Page 36 of Rejected Pretend Mate

"You don't have to thank me, Cayden."

He shook her head. "No, I do. Not everyone would have just offered to open up their home to someone. I know you knowmy sister and that we've been friends for years, but still. It's a big ask, and I'm grateful you're doing it. It's really helped Riley and my stress knowing that someone is watching after her."

I didn't know what to say to that. I felt my mind just stopped working. If only he knew the truth. If he knew everything that was going through my head, he'd be beating the shit out of me.

I swallowed. "Cayden, it was the right thing. You have a lot with Riley."

He ran a hand through his hair. "I know that, but still. How has she been doing? You think it's been helping?"

I nodded. "Yeah, she's been relaxing a little more each day, and since working, she's been a lot more perky. I think she's adjusting pretty well to living here."

He looked happy with that information. "That's good. I worry that she's never going to get comfortable here and just become unhappy. I know she's going through a lot, but I still want her to succeed in life."

"She's getting there, but it will take time." I wanted to tell him everything that April had told me, but I didn't. It was her decision to tell who she wanted. If she hadn't told Riley, she wouldn't have been ready to tell anyone else.

He rubbed a hand through his hair. "I for sure thought she was going to throw a fit when she found out Riley and I were planning to move."

I snorted. "Yeah, she wasn't excited about that, but I think she just wants you guys to be happy."

"I know, and I want her to be happy. She's my sister, after all. I want only good things for her. But I also know that Rileycan't keep living in our apartment. I see the way her eyes stop to stare at the flooring where Brad died."

My stomach twisted up, and I suddenly felt a little regret. I was supposed to be protecting and taking care of his sister. I was not supposed to be fucking her. I wasn't supposed to be imagining her in different positions and wondering what she tasted like.

I knew I needed to start handling things a little better. April was going through a lot, as was Cayden. I wondered if maybe avoiding April wasn't the best idea. I should be the person she needed to lean on and not for sex.

An idea sparked in my head. "What was the restaurant you guys all talk about again?"

"The one that's near the outskirts of town?"

I nodded. "Yeah, you guys all said it was nice, and after today, I think April might enjoy it. Besides, I'm too tired to cook dinner."

"It's Laleaves restaurant. They do have some pretty amazing food."

I thanked him and headed out for my truck. I wasn't sure what I was going to say to April, but I knew that I wanted us to have a good night and maybe have a conversation about what we were going to do moving forward.

We were in a gray area at this point. Neither seemed to be speaking about what they wanted, but we both seemed to want the same thing. Or at least that was what I was getting after today when she practically made me cum in my pants.

I glanced at April as she sat across the table. We got to the restaurant pretty quickly and seated in the back corner. The restaurant was filled with plants, giving the space a calm vibe.

"You look nice," I said, taking in her outfit. April had pulled on a short skirt with a cream blouse. The shirt dipped low, and her breasts looked perky in the outfit. I wasn't sure if she had put it on to get my attention, but she had it. My eyes kept dipping down.

She looked around the restaurant, her eyes taking in the low lights and waiters moving around with food. "It's a very nice restaurant. I didn't even know we had a place like this here."

I nodded, glancing around. The space was different than any other place I had been. "The guys all talked about it and said the girls love the food."

She chewed on her lower lip, her fingers tapping on her menu. I knew we had a lot to talk about, and I didn't know where to start. I just kept seeing her eyes when I pinned her against the fire truck. She looked at me with need, begging almost.

I cleared my throat. "I know that we have things to discuss….but I thought it would be nice to take you out."

She raised her eyebrows. "Can I ask why? Why now."

I shrugged. "Your brother and I were talking about everything, and I thought this would be a good way to get your mind off Ivan and everything going on. At least for a little while."

She looked shocked. "Oh…"

"We just want what's best for you, after all. I know you both have a lot on your plate."

The waiter came, and we both ordered. She ordered chicken pasta, and I ordered a burger and fries.

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