Page 31 of Cade

But instead, what I found was something much, much better.

Cade.

“Well, well, look what the cat dragged in,” I purred, a smile forming on my face.

Cade’s eyes widened in surprise, a blush creeping into his perfect, pale cheeks, and immediately my cock twitched at the sight, my pea brain throwing up images of Cade blushing before me... on his knees.

I let out a muffled sound as I shut the door, shifting my weight only slightly as to not draw attention to the sudden erection I’d sprung from the mere sight of the man.

“What are you doing here?” Cade asked, dumbfounded.

I couldn’t help but widen my grin. “Well, I thought perhaps I’d be stomaching another grueling snoozefest of a meeting, but it appears today I’ll be paying better attention,” I said.

Cade’s blush deepened as he swiveled back and forth in his chair.

“What exactly are you doing here, though? I did not peg you for the stalker type,” I teased.

Cade blinked, just as he was about to answer me, the door behind us opened. Both of us turned to see a string of men in suits come piling in, filling the table rather quickly, followed by the latest concierge attendant, a woman I did not recognize, who had taken to passing out bottles of water as the suits took their seats.

All blushing and flirtation dissipated in the air as a familiar hand clapped my shoulder, tightening its grip. I’d know that touch anywhere.

“Morning, son,” my father cooed, causing me to break my attention away from the man I would have much rather looked at.

“Morning, Dad.”

“You’re early. What a nice surprise.”

“Yes, well, when there’s nothing to do in this God-forsaken town except stare at the damn wall...” I sighed.

My father chuckled as he motioned for me to take a seat at the long oblong table.

“Well, some would call that relaxing.” he said as I took my seat. His smile was polite, but genuine.

Like a true proud papa.

“Nonetheless, the time for play has come to a close. We have business to attend to,” my father’s voice carried as he made his way to the front of the table, right next to Cade.

I watched as my father introduced himself, shaking Cade’s hand. A surge of anxiety flooded me as I watched my father’s carefully practiced business expression. I could not legitimately tell my father’s impression of Cade and how he felt about him, a notion that should have been alarming to me.

I had never really sought my parent’s approval, especially when it came to those I had relations with. I couldn’t very well say I had ever introduced them to a serious boyfriend–not that I’d had one—or girlfriend, before I’d come out.

Not to mention, my coming out to my parents had not gone as smoothly as I had hoped. They were as supportive as wealthy, image obsessed parents could be, and they’d certainly “mellowed” out in the years since, but my father did not acknowledge my romantic liaisons at all to this day, while my mother only really let her opinions be known after a drink or two.

Or four.

Still, the burgeoning need to hear their praise was an ember that would not die inside of my scorched soul, no matter how many men I seduced.

I watched like a fly on the wall as my father, and some of the other suits, addressed Cade, asking him questions about the hospital, about how much money they’d raised at the event, and their history with fundraising in general.

Cade fired off answers confidently, like a true natural. It was more than apparent that on this particular topic, that of animal care and veterinary science, Cade was in his element, and I couldn’t help but stare in awe.

While the man seemed mild-mannered and quiet at first glance, below the pretty blue eyes and California surfer hair, he was a force all his own, whether he knew it or not. He was more than just attractive. He was passionate, smart, and caring.

He’s such a good person.

Like sunshine in a bottle.

So fucking good.

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