Page 17 of Caden

“Thank you, Caden.” She lifts up on tiptoes to kiss me on the cheek. “You should probably go.” She moves around me and heads downstairs to greet her grandma.

What the fuck just happened?

11

RUBY

“I miss Caden.There. I said it.” I look at Gram who’s sitting off to the side of the garden alcove, soaking up the last of the sunlight before an overcast sky settles in later this afternoon. Marshall agreed to let the pup hang outside with me while I put the finishing touches on the garden space between the gym andDresses for Days. His company has kept me from completely falling apart.

Gram glances up at me with those big puppy dog eyes, as if to ask what I’m going to do about this whole Caden situation.

Since I told him to leave my house almost a week ago, I’ve barely seen him in more than passing. The Ice King has returned.

“It’s for the best.”

Gram doesn’t look convinced and lets out a grumble. I can practically hear the translation:Silly humans!

“It is.”

The sex was mind-blowingly good. Better than good. Amazing. Unfortunately, my goal to get the sexy firefighter out of my system was a complete and utter failure. Sleeping with Caden has only made me want him more. But the last thing he needs is me blowing up his life. Anthony might be the craziest ex in my dating history, but he’s not the only train wreck that could come back to haunt me or anyone I might get involved with. Caden deserves better.

“Did someone call for an iced white chocolate mocha?” Grandma Judy calls to me as she approaches.

“You’re a life saver!”

I’m not sure who alerted Grandma Judy about the garden fire. I suspect there were several people who gave her a call. She was on a redeye flight that same night. Though she’ll be heading back to Florida in a few days, it’s been a comfort to have her around. It’s also been a badly needed distraction to help keep me from replaying the events with Caden over and over.

“You did good,” she says, nodding at the garden alcove.

“You think so?”

“I know so, sweetie. You turned this sad little waste of space into a dazzling diamond. The mayor is thrilled.”

“Really?”

“Really. If I haven’t told you, I’m proud of you, Ruby.”

“You don’t regret selling your business to me and putting your reputation on the line?” I ask, half teasing, half desperate for validation from the woman I admire most.

“Are you kidding? All I hear are praises about the incredible work you’re doing. I couldn’t be prouder.”

“But your garden?—”

“Can be replanted.” Grandma Judy glances toward the gym. “As can what you started with that delicious firefighter.”

“You knew?”

Grandma Judy just chuckles. “The man left with his t-shirt on inside out.”

“It’s complicated.”

“Doesn’t have to be.” When I don’t answer, Grandma Judy adds, “Tell you what. Why don’t you wrap up here and meet me back home when you’re done? We can finally get started on replanting your garden. I can’t be the only one who always thinks better with my hands in the dirt.”

12

CADEN

“You going to stop moping around?”Marshall asks, sharing one of his highly coveted blueberry scones as he joins me behind the front counter of the gym. Guess the weekend away was good for him if he’s willing to eat sweets in public. “You’re scaring off all our clients.”

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