Page 49 of Perfect Alpha

“Oh, yeah,” Fiona replies thoughtfully. “I forgot about them.”

“So, contrary to popular accusations around here, Ihavetried. I’ve just struck out.”

“Well, maybe Vince is the ticket.” Fiona smacks her lips. “He’s yummy.”

“He is,” I agree. “And we’ll call Caro with an update. But for God’s sake, woman, tell me the good news.”

“Right!” Fiona squeals. “You’re going to the Seattle Writing Conference on behalf of our agency to take pitches. They also invited us to teach a seminar on effective query letters and hook lines, so it’s perfect for you.”

“What!” I scream, jumping out of my seat and throwing my arms around Fiona. “Really? I’m going by myself? On behalf of Gemstone?”

“Yes,” Fiona replies firmly. “I suggested it to Gemma, and she was totally on board. So was Caro, of course. We’re all rooting for you.”

“Thank you,” I reply fiercely. “I appreciate you as a colleague and friend.”

Fiona hugs me again. “The conference is on November third. We’ll make sure you’re ready.”

“I can’t wait. I’ll start developing my seminar today. How long do I have with them?”

“The session is ninety minutes,” Fiona replies. “I’ll send you an email with all the details. I’m confident you’ve got this.”

It looks like my trip home is going to be a short one, but that’s fine. I can just fly to Seattle from Montana and leave a little earlier than expected.

And the best part is that I’ll still have time to put my plan in motion and get back at Cade once and for all.

Chapter 19

Cade

“When’syournextdoctor’sappointment?”

Hannah is standing on the back porch, her hands wrapped around a mug that’s so full of cream and sugar, it’s barely recognizable as coffee. Her eyes move from watching Aidan try and kick a soccer ball to my frowning face.

She rolls her eyes, and her exasperation washes over me. “It’sdecaf. I get enough judgment from the married mothers in this town, so I don’t need it from you.”

“I’m sorry,” I reply, chagrined.

“And Jimmy is driving me to my next appointment.”

I try to keep the surprise off my face, but I’m unsuccessful because Hannah treats me to another glare. “Why is that so shocking?”

I lean a hip against the railing. “I’m glad everything with Jimmy is going well.”

“You mean, so you won’t have to deal with me anymore?”

Hannah is hormonal, but even so, taking her comment as the ravings of a pregnant woman and not as a personal affront takes some effort.

“Shit,” she mutters. “I’m sorry, Cade. I love you.”

I put an arm around her, and she leans her head on my shoulder, turning her tear-stained eyes up to mine.

“It’s okay, kid,” I assure her. “I love you, too.”

“Uncle Cade!” Aidan shrieks. “Play soccer wif me?”

“Sorry, buddy. I’m going to Uncle Gavin and Uncle Bobby’s house. We’ll play tomorrow, okay?”

“Aww,” Aidan whines, stomping his feet in what I recognize as the start of a fit.

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