Page 28 of Cade

Against my better judgment, I tapped out a response, deciding to play with fire.

I see. Well, apology accepted. I guess.

I drank the last bit of my coffee as Weston typed out another message.

I don’t feel like you’ve gotten the best impression of me, Cade. I think we should start over.

I cocked my head to the side as a smile threatened to erupt on my lips. It felt a little like he was groveling, and I had to admit, I kind of liked that idea.

Smooth, sexy Weston Rhodes on his knees begging for me.

Something about his words made me feel hopeful, emboldened.

And what exactly is the impression you think you gave me?

A pompous ass. Weston texted back.

My heartstrings tightened at the self-deprecation, and I was not sure what to say, but thankfully, Weston filled in the silence while I had my brain freeze.

Give me the chance to make it up to you.

At that moment, I realized I’d gotten carried away, noting the time in the corner of my phone, which almost gave me a heart attack. I was ten minutes behind and should have already left for work by now.

Fuck!

I hurriedly got myself together, tapping out a response, hoping perhaps Weston would understand.

Sounds great, but I really have to go. I’m late for work.

CHAPTER 17

Cade

The entire drive to the pet hospital, I couldn’t stop thinking about Weston and his somewhat endearing text.

Truthfully, I hadn’t meant to sound so abrupt, and thought about texting him back, if only because I was now worried perhaps Weston hadn’t gotten the best impression of me.

After all, I could admit maybe I’d been a bit forward at the bar, kissing Weston on stage, practically throwing myself at the man in the Uber, and running away after a panic attack... and then I’d brushed him off this morning, after he’d apologized.

Who’s the asshole now?

The welcome sound of animals early in the morning would have deterred most, but after the last forty-eight hours, I was ready for some normalcy.

Except, once Diane shot around the corner, eyeing me up with those puppy dog eyes again, I knew I was surely doomed.

“Cade, I need you to—”

“Again?” I asked, not even bothering to hide my discomfort.

“I know it’s a lot to ask, but I need someone reliable to head down to Rhodes Enterprises for the board meeting at two.”

Say what now?

The name made me perk up with interest.

“What, uh... what for, exactly?” I asked as I ran a hand through my hair nervously.

“The board wants to go over last night’s events, and get a plan going for the next two.”

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