Page 10 of Relinquish

‘Socialite Ditches Devastated Groomsman at the Altar’ was one of the headlines. ‘Did he not have enough money for the congressman’s daughter?’ ‘Is she a diva?’ ‘What does Congressman Sutherland think of this humiliating situation?’

There was no groomsman, and Trenton is fine. But the whole thing looks bad. Being the pampered only daughter and youngest child of a New York Congressman has always been a blessing and a curse. I never wanted for anything. The staff was at my beck and call. I had the best private education that money could buy and my father and two older brothers’ devoted attention.

Unfortunately, the attention tended to be superficial and stifling. The males in my household were loving and supportive, but my voice was stifled with no other female in the house. It didn’t help that my mom died during childbirth, and they wrapped me in bubble wrap and threw a fit if I did anything that remotely resembled something hazardous.

Hell, I couldn’t even use dental floss without someone worrying I’d wrap it around my neck and accidentally hang myself. “My father respects Trenton’s family, and he thought we were a great match.”

“Your dad thought Trenton represented a way to advance his financial holdings and was a safe bet for a political boost. Not to mention, he could stop worrying about you if he married you off.”

“Well, he was wrong and will have to figure that out on his own. He thinks I’m a hysterical female. Like he would know what that looks like.” I roll my eyes.

“Why did you date Trenton, anyway?”

“We weren’t dating. A few political fundraisers and the opera hardly qualify as a great love affair.”

“That’s not what the tabloids say,” Rachel smarts off while picking at a chip. The front-page spread had not only been an embarrassment to my father, but to have the whole country thinking I’m a gold digger is degrading.

“That garbage.” I gnash my teeth together. “They never get anything right.”

“Hey, I’m only teasing. I know you’re nothing like that. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know.” Rachel pats my arm.

My shoulders sag as the bluster of the last few weeks gives way to exhaustion. I’m glad I got away from my father’s overprotective ways, but I miss him and my brothers. Will they ever realize I’m capable of being on my own?

“Enough about your dad. Isn’t that one of my uncle’s employees?” Rachel points to the end of the bar, where customers pick up their to-go orders. “I guess that makes him one of your co-workers.”

I twist the barstool to see Cade collecting a plastic sack weighed down with Styrofoam cartons. “Yes, he works for your uncle.”

A quiver rolls down my spine, and I draw a figure eight in my coleslaw. Why do I find him attractive? He’s like my dad and brothers, and that should be a red flag to run in the opposite direction. I tilt my head. Really, it’s a stupid question. He’s hot as fuck. I frown. But he’s domineering and manipulative.

It’s too dangerous for girls to play outside. Don’t run. Don’t play on the jungle gym. Go to your room and read a book so you don’t get hurt. Be careful not to get a paper cut. Cade’s bullshit is no different–you can’t work in the field. You’re irresponsible. Go sit in the corner and be quiet. Just because he comes in a prettier package doesn’t mean I should ignore he’s an asshole dictating what I do.

But he kisses like a dream. The way my knees buckled and my stomach flopped is proving hard to forget. He hasn’t spoken to me since the incident. Well, that hasn’t been hard to do since he’s been ignoring my existence.

Rachel fans herself. “He’s one good-looking man. I can’t believe I told you about the opening instead of applying myself.”

“You’re a nurse.”

“So what? My uncle has hired the sexiest, most eligible bachelors this side of the Mississippi. Surely, before they go on an undercover mission, they need a checkup or a physical, and I’d gladly sign up for that assignment.” Cade’s face is tight as he turns on his heel and exits the bar. Rachel ogles his ass and whistles. “Damn, he’s hot.”

Chapter Seven

Cade

As a slowing car drives past, I wait to cross the street. The bass thumps while the four occupants sing along with whatever tune comes out of the stereo. When was the last time I was that carefree? Never.

My idling 4x4 pickup is parked across the side street, waiting for my return. I wasn’t expecting to see Lola and spent too much time watching her. At this point, I feel like a stalker.

Why is Lola with Truman’s niece? They’re too comfortable with each other to have just met. Is Rachel the reason she got the job? After making it his life’s obsession, Truman retired from the military and started the security business two years ago. He’s never had a long-term relationship and dotes on his older brother’s only child.

The instant I saw her, visions of our encounter in the elevator, crashed into my head, and the blood rushed straight to my dick. That doesn’t happen. I have too much restraint for a woman to hijack my body, which is even more of a reason to stay away.

I can’t get the taste of her out of my mouth. Earlier this week, when I saw her entering the hallway, I ended up in the janitor’s closet. I had to pretend I was looking for toilet paper for the men’s room. Could I get any more pathetic?

She dumped a Fortune 500 guy because he didn’t have enough money, and you grew up on the streets. You have nothing in common.

I stomp across the pavement, using the force to eradicate her from my brain once and for all. After I pop open the driver’s side door, I hand the plastic bag to Tyrone Hance. We’ve been tight for years–more like blood brothers than friends.

“What took you so long? I thought I would need to send in a search party to find you.”

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