Page 8 of The Square Up

Maybe I’m not broken after all.

Chapter Five

Kade

As I pull out of the parking garage, I point to the dashboard. “Plug in your address, bright eyes.”

“What for?”

“So, you can pack up your things.”

“Pack up my things? What on earth for?”

“Baby, I want you to stay with me. Once our love story hits social media, we’re going to be hounded by the press. If you’re with me, I can protect you. My building has top-notch security.”

Her eyes pop wide. “What? Oh, my God. I didn’t even think of that. That means your fans and my clients will know…the world will know. We need to stop this right now. I told you it was a bad idea.”

I reach for her hand. “Hey, don’t panic. I’ve got you, bright eyes. I will not let anything hurt you.”

“Kade,” she shakes her head. “This is all wrong. My family has ridiculed me for years. I honestly don’t know what came over me last night. I’ll be just fine.”

I jerk the wheel to the right, veering into the breakdown lane, and slam on the brakes. She’s just seconds away from tearing the ring off her finger, and a wave of panic crashes over me. I can’t let her go. As I picked out that ring, all I could think about was how desperately I wanted her to stay. I’m drawn to her like a moth to a flame, and the thought of losing her sends a chill through my bones.

“What are you doing?” Her hand flies to her chest.

I turn to face her, running a hand through my hair, trying to steady my racing thoughts. “I need you to promise me something.”

“What is it?” she murmurs, her gaze searching mine.

“No more talk about how this is a bad idea or how everything feels wrong. Commit to this with me, Abby. Commit to this ruse like you’ve never committed to anything in your life. Just let it happen.”

Her eyes search mine, the air between us crackling with a sharp current of electricity. “I’m scared, Kade,” she whispers.

I am, too—terrified she’ll leave me, petrified I’m not worthy of someone like her. But I can’t voice those fears. “Hold my hand.”

She stares at my open palm for what feels like an eternity before slipping her delicate fingers into mine.

“I’ve got you,” I say, gently squeezing her hand. “Let’s make this the time of our lives, okay?”

“If you’re sure…”

“Bright eyes, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” A wave of relief washes over me as I exhale deeply and shift the car into drive. “Now plug in your address, baby. You’re moving in with me.”

“Dinner’s here!” I yell down the hall.

I glance behind me to make sure everything is right. Purple blanket, check. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and cornbread check. Candles, check.Armageddonis cued and ready to go on the screen. Check.

Abby walks into the living room wearing an oversized sweatshirt and yoga pants. Her hair is pulled back in a long, sleek ponytail. She’s gorgeous. When she sees our dinner spread, she breaks out with a smile that has my heart pounding.

“All my favorites!” She squeals. “Kade, this is so sweet.”

Feeling ten feet tall, I puff out my chest. “Guess what I got for dessert?”

“If you say chocolate peanut butter cup cheesecake, I’m really going to have to marry you.”

“Chocolate peanut butter cup cheesecake.” I grin.

“How did you know?” She giggles. “We didn’t share our favorite desserts.”

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