Page 106 of Perfect Alpha

When Fiona calls me early the next morning and asks if I’ll attend an impromptu meeting with her newest author, the one I rescued from the slush pile, I quickly agree, figuring I can call Cade from the Uber. But no such luck, because Gemma calls to check in and tell me that she thinks I’m doing an amazing job.

When the jam-packed day is over, I decide to go to kickboxing class. It’s been ages since I’ve had a proper workout, and I need a good sweat. I think back to the squats I did on Cade’s cock, and my lips quirk.

I suppose that could qualify as leg day.

It’s also the right thing to do to tell Vince that I’m exclusively dating someone else, but he isn’t at the dojo. I get in a good workout with another instructor and leave drenched in sweat but happy, deciding to shower at home.

I’ve missed Cade, Aidan, and my parents something fierce.

Based on my phone notifications, Cade tried to get in touch and is probably none too pleased I’ve been out of contact. I’ll have to promise to do better next time, or he’ll chain me to his arm and never let me leave again.

When I get out of the shower, I’m so exhausted that I decide to lie in bed for just five minutes to decompress. My brain immediately shuts down, and I fall into the sleep of the dead until the next morning.

Panicking, I scramble for my phone, half-expecting to find Cade standing in my apartment, ready to bring me home.

Shit.

Chapter 38

Cade

Pacingthekitchenwitha crying Aidan wrapped around me, the phone finally rings. I exchange a meaningful glance with Julia, and she takes him from my arms. Three long strides bring me outside where the cold Montana air immediately smashes me in the face.

“Cade, I’msosorry.” I haven’t even said anything, but she already knows. “Time just flew away from me and–”

“You didn’t have five minutes to pick up your phone and get in touch?” I demand, failing miserably at keeping the anger out of my tone. “I hope you’re kidding. Surely, you could come up with a better excuse than thatby now.”

“It’s not an excuse,” Victory replies, and the tears in her voice make me waver. “I’ve been away from New York for weeks and–”

“I’m sorry that keeping in touch with me is too much to ask.” Emotion clogs my throat, but the words I have to say need to be said in person. “When are you coming home?”

“I… well… Monday morning,” Victory whispers.

“Forfuck’s sake,” I snap. “I thought it was going to be a quick trip.”

“Thisisshort,” Victory replies. “There are a few events I need to attend.”

“You said you wanted to do this with me.”

“So did you! I live in New York. This is my first trip back, and you’re already freaking out.”

“I’m freaking out because I miss my girlfriend, and it’s completely unacceptable for you to put everything else above me and Aidan when you’re first on my list.”

Silence.

“You never actually asked me to be your girlfriend,” she says.

“I don’t need toask,” I growl. “Youare.”

God, this woman.

“You, Aidan, and my parents are the most important people in the world to me. I’m sorry. I’m trying to build my network so it will be easier to work remotely and stay with you all the time. I’m just going through the motions until I figure things out. I don’t know what else I can say. I’m sorry.”

“Say you’ll be home Sunday night, even if it’s late. I can’t sleep without you, and I’m fucking miserable right now.”

“Okay,” Victory replies softly, and I can picture the tears streaming down her cheeks. “Sunday night. I promise.”

“Or else I’m coming to get you, even though the last time I did you were in some other guy’s arms.”

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