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“That’s what he meant by a project.” A glint lit up her eyes, but I couldn’t imagine what she was thinking. “Maybe Cade will come to his senses.”
“I don’t think so. Maybe he needs to find someone who doesn’t mind taking second place to a job. Or maybe he’ll find someone he loves enough to put them first. It just hurts that it isn’t me.”
“Men can be idiots. Don’t you dare think it’s because of you. If he can’t see you are a hundred times more important than any job, he isn’t worth your time. But don’t give up hope. Sometimes it takes a smack to the forehead for a man to see the treasure he has standing in front of him.”
She pulled me into her arms and I enjoyed the comfort she offered. Carrie was an eternal optimist. It was one of the best parts of her personality. While I was the quiet one who served from the shadows she was always making friends and ensuring that every guest she served had a bit of sunshine in their day.
Was I a fool to wish she was right and there was still a chance for Cade and me?
Chapter 18
Cade
How the hell did that go so wrong? The echo left by the slamming door finally died down and my shock wore off. Unfortunately, anger quickly filled the void it left. She’d given up on us. Again. After one little hiccup she determined it wasn’t even worth trying anymore? After everything we’d shared she wasn’t willing to give me a few days to get things sorted at work?
There was no way I was letting her run away again. I knew I wasn’t supposed to be on the staff floors but I didn’t care. I went to her room and banged on the door. She needed to stop being so stubborn and hear me out. It didn’t take long to figure out she wasn’t in her room. Damn it! I didn’t have time to go chasing her all over the Ranch.
I had to get back to the city, and to do that, I needed to find Andy. I would be coming back this Saturday and she would listen to what I had to say. My friend wasn’t in his room so I went down to the Dungeon. He was looking at the wall of implements like they held the answer to the universe’s biggest questions.
“Hey!” I shouted to get his attention.
“Hey, yourself,” he said with a chuckle, turning to face me. His expression instantly shifted when he saw my face. “What’s happened? You look pissed.”
“River.” I shook my head and growled. “She called things off. Look, I need a ride back to the city tonight. If you can’t leave, I’m going to have to rent a car.”
“Calm down, Cade. Maybe it’s just a misunderstanding. You can’t just leave, you have to talk to her.”
“I don’t have time for this, I have to pack and get out of here. Can you give me a ride or not?”
“Tell me what happened.”
Andy was so frustrating sometimes. Wasn’t he supposed to be on my side of things? Not that he knew enough to understand. “I’m going to come back on Saturday and talk to her, but I need to know if I need to find a rental.”
“So you aren’t leaving because of her?” I didn’t like the way he was looking at me with narrowed eyes.
“No. Yes or no to the ride back?”
“Tell me why you are leaving, and I’ll tell you if I can give you a ride back.”
“Fine, but not here.” I waved to the very public Dungeon. “I need a beer and to pack.”
The look on Andy’s face said he wasn’t happy. I wanted to tell him to join the club but I held my tongue as we walked back to my room. I pulled two beers out of the mini fridge and offered him one. The cool liquid cooled my temper a little but I knew it wouldn’t take much to have it flare back up again.
Andy sat at the small table and leaned back in the chair. “Okay, you have your drink and privacy, now spill.”
I hated having to rehash it all but if I didn’t want to spend a few hours finding a rental car I knew I had to. I ran a hand through my hair. “You know I asked work for an extension so I could stay longer to woo River?”
He nodded. “Yes, and I, as your ever loyal wingman and chauffeur, did the same. What happened?”
“Chrissie wasn’t able to reschedule a nine am meeting tomorrow. I told this to River but she didn’t care that there is no one to replace me and that I have to leave. All she could do was think about herself.”
Andy leaned back and observed me with speculation clear in his eyes. “She wasn’t okay with you being gone for a few hours?”
“I told her I’d be back on Saturday.”
“Why? It’s a little under a three hour’s drive, you wake up early, drive in, have your meeting and come back a little after lunch.”
I hadn’t even considered that possibility. “It’s a big client we’ve just landed. I don’t want to be rushed or tired when I meet with him.”
