
I took a deep breath, then let it out.
Well, here goes nothing.
“It’s called Château de Chaton, and it’s this really fancy cat daycare and spa that I walk by on my way to crochet club. I think Whiskey would benefit from the socialization and cat yoga. Plus, he’s always had a taste for finer things,” I rambled, smiling when I pictured him enjoying their greenhouse. He loved lying in the sun. “…But their waitlist is over a year out, and you kind of need to know someone to get in. And it’sreallyexpensive.”
Cade stared blankly back at me for longer than was comfortable.
“A cat daycare?” he finally asked doubtfully.
“And spa,” I added under my breath, shifting in my seat.
He blinked before slowly shaking his head. “Consider it done.”
I perked up. “Really?”
“Like I said, I have no problem making this worth your while.” Cade pulled out his phone. “And none of this even comes close to the million I already offered. I’ll get your cat off the waitlist and cover all expenses for as long as you want him to go there. Anything else?”
Still shocked, I mutely shook my head as a smile took over my face. Whiskey was about to be the most spoiled cat in the galaxy.
After Cade sent a message on his phone, his gaze returned to me. “So, are you in?”
I chewed on my lip. “You said it’s only for a week, right?”
“Seven nights.”
I still hesitated, because there had to be a catch. “I want to say yes. It’s just…This feels weird. Like I’m being bought.”
“You are being bought,” he said bluntly. “It’s no different than the app you work on. I’m hiring you for a week, and I need to know you’ll be committed to this contract.”
