Page 98 of The Broken Note

“You ask a lot of questions about money,” I say, folding my arms over my chest.

“I’m trying to calculate how much I need to pay you back.”

I give her a long look. “I can think of a few ways you can pay me back.”

She gets red. I’m starting to notice that she’s blushing a lot more. She did before, but not this much. Even when I had her backed up against tables, dark corners, quiet spaces, she didn’t blush.

But it seems like losing her virginity made her shyer rather than bolder.

I like it.

Girls who constantly throw themselves at me are boring.

And it’s nice seeing the brash, fearless Cadence Cooper go soft.

She averts her gaze, settling into that hard, mistrustful expression she’s been wearing all day. I get the sense that my presence makes her deeply uncomfortable.

Between hate and discomfort, I’m not sure which is worse.

I just know that I’ve got an opportunity here, and I’m not going to blow it.

“I only agreed to this because Vi asked me to take pictures,” Cadey says, talking as if she needs to convince herself. “Let’s go inside. I’ll take a few more shots and go home.”

There’s no way I’m letting this girl go tonight.

Not until I’m through with her.

“This way.” I gesture with my arm.

Cadence pockets her purse and approaches the thick tree trunk. There’s a ladder hammered into the wood.

“You got it?” I ask, sensing her hesitation.

“Of course.” She scoffs, but her eyes drop to the wedge sandals she’s wearing. They look sexy as hell, but they’re not exactly climbing gear.

Before I can offer to help, Cadence gives a determined nod and reaches for the first slat. I follow, keeping my eyes locked on her as she makes the climb. The fabric of her skirt sways and I can see up her tights.

My pants strain.

It’s not even a view of her panties, but it’s enough to make me lose my mind.

I’ve never been rational when it comes to her.

“Ah!” Cadence yelps. One of her shoes slips off the slat.

I move instantly and palm her backside, keeping her steady so she doesn’t fall.

“You good?”

“Y-yeah,” she mumbles.

Unable to help myself, I pat her there. “You’re okay. Just keep going.”

Cadence glares at me. “Hands off, Dutch.”

I lift both hands in surrender, but this time the smile can’t be swiped away.

She narrows her eyes in response and successfully climbs the rest of the way. I join her soon after, easily mounting the ladder.

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