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“Cade, are you okay?” Olivia’s question pulled me back to the present.
“Yup. Just needed a second.”
Guess I’m breaking the promise I’d made all those years ago… and I’m not sorry about it.
6
Shelby
“Awkward” kept repeating in my head like a broken record. Cade had stayed for dinner, and I suspected every person at the dining table would battle indigestion during the night.
I might never forgive my mom for inviting Cade and his parents.
I definitely wouldn’t forgive myself for practically begging my ex to stay. What in the hell had happened to me in the kitchen?
One look at Cade, all manly and scalding hot and wearing a black Stetson, had me questioning my religion. It’d been like I had amnesia. I’d forgotten who I was, and that Cade hadn’t been mine for a long time when I touched his tattooed forearms. Lord help me… Even now, during the most awkward meal of my life, I couldn’t stop flicking my gaze at him sitting across from me.
He’d taken his hat off like any respectable cowboy would do when sitting down to eat. I hated and loved the view. The Stetson had covered part of his face and made him mysterious and intimidating. With it off, I could see him completely and the time had been good to him. His jawline had sharpened under his perfectly trimmed beard. He’d only had sexy scruff when we were together. It had filled in quite nicely.
He had frown lines on his forehead and a hardness around his blue eyes. Each time our line of vision collided, electricity made up of fury and rage surged through me like a violent lightningstorm. And though I felt his emotions like they were my own, they weren’t directed at me. Cade was on the verge of losing his shit because of the way Jake had treated me. I knew that was why he’d stayed, and I wasn’t sure how to temper his wrath. This was a side of Cade I hadn’t experienced before.
Had the motorcycle club he’d been in changed him that much?
Regardless, I could take care of myself. He should know I would never allow someone to mistreat me or embarrass me, especially in front of my parents. Now that I thought of it, I guess it had come across like Jake controlled me. He didn’t, though. I just didn’t want to cause a scene.
Jake’s behavior was because of extenuating circumstances. Anyone would understand. Except for Cade, apparently. But I could give my boyfriend a pass.
“How’s work been, Shelby?” Cade asked.
I flinched, surprised by his question. “Great. I love my job.” Cade didn’t fool me. He hadn’t been interested in my work at the museum when we were together, he surely wasn’t now. The museum and California were what had stolen me away from him. He hated both, though he’d never admit it.
“I’m happy for you.” The sincerity in his voice put me at ease and, of course, my mouth ran away with me.
“I’m heading up our holiday exhibit this year. It’s my first time being in charge and a tremendous responsibility.” I halted when I realized our eyes were locked, as if no one else existed. Turning my attention to Jake and my parents, I said, “I really want it to be a success.”
“I know you’ll pull it off.” Jake kissed my cheek.
“Thanks.” I tried to ignore the instant tension in Cade’s jaw as Jake put his arm around me. “Jake is my biggest cheerleader. When I work late, he brings me dinner. And when my team and I are working overtime to meet a deadline, he brings us pizzas.”Although, it had been strange at first. He’d drive an hour to bring me a sandwich or salad, when I could’ve easily ordered delivery from one of the many restaurants near the museum. I thought it was sweet and appreciated his support, but Martina had teased that he was checking up on me. My crazy bestie didn’t trust anyone.
“Listen to her gush over me.” Jake kissed me again. “She’s the sweetest and has been part of some fantastic exhibits. I’m very proud of her and what she’s accomplished.”
“Well, that’s wonderful,” my mom said. “We’re so proud of you, too.”
“Thank you, M—”
“And what is it you do?” Cade cut his gaze at Jake.
Just when I thought the mood was shifting in a positive direction, the awkward tension returned.
“Excuse me?” Jake tightened his grip on my shoulder. Of course, Cade’s eyes twitched as they shifted to Jake’s hand.
I tried not to react to either of them, but it wasn’t easy. Cade was throwing daggers my way and Jake’s nails were digging into my flesh. Why couldn’t they be civilized?
“For a living. Do you have a job?” Cade asked through gritted teeth. The violent vibes he was giving off made me nervous for Jake’s well-being.
Olivia coughed, but anyone could tell she was hiding her laughter.Brat.
All eyes were on Jake, anxiously awaiting his reply.
