Page 50 of Matchmaking the Rival

He walked me to my car, opening the door as I slipped in. He kept his promise and drove behind me, watching me until I entered my building. The second I was alone in my home, exhaustion slammed into me.

After showering, I went to bed, typing a quick message to Cade.

Meredith: I’m home. I just took a shower and forgot to text before.

He answered a couple minutes later while I tossed and turned in my bed.

Cade: I'm getting in my shower now.

I sat up a bit straighter, adrenaline coursing through me even though I was tired.

Meredith: A cold shower?

Cade: Hell yes.

Oh my God.He’d somehow found the self-restraint to only drive me to my door and not come inside. Cade Whitely was a total gentleman.

Meredith: Thank you for this evening.

Cade: My pleasure.

I shimmied on the mattress, settling down again and getting ready to fall asleep.

Meredith: All right then. Have fun in the shower.

Cade: Good night, beautiful.

I placed the phone on my nightstand, turning onto one side and smiling in the dark.

I was pining for my childhood crush all over again. But the difference? It wasn’t unrequited this time.

Chapter Twelve

Meredith

The next morning, Ipractically jumped out of bed at six o'clock, even though I went to bed super late. Guess who was full of energy for no reason? Yep, this girl right here. I couldn't wait to start the day, even though all I had to look forward to was the same dreary routine at the office—and Cade's texts, of course.

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