Page 40 of Cade

That I could get used to.

The thoughts of Cade pervaded my senses again, and I let out a defeated sigh. Now was really not the time, but I couldn’t help but feel guilty. The lunch had gone... well.

Too well, if I was being honest.

I found myself opening up to Cade in a way I hadn’t really opened up to anyone else before. Something about his demeanor, his presence, just made me loose-lipped. It was like I could tell him anything.

And when he’d gotten all dominant for the blip of a moment, shooting me that dead-sexy look as he dropped the tone of his voice, I saw the undeniable monster inside of Cade begging to come out, and I...

Liked it.

I liked it a whole fucking lot.

Reel me in, sir, I am yours.

I could only hope I hadn’t completely botched my chances with the man because I didn’t take the obvious opening.

The heat and attraction that existed between Cade and I was obvious, but Jamie’s words clung to me like a bad rash.

Make an effort.

So that’s what I did. I made the effort. I evaded kissing Cade because I knew if I kissed him, I’d fall into my old patterns. I’d wrap him up in my tentacles once more and covet him all to myself, and we’d wind up in the same place we had that night after karaoke.

And for the first time in my life, I had to admit that I wanted more than just to shove my cock down Cade’s throat.

I wanted to see him again. I wanted to see him as much as I could while I was here in town.

I took my seat at the long, ornate dining table that looked like it was set for a party, despite the fact there was only the three of us. The manners that were forever ingrained in me were involuntary. I placed the napkin on my lap, reached for my glass of cold, freshly poured Icelandic water, whilst Margo set about to serving us.

“So about the meeting this afternoon...”

My father’s words elicited a sigh from me and a curse from my mother, as he gingerly picked up his fork. He didn’t even look at me as he said it.

“For fuck’s sake, can we just enjoy a nice dinner with our son without discussing business?” my mother bit out before shaking her empty martini glass in the air.

Margo swiped it with precision, trained well in my mother’s routine.

“This is a family matter, and therefore it should be discussed over family dinner,” my dad touted, dismissive as usual.

I rolled my eyes as Margo refilled my mother’s glass, the heavy scent of garlic making my eyes water.

“Well, I’d have to say I think this is a new record. I’ve barely been here fifteen minutes and you’re already up my ass,” I said as Margo set down a glass of home brewed tea for me. I looked up at her for a moment, taking in her kind smile. I nodded in thanks, gracious for the gesture. She’d even put two slices of lemon in it, just the way I liked. I took a strong sip as my father guffawed.

“I wouldn’t have to lay into you, Weston, if you actually entertained this conversation and accepted things. But with as little as we see you, a man has to take the chances he’s given.”

“Gee, it’s almost like I don’t come around because of this very issue,” I growled as I set to cutting into my tender duck breast, probably slicing a little too enthusiastically.

My mother groaned, taking a sip of her martini. “I just wanted a nice family dinner...” she complained.

“I don’t understand why you are so resistant to this. The company is doing well, and you would do well to have some stability in your life. Put roots down, build a life, a—”

“I’m glad you think the life I built in the city isn’t a life. I’ll take that one to my therapist. I’m sure we can squeeze a few pricey sessions out of that,” I snarked back.

Truth was I had no therapist, but he didn’t need to know that.

“You haven’t had a job in over a year, Weston, and I’ve never seen you seriously entertain finding someone to settle down with. All you do is mope around that damn condo and stay out till all hours of the morning doing God knows what with God knows who...” My father’s face flushed with pink, his eyes getting glassy.

I hadn’t seen him this worked up since I came out of the closet. I fought to look away, but it was like watching a damn train wreck. I just couldn’t help myself.

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