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I waited in my car like some kind of idiot. I’d never done anything like this. The woman had gotten to me so quickly. She had gotten under my skin. It didn't happen like this for me. I never let it. I didn’t want to be interested in someone. I didn’t want to think about her. But it was there whether I wanted it or not. But what was I doing here?
The guard glanced down at his phone, while we waited for Vanessa to answer his security request. The guy might have been playing a word game. I thought about turning around. My headlights shone straight ahead, making a broken shadow through the entrance of the gates.
Before I shifted into reverse, I heard a voice crackle through the speaker. The guard nodded, and looked at me. “She said you can go on in.”
“Thanks.”
He pointed. “Her place is past the main house. You just keep driving and you’ll see it.”
“Thanks again.”
“You putting up big numbers this season?” he asked.
I put the car in drive. “Yeah. I’m planning on it.”
“We’re all big fans around here.” He gave me a big toothy grin.
“I would guess so. Good night.” I waved as I moved forward when the gates swung open, allowing me inside the McCade compound.
It was hard to believe I had never been inside this place. I'd heard about it, but I never tried to arrange a meeting here. And the old man didn't exactly invite any of us over.
Part of me expected the property to be as rundown as the Warriors stadium, but it was the exact opposite. It was pristine. It was fucking off the charts. I kept driving, eyeing the mansion as I rolled past it. I hadn’t thought about Vanessa in this context. I didn't picture her here. But her last name was McCade, and I was a damn idiot for thinking that didn’t matter now.
I spotted her house ahead. There were a few lights on downstairs. It wasn’t like she was tucked away in a guest house. Her place was easily as big as my ranch. I parked my truck, and climbed out. The heels of my boots scuffed on the pavement.
Maybe this was a cheap trick. Maybe I was crossing the line I wasn't supposed to cross. I didn’t want to betray my best friend. I never wanted to betray him. But I couldn’t stop thinking about Vanessa. The way she tasted. The way she felt. It was like kissing her had awakened a primal thirst I couldn't stop with just one drop. And I was going to ride the loophole I had as long as the engagement wasn’t official.
I climbed the steps to the front porch. The door swung open.
“Isaac, what are you doing here this late?” She hadn't opened the door all the way.
I rocked back on my boots, shoving my hands in the front pockets of my jeans. I shouldn't be here. But I couldn't think of anywhere else I’d rather be.
“I didn't think we got to properly finish our conversation today,” I answered. It was the truth. I wanted more.
“Oh?”
I pressed my palm into the doorframe. “Can I come in so we could talk some more?”
She chewed on her bottom lip. “I don't know, Isaac.”
“Why don't you know?”
“I don't know if it means something that you showed up on my doorstep at 11 o’clock at night. Does it?”
“Do you want it to? That’s the question you need to answer before you let me in.”
Her eyes fell to the porch floor. She nodded. My finger lifted her chin upward. “Let me inside,” I commanded.
Slowly, she took a step backward, creating a wide gap. I strolled over the threshold, knowing there was no going back. I had one more night. One more night to take something I wanted. Then I'd hand her back over to my best friend. I wouldn't touch her again. I’d keep my word. I always did.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Vanessa asked.
“Sure. What do you have?”
“Wine. I have a lot of wine.”
I didn't like the stuff. I was surprised a Texas girl didn't have a fridge full of beer, but I wouldn't hold that against her tonight. There were other things that mattered more.
