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I couldn't keep working all day like this, leaving him cooped up inside. He was a ranch dog. Ok, maybe more of an oversized lap dog, but he liked to run. He loved chasing a tennis ball. I felt like I hadn’t spent any time with him lately.
“I promise tomorrow will be better. I promise.”
I kept making promises to people. I was wondering if I could keep any of them.
I was startled when I heard the speaker buzz in the kitchen. I walked to the video screen, and tapped the confirmation button. “Yes?”
“Miss Vanessa, you have a visitor.” It was George at the main gate.
It was nearly 10:30. “A visitor, this late? Who is it?” I asked.
George cleared his throat. “Looks like Isaac Price, Miss Vanessa.”
I felt the sudden thunder rumble through my ribs. Isaac? I nervously tapped the button. “Ok, thanks, George. I forgot we had a team meeting.” Why was I lying about Isaac to the guard? “You can send him to my house,” I instructed.
Fourteen
Isaac
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?”
