Page 15 of Compelled Obedience

“Earth to the great, almighty Grant Wilde.” The lilting female voice reminded me that I wasn’t alone. In fact, I wasn’t even inside my own house.

Candace had a way of dragging me back from whatever ridiculous vision I found myself caught up in. “I’m right here. I’m just fine.” I shifted the glass back and forth, staring into the amber liquid. We’d left the event shortly after the awards. I’d driven her home and found myself standing in her kitchen, which I’d done countless times.

She lifted her eyebrows then refilled my glass. “It’s me, Candy Cane you’re talking to. Besides, I didn’t ask you how you were. You said you kissed her.”

Exhaling, I lifted my head, offering a wry smile, although I’d barely heard what she’d said. I also hadn’t paid any attention to the fact Candace had exchanged her evening gown for a hot pink fluffy robe, adding a fat ponytail to her long blonde tresses. She leaned over the kitchen island, a wineglass in her hand, the look on her face full of amusement.

“Really. I’m good. I just won an award. I’ll be on the morning news. I’m certain the club’s membership applications will go up by another ten percent, maybe twelve this time, which will increase the bottom line. In addition, the lines will be around the building to get into Blackout.”

“Oh, boy. Uh-huh. And you couldn’t care less. You’re pining away for that little innocent flower you found. What I want to know is why didn’t you pluck her from the field of weeds when you had the chance?”

“What made you so jaded, my darling girl?”

“That would be Hollywood, but seriously. You’re a take charge man. I saw the spark in your eyes after you had a little discussion with her. You both looked like you wanted to devour each other.”

“She did?”

Candace grinned. “Yes, lover boy. Back to your original statement. You kissed her?”

“I did.” At least I offered the words with more gusto. It wasn’t like me to be hesitant about anything. Candace was right. I was a take charge kind of man.

“Wow.”

“I threatened to spank her too.”

“You did not!” She leaned further forward, her eyes opening wide. “Oh, my God. You did. What did she do to deserve that?”

“She slapped me hard across the face.” In an exaggerated move, I clenched my jaw, shifting it back and forth.

“Oh, please. You’re not hurting in the least. I’d have punched your gorgeous face if you’d said something like that to me,” Candace insisted.

“Hey. She had a mean right hook. My jaw aches.” I had to laugh given the look she was giving me.

“I can’t believe you kissed her. What is up with you?” Then she smiled. “How could I forget? That ruthless ex of yours. She has a way of turning you into a vicious predator.”

“Keep Elizabeth out of this. Those are fighting words.”

She laughed, which put me in a moderately better mood. However, her next question shoved me right back to the edge, maybe of my own sanity.

“So, what was that terse discussion about anyway?”

“If I told you then you’d think I was nuts.”

“That’s already the case. Spill it.”

“You’re such a bitch.” I glared at her.

“That’s why I’m your best friend. Oh, wait. I’m your only friend in town at least.”

“She managed to see through my bullshit.”

“Which layer?”

“Well, she figured out what I drive and I doubt she’s stalking me. God. She absolutely hates. Me. She called me a womanizer.”

Candace cocked her head. “Did you ever stop to think that maybe our little charade in pretending we’re a couple is now damaging?”

Growling, I scrubbed my jaw. “Fuck. She saw me with you.”

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