Page 31 of Purr For Me
Lexie arched an eyebrow but still didn’t pull her hand from his. “Someone like you, you mean?”
Kade gave her a curt nod. “Yeah, maybe. Like I said, that’s up to you. But even if it’s not with me, I hope you find happiness again with a guy who sees all those wonderful things about you.”
She stared at him like a deer in headlights, and he could see she was about to run. He’d pushed too hard.
Lexie rose and flapped a funny little wave in his direction as she made for the door with quick strides.
Kade sighed as he shoved his computer in its case and followed her. She was already out the door, and he rushed to catch her before she could start her Jeep. She was just getting into it when he caught up to her.
“Lexie, wait.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry. But I won’t lie or pretend. Not with you.”
Lexie whirled around, fear and anger shining in her eyes. “There’s nothing to talk about, Kade. I can’t do this. I’m not ready, and even if I was, you’re the last guy I’d get involved with. I know it’s stupid but I feel guilty. Your Jason’s brother.”
Dismay made his stomach drop even though he understood.
He wasn’t about to give up, though. “I’ll wait.”
Lexie ground her teeth together. “What if we got together? The past would always be there between us all. Jason would be there. Do you see how awkward it would be?”
Kade replied, “Only if we let it. Look, Jason’s had his chance. Both of us deserve to be happy, and I believe we can make eachotherhappy. For all you know, once Jason’s clean, he might agree we should be together.”
“Kade, what if he’s not? I couldn’t stand knowing that I caused a rift between you guys. I’d always feel guilty about it.”
His mouth twisted in a wry smile. “You have anyway. I can’t simply turn these feelings off.”
Lexie played with the steering wheel while she mulled over his words. She blinked in confusion a few times as she gazed up at him. Once again, he wished they could find Jason and get this situation sorted. The longer it dragged on, the more likely it was she’d freeze him out.
“What do you want from me, Kade?”
Kade gave her a playful smile. “Right now, I just want you to come back inside and have breakfast with me.”
Lexie’s brows puckered. “That’s it? Just have breakfast?”
He put a hand to his chest. “I promise. I’m starving, and I’d like your company while I eat. They have great bacon here, remember? Plus, I have news about my brother.”
He hoped his teasing smile and coaxing made it impossible for Lexie to resist him.
She chuckled and shook her head. “That’s culinary blackmail.”
His smile broadened. “Whatever it takes. C’mon. I know you’re hungry, and you’ve got a full day ahead of you of fixing my jalopy. Better fuel up.”
Lexie smirked at his bad pun. “Very funny.”
“So, what’ll it be? Leaving with an empty stomach or filling up on pancakes and bacon and coffee…”
“Okay, okay,” she interjected. “Let’s go eat.”
Kade rubbed his hands together. “Now you’re talking.”
He motioned for Lexie to precede him back into the diner, and Lexie laughed as she reentered the restaurant. They took their previous booth and their waitress came to top off Lexie’s coffee.
“Tell me about Jason. My P.I. has nothing.”
Kade put down his fork. “My team caught a break. They found an old girlfriend, and she told them Jason had stopped by. Apparently, he was talking about checking into rehab, but she doesn’t know which one.”
Lexie clapped her hands. “That’s great news all around. Jason gets help, and there can’t be too many rehabs in Chicago to check.”
“If it’s a rehab in Chicago. He could have gone anywhere.”
