“We’ve been down this road before,” I pointed out, folding my arms. “Ten years ago. What’s changed now? Why should I trust you? You still have a whole other life that you’re eventually going to go back to. You’ll leave me just like you did the last time, and I’m not going to get hurt again.”
Cade swallowed and I saw shame flit across his face. “I’m sorry for hurting you back then. I’ve regretted it for the past ten years. I swear. But this time is different. And if you give me a chance, I’ll show you how.”
I had to get rid of him. Drew could run up to me at any moment. But Cade wasn’t going to back down easily. He never backed down easily from anything. For better or for worse. “How could you possibly prove to me that it’s different now?”
“Let me take you out,” Cade said. “We had a good time the other night. I’d like to do that again. I’d like to treat you the way that I couldn’t before, when we had to hide our relationship from the world. Let me show you how serious I’m taking things this time.”
“Fine,” I blurted out. Sure, I would have to go on a date with him, but it would get him out of this park and away from Drew. “I’ll go out with you once. One time. One date. All right?”
Cade grinned. “Great. I’ll pick you up tonight.”
“What if I have plans tonight?” I didn’t, but I wasn’t about to let him steamroll me.
“Then pick another night. I’m free and I’m all yours.”
Oh, how those words made my heart flip over! I had to struggle to keep myself from smiling and blushing like an idiot, like I was in high school. Don’t let yourself get swept away, I reminded myself sternly.
“No, tonight works fine.” Best to get it over with as soon as possible. “I just wanted to make sure that you were serious.”
“I am,” Cade replied. “And I’ll do whatever it takes for you to understand that.”
I nodded, not knowing what to say.
“So, what time should I pick you up?” Cade asked. Oh no! He couldn’t come to my house. He couldn’t know about Drew.
“I’ll meet you there,” I said. “Tell me where and when and I’ll be there.”
“Okay.” Cade nodded. “La Piazza, six o’clock.”
That wasn’t too late. That was a good thing. I could get home without being away from Drew for too long. “Okay. Sounds good to me. I’m going to continue my walk, but I’ll see you later.”
Cade pulled me into his arms before I could move and kissed me again, much more gently this time, soft, like a lover. “I’ll see you then.”
He sounded so happy and hopeful, but also confident and assured, like he knew that this was going to work out in his favor. I wished that I had his confidence. I was sure he couldn’t imagine a reason as to why we shouldn’t be together—if only he knew just how much he’d hurt me and the damage he’d done, and the person I was trying to protect.
Cade left, exiting just as quickly as he’d swooped in, and I collapsed against a tree, my heart pounding. My head was a complete scramble. I was torn between my fear for Drew and my desire to see Cade again. To be given this second chance with him. Once, it would’ve been everything that I’d ever wanted.
Now, I had no idea what to do. My heart was torn in two.
19
Cade
I was ready to sweep Laura off her feet.
The last times I’d done the whole romantic dinner date at a restaurant, I had been going out with Della and it had all been for show. Occasionally, going out on a public date would keep the press and our parents happy, but we would talk about things such as political strategy.
But now, I was planning a date that I actually cared about. I was planning a date where I cared about the person and the outcome.
La Piazza, the restaurant that I’d chosen, was renowned for its intimate, candlelit dining. There was a live violinist and the menu featured Italian seafood dishes, such as oysters as an appetizer, to put couples right in the mood of a romantic meal.
I couldn’t wait to have a proper date with Laura. It was going to be fantastic. Finally, I could spoil her and show her off the way that I’d always wanted to when we’d been dating. Of course, back then I’d been only eighteen and I would’ve done things like take her to the county fair to win her a stuffed bear or the mall to buy whatever outfit she wanted.
We wouldn’t have had to sneak around, and now we certainly didn’t have to do that. I could make up for it much better than I could have when I was younger. Not only did I have more money at my disposal now, but I had the maturity and experience to know how to really show a woman a good time.
I was going to really sweep Laura off her feet, damn it.
I got to the restaurant early to make sure that our table was ready and waited at the hostess’ desk for Laura to arrive. When she stepped inside—my heart stopped for a second.