AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I am.”
“Great, I know I gave you the week off but I need a favor.”
Master Derek’s expression was gentle which confused me even more. He didn’t usually ask for favors from me. What could he possibly want?
“Of course, Master Derek. What can I do for you?”
“We have a lot of activities planned for today with the school and Little side so we are short on staff. I need Carrie to set up the Dungeon but I need someone to clean up the guest rooms today. A guest left a huge mess.”
My stomach clenched but I did my best to hide my worry.
“No problem, Sir, I will get right on that.”
“Wonderful. Please do that as quickly as possible.” He gave me a smile that was equal parts encouragement and concern before shaking his head and striding out of the room.
I swallowed before I voiced my concern. “Do you think he means Cade’s room? He didn’t say which one had the mess.”
Carrie looked surprised. “Honestly, I have no idea, but maybe. Do you want me to come with you for moral support?”
I did but I wasn’t going to be selfish and say so. She had enough to do already. “I’ll be fine.” I smoothed down the skirt of my uniform to try and release my nerves. “Let’s catch up later and I’ll let you know how it went.”
I rose to leave and Carrie grabbed my hand. “Whatever happens, River, you’re going to be okay. You know that, right?”
My fake smile cracked a bit with her sincerity. “Yes. Somehow, someway, I will be okay.”
She stood and gave me a quick hug. “Later.”
“Later.” I watched her walk away and envied the joy in her step.
Going to Cade’s room first probably would have been the smartest way to handle things but I wasn’t going to do that. In fact, I went to every other room first, holding out hope I would find the mess Master Derek had described and not have to face the room where Cade and I had started to grow close again.
To my great disappointment, all the rooms including Andy’s were already clean and looked fantastic. My stomach sank and my steps slowed as I accepted the truth. With a deep breath, I opened his door and stepped in. The lights were off and the curtains were drawn closed. A chill ran down my spine at the eerie silence. Why did the room have to still smell like him and was that perfume? I didn’t wear perfume. Had he brought another woman back here after I left yesterday? Tears burned my eyes as I flicked on the light switch.
I gasped trying to take in the room. Every corner and surface was filled with flowers. I stepped up to the nearest bouquet and took a deep inhale of the lilacs, barely holding back a moan. All my favorites were scattered around the room. On the foot of the bed was a massive gift box overflowing with all of my favorite chocolates and a note with my name on it.
My hands trembled as I quickly opened the note.
My Dearest River,
I know you have never asked for flowers or gifts, but I needed a way to show you how sorry I am for being a thick-headed idiot. Nothing in my life holds as much meaning if you are not in it, and I almost screwed that up again. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for my blindness and give me one more chance. I promise to spend the rest of my life proving that I am worthy of you.
Cade
The bathroom door opened as I finished reading the note and Cade stepped out. The mixture of fear and hope on his face caused my heart to beat faster. He was still at Rawhide.
“You didn’t leave?” Emotion tightened my throat.
“No.” He moved closer to me.
“I thought it was an important meeting.” My tone was accusatory as I held myself still. I wasn’t ready to forgive and forget so quickly.
“Not as important as you.”
Oh god, how I wanted to believe him. My hands trembled and my legs felt weak. Please let what he said be true.
“Are you sure, Cade? I can’t go through this again. This whole situation is so overwhelming and until a few moments ago, my heart was crushed. I need you to be absolutely sure you won’t let it happen again. If threatening to leave is the only way you will see reason, then I can’t do this.”
Cade sat down on the bed. The basket wobbled, threatening to topple to the floor, but he ignored it. He reached out and tugged me onto his lap. No matter how much I wanted to melt into his embrace I held myself stiff.
