Page 75 of Worthy

“Oh my gosh, what are you doing here listening to us babble. Go have an amazing time with your man.” She gives me a hug.

I’m tempted to stay and offer support, but I catch Sloane’s eye and he gives me a wink, signaling he’s got his sister’s back.

″I will.” I say goodbye and wish Sloane luck with his interview then head home to get ready for my first date with Cade.

***

“Holy shit. Uh, I mean, wow,” Cade says when I open the door. “You look incredible.”

″Really?” I look down with a frown before looking at him. “You look pretty great too.” He’s wearing a pair of gray slacks and a blue button-down that brings out his eyes, and just like mine, the shirt is rolled up to the elbow. I suddenly feel underdressed given I’m in dark jeans rather than slacks.

He looks down at his outfit. “You mean you weren’t sure if I even owned nice clothes?” He tosses me a coy grin.

″Exactly.” I chuckle.

″I might break out in hives if I wear them too long, but you’re worth it.” He bites his lip bashfully before leaning in to brush his lips over mine.

″You didn’t have to do this, you know.” I gesture at our outfits.

″I know, but I want to. You deserve a nice date once in a while.” He takes my hand.

″There you go with that wholedeservingthing again.”

″I’m not taking it back this time. Besides, this is just as much for me as it is for you.” He leads me to the truck.

″Really?” My brows draw together.

″Of course. I get to look at you being sexy all night. Totally worth the discomfort of wearing a shirt with a collar.”

″Do I get to find out where we’re going now?” I ask as he pulls onto the street.

″There’s a reservoir about 45 minutes away. A really nice Italian restaurant is on the bank, and I thought we could sit outside and watch the sunset.” He pulls my hand into his, something he’s been doing with increasing frequency, though most of the time I’m not even sure he’s aware of it since he’s always doing something else at the same time, like driving or watching a show.

″That sounds perfect.”

Cade points out different landmarks as we drive, teaching me the names of different peaks or pointing out where he likes to camp and or fish. Seeing this helps me understand why he refers to the area as everyguy’s dream backyard. It really is endless, with an infinite amount of things to do.

When we get to the restaurant, we’re shown to a table in a quiet corner, overlooking a vast lake. The water itself is a deep blue, but the bright green peaks that seem to rise out of it are what make it striking.

″It’s beautiful.” I step up to the railing for a better look.

There’s a faint click behind me, and a minute later I feel Cade’s heat against my neck as he breathes, “Not as beautiful as you.”

Cade turns and pulls out two chairs so we can sit, and when we’re both settled and have a glass of wine, he tells me a little more about the area, including how before the reservoir was built a small town existed here, and in the past, severe droughts forced the water level low enough you can see some of the buildings.

″That must be strange, to see the remains of a town.” I try to imagine what it would be like to see roofs poking out of the water.

″It is, especially because lots of the buildings are still pretty intact,” he says. “Like they’re frozen in time.”

″Speaking of building, you mentioned other projects you have going a few weeks ago. What are those?” We don’t spend much time talking about Cade’s work, since up until now, I’ve had a front row seat to it, but I’m curious to know more about the business.

″Mostly just a few renos. One is a new build. It’s just your typical house.” He gives a little half shrug as he twirls the stem of his wine glass.

I roll my eyes. “Define typical. Big, small, custom, something else? I know it can’t bejusta house, not after I’ve seen what you’re doing at my uncle’s.”

″It’s nothing special.” He offers a weak smile. “Five bedrooms, chef′s kitchen, vaulted ceilings. The normal stuff people want in a dream house.”

″Do you enjoy it?”

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