Page 48 of Trashy Affair Duet

But that will never be me. A sharp pang rips through my chest. I’ve got it bad—I’m beyond pretending otherwise. I’ve got it so bad that I’d rather see him happy with his wife than miserable.

Which he so clearly is right now. Yesterday, I spied them leaving together in the elevator at the end of the day, each claiming opposite sides. The vibe between husband and wife was chilly enough to lower the temperature in the building by ten degrees. Not for the first time, I wonder why he’s staying in the marriage when he’s that unhappy.

The only answer I come up with is that he must love her enough to stay, even though she fucked up. The realization leaves me bitter and green because I wonder if anyone will ever love me enough to stay.

“You’re quiet over there,” Kaden says.

I come back to myself, and that’s when I realize we’re on a residential street on the other side of Union Bay. At least, I think it’s Union Bay. Lesley showed me around Seattle during my first week here, and I recall her bringing me to a park nearby.

“Where are you taking me?” My eyes widen at the upscale neighborhood. Each house seems bigger and more elaborate than the last.

Kaden pulls into a circular driveway made of cobblestone, and my jaw drops at the enormous two-story home nestled in a thicket of trees. The house looks like it belongs in a fairytale, with its pitched gabled roof and mullion windows.

“This is my parents’ house.”

My heart thuds to the bottom of my gut, and I turn frantic eyes on him. “This is not an appropriate date between friends, Kaden.”

“It’s not a big deal. I’ve brought casual dates here before. My parents are always putting on a dinner party for something.”

“What’s the occasion?” It’s bad enough he brought me to meet his parents on our first—and only—date, but if this is an important family function of some sort, that will be even more nerve-wracking.

“It’s my birthday. My mom is the queen of organized fun.” He shrugs a shoulder. “She insisted.”

I fist my hands, palms already sweating. That means Cash will be here too, probably with his wife. And despite how tempting the thought of seeing him is—especially since he’s leaving the day after tomorrow for Oklahoma City—the idea of having to swallow a whole evening of watching him with her is too much.

“This is beyond awkward,” I say, not even trying to hide my dismay. “Is your brother here too?”

“Well, yeah. We are twins,” he teases, aiming that cute and flirtatious smile at me, which does zilch to calm my nerves.

“Cash is my boss. Do you have any idea how uncomfortable this is making me?”

“I didn’t mean to upset you. I really don’t think he’ll mind. He’s not gonna fire you or anything.” He pulls his brows together. “You guys seem friendly enough at work.”

Friendly doesn’t even cover it. Jesus, he has no fucking clue.

“I want you to take me home.”

Letting out a breath, Kaden drags a hand through his hair, and it’s a move that reminds me too much of Cash.

I feel sick.

And stupid.

So fucking stupid.

“Okay,” he relents. “I’ll blow off the dinner.”

“No! You can’t do that because of me.”

“By the time we reach your apartment, everyone will be halfway through the main course. There’ll be no point in turning around to come back.”

I glance out the passenger window, taking in the white luxury car we parked next to. Somehow, I know it belongs to Cash. Or more likely, his wife, because it doesn’t seem like his style. He’s not hung up on luxurious things, regardless of his expensive suits and CEO title.

Underneath the money and power is a man that likes downtown Seattle because he can get around without a car. He’s the type of guy that wears gym shorts to the market on Saturdays. The kind of guy that finds joy in the small things—like going for a walk and eating berries, or brushing his hand over mine on a Ferris wheel.

“C’mon, Jules. I promise, it’ll be fine.”

I cringe when Kaden says my name. He sounds too much like his brother for it to sit right with me, because I fucking love the way Cash says my name.

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