by E mack
She stepped back and averted her gaze, looking at everything else but him.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have done that."
A little hurt Cadance remained silent, happy when the elevator came to a stop. Rushing out of the doors she hurried to put distance between them.
He watched her as she hurried away. He'd rushed her. He should never have done that. Sighing he turned to the left to walk to the parking garage.
Reaching the garage he pulled out the key and pushed the button to unlock his sleek black, two door sports car. Getting in he drove out of the garage and headed home to get ready to go to his parents’ house.
Walking home Cadance kept calling herself stupid. Repeating it over and over in her head.
Stupid, stupid, stupid. You're gonna ruin a great job. She kept berating herself as she walked into her apartment and went to her room.
In her room she changed into a pair of plaid lounge shorts and white tank top, putting her white sports bra on underneath. Going into the living room she found Jacie sitting on the couch, texting.
"So how was the first week?" she asked as Cadance dropped into the chair.
Letting out a groan, she covered her face with her hands. "Work was great."
"Ok, so what else happened?" Jacie asked as she tucked her legs underneath her and turned towards Cadance.
"Oh, nothing, just tired I guess."
Not really believing her Jacie let the subject drop, she knew that Cadance would tell her when she was ready.
"So we going to the dance club tonight?" Jacie asked her. She continued to text Max, who was still at his office.
"Sure, there's nothing else to do. This time I'll leave when ya'll do though"
Glancing at Cadance, Jacie nodded her head and said, "Ok."
She stood up and walked into the kitchen to make the chicken fajitas that Max had asked her to make. Behind her, she heard Cadance get up and go into her room.
Max arrived around an hour later and the three sat at the table to eat their food. Talking around the table, they enjoyed the food.
"Girl, you're such a great cook", Cadance told her as she stood to clear the table.
"Thanks", Jacie said grinning.
After Cadance cleaned the kitchen the girls went to their rooms to get ready.
In her room Cadance chose a black slinky tube top and jewel embellished dark jeans. Putting the clothes on, she grabbed her black wedge flip flops and slide them on.
In the living room she found Jacie had changed into a cute pink tube dress. On her feet she wore a pair of tan slip on canvas shoes. She and Max made a striking couple. He was dark where she was light. His black t-shirt and dark jeans set off the color of her dress perfectly.
Looking at them interact Cadance couldn't help but feel sad. Would she ever find someone like that? She thought.
Seeing her approach Jacie turned to her and grinned, "You look so cute. Ready?"
"Yeah you do to."
The group left the apartment and headed out to find a dance club that wasn't too packed.
Reaching one they waited in line for twenty minutes until they finally made it through the door.
The music was blaring and the group moved out to join the other people dancing. Soon they decided to grab an empty table they'd seen.
Rushing to it before anyone else could get it, the girls climbed up onto the high stools. Max stood behind Jacie, keeping one arm around her and the other leaned on the table. They flagged down a waitress and ordered drinks.
Max bought a round of jello shots for them. When they arrived Cadance hesitated but, thought why not. Se planned to leave with them anyway so what difference did it make. Several rounds later they returned to dancing.
Cadance loved to dance, she lost herself in it. Dancing alone she closed her eyes and put her arms up, swaying and shaking to the dance. Feeling her phone vibrate she pulled it out of her back pocket.
Having fun the text read. Looking at the number she couldn’t remember who it was.
Yeah. Are you? Who is this? She sent back.
Soon her phone vibrated with another text.
Forgotten about me already. I see how it is. The only gorgeous brunette that works for me and she can't even remember me. I'm hurt.
Smiling Cadance texted back. Oh, hey what are you doing?
Moving to the edge of the dancers, she stopped and waited for his reply.
Sitting at home, bored. You?
Dancing
Oh, where?
Texting him back she told him the name of the club they had come to it.
It's packed though I don't know if they are letting anyone else in or not.
Oh, ok well another time then. Have fun.
Thanks. She texted a grin on her face.
Putting her phone back in her pocket she went back to dancing. The music witched and she put her arms up and closed her eyes as one of her favorite songs came on.
Focused on the music, she jerked when she felt arms wrap around her waist.
Hey, baby an oily, long haired guy said. He kept trying to pull her back against him. Grinding his pelvis into her.
Attempting to jerk away, Cadance said "Let go."
"Come on let’s have a little fun", he said running his hands down her hips.
"No, let go", Cadance said trying to pull away again.
"I think the lady wants to dance alone", Cadance heard a deep voice grate out beside them.
Jerking her head to the side she saw, Rayne. She could tell that he was pissed.
Jerking away from the man she moved to stand beside Rayne.
"Hey it's ok" she said putting her hand on his arm. She could feel how tense he was when she touched his arm.
He continued to stare and the other man. Seeing the look of rage on his face the oily haired guy backed down.
"Ok, man sorry “turning he pushed his way through the crowd of dancers.
"How did you get here so fast?" Cadance asked moving stand in front of Rayne. He looked great in his white t-shirt and dark washed jeans.
Finally focusing on her face, he smiled. I live just a couple blocks over."
Following her to a table, he stood next to it as she sat down.
I thought they had stopped letting people in?"
"Well I know the owner, so", he told her trialing off with a grin.
They stayed at the table, chatting and laughing little longer. Soon Jacie and Max came up to them.
"There you are girl", she told Cadance as she sat down.
Looking at Rayne, she asked "Ready?"
Cadance knew what her fiend thought, smiling she looked at Jacie and said this is Rayne Douglas, my boss.
Looking between the two Jacie finally smiled and reaching her hand out to Rayne, said "Hello. Nice to meet you."
"Hi, nice to meet you, too. Cadance tells me that you are a great chef. Where do you work? I'll have to come eat there sometime."
"The little Italian restaurant on 1st street."
"Oh, yes I know which one you are talking about", he said nodding. "I've been meaning to stop in there."
"Hi, my names Max", Max finally said offering his hand.
Shaking it Rayne said hello. "So Cadance tells me you are an accountant?"
"Yeah", Max said rolling his eyes. "Boring I know."
"Not at all. I've always liked to work with numbers."
The group remained at the table, talking. Rayne ordered them several more rounds of drinks as they did.
Jacie, kept looking between Cadance and Rayne as they sat there. Smiling over at Rayne, Cadance looked at her friend and said "I'm going to the bathroom. Come on," grabbing her friend’s arm she pulled her around the edge of the dance floor to the bathroom.
"What are you doing?" Cadance asked her once they'd gotten inside the bathroom. It was actually deserted for a change. Going into the first of the three stalls, Cadance heard Jacie go into the one next to her.
"I'm trying to figure you two out. What do you have the hots
for him or something?"
"No", Cadance said. Finishing in the stall she walked out and went to wash her hands. Coming up beside her, Jacie washed hers as well.
Smiling at Cadance in the mirror she told her friend, "Yeah, you do. I can tell, and I think he likes you too." She laughed at the scrunched up face Cadance made back at her.
"He does not." She told Jacie as they left the bathroom.
She heard her friend laughing behind her.
Returning to the table they found the guys talking about sports. When they saw them coming Max hoped off his chair and took Jacie out on the floor to dance.
Looking at Rayne, Cadance smiled.
"Wanna dance?" he asked her.
Nodding she followed him out onto the floor.
They danced for a while until Jacie and Max came back to them. Jacie pulling Cadance back towards the table. Reaching it she grinned and said, "This is fun."
"Yes it is", Cadance agreed.
The guys caught up and Max moved to stand behind Jacie, with his arms around her again. Jacie watched as Rayne stood next to Cadance and put his hand on her thigh.
Scrunching her eyes up at him, she said "hey" trying to get his attention.
Cadance could tell that Jacie was drunk, it didn't take much and she had already drank more than usual.
Not sure what to expect she watched as her friend hopped off her chair and moved to stand in front of Rayne, making him look down at her.
"Yeah?" he asked watching her. She could tell he fought to keep a grin form coming to his mouth.
"You better not screw her over or I'll kick your ass", she told him poking him in the chest.
Cadance mouth dropped open in shock.
Looking down at the tiny blonde, Rayne had to hold back a laugh.
"I won't I promise", he said holding up his hands, palms out.
"Just see that you don't." Jacie said and returned to her seat. Attempting to climb onto the stool she slipped, Max catching her as they both laughed.
"Is the room spinning", she slurred out.
Helping her to stand up, Max looked at Cadance and said I guess I better take her home"
Looking at Jacie, Cadance grinned and said "Yeah, me too." She couldn't remember the last time she'd seen her friend that way.
Max looked at Cadance again and asked, "You coming?"
Glancing at Rayne, Cadance shook her head "No, I'll stay a little longer."
"I’ll see that she gets home ok", Rayne told him
Giving Rayne a hard look, Max said Ok” Turning he half walked and half carried Jacie, towards the door.
"Sorry", Cadance told him.
"Don't worry about it. I’ve got a sister I know how protective people can be."
Thinking of all that had happened to her when she was younger Cadance couldn't help but think how wrong he was. Not everyone was protective.
Turning her attention back to him she grabbed his hand and said, "Come on lets go dance."
They danced to several fast songs and then a slower one came on. Pulling Cadance closer, Rayne danced with her pressed up against him.
At the end of the song he looked at her and asked, "Ready to go?"
"Yeah", she said still smiling up at him.
Turning he put his arm around her and guided them through the crowd.
Outside the club, he led her across the street to the clubs parking lot. Walking them to the back of the lot, where his car was he pulled his key from his pocket. Pushing the button, he unlocked it and helped her into the passenger seat.
Going to the driver’s side he got in. Putting the key into the ignition he stopped before starting the car. Looking over at her he found her watching him.
Leaning over he put his lips to hers. Deepening the kiss Cadance wrapped her arms around his neck. Wanting to be closer to her he pulled her over to sit in his lap.
Squirming against him, Cadance was pleased when he let out a groan.
Pulling back he said, "Before we do this, you have to realize this will change everything. Are you ok with that?"
At her nod he put his lips back to hers. She began running her hands up and down his chest sliding her hand closer to his waistband she began fumbling with his button.
Pulling back he said, "Stop not here."
Putting her back in her seat he kissed her forehead and started the car.
Turning towards his apartment, he drove them up to the gate of his parking garage.
Hesitating he looked at her and said, "I want you to be sure. I don't want to be just a mistake that you make. Are you sure?"
Thinking of all the other one night mistakes she had made, Cadance knew this was different. She wanted to be here, it wasn't the alcohol talking.
At her hesitation, he took it for doubt. Throwing the car into reverse he backed up into the street. Turning the car towards where her apartment was he drove on. He'd gotten her agrees from the employee files at work so he knew exactly where to go.
"Wait", she cried "what are you doing?"
"I want you to be sure before this goes any further. I want a relationship with you not just a one nighter", he told her never taking his eyes from the road. He was little hurt that her feelings hadn't went as far as his already did for her.
Sitting in silence Cadance wasn't sure what to say. She'd never had a relationship before. She'd dated a few guys but they'd always lost interest after they'd gotten what they wanted. This was a new experience for her.
Reaching her apartment he pulled to a stop in front of it. "Make sure you know what you want before this goes any further." He said not looking at her.
Glancing over at him she opened her car door and stepped out. Barely letting the door shut, he sped away.
Cadance watched his car lights as they faded in the dark. She wanted to run after him, to call him and tell him she wanted the same thing but how could she. Would he want to be with her after he'd found out about her past. Found out about what she'd been forced to do as a child?
Despair washing over her she went inside. Climbing the stairs to her apartment, she unlocked the door. Going into the apartment she locked the door behind her and went to her room.
Not even pulling her clothes of she flopped onto the bed. The rest of the night she lay awake thinking of all that he had said.
He wanted to be with her. But for how long? Would he leave once he knew the truth?
Chapter 5
The rest of the weekend Cadance had to fight against the urge to call or text him. When Monday came around her eyes where swollen from lack of sleep. She knew that she had dark circle under them and she couldn't do anything about it.
Going into work she found a note on her desk telling her that he had went away on a business trip. He would be gone for three days.
I've already lost my chance with him she thought. She wanted to cry. Turning her attention back to the desk in front of her, she began sorting through he papers and files there. Losing herself in her work the morning soon passed.
She wasn't sure exactly what she would do while he was gone but, didn't want to text him to ask. Opening up her work email she looked through them. Most were memos sent out to all the employees. Looking through them she came across one from Rayne.
Cadance, I will be away for several days as my note said. Once you've finished the work on your desk feel free to take the rest of the time off. Paid of course, I should have told you that I would be gone but it slipped my mind. I will be back Thursday.
It was signed simply Rayne Douglas.
Yeah he didn't forget she thought as she shut down her computer, he just doesn't want to be around me. Standing up she grabbed her purse and put it over her arm. Walking to the elevator she waited and got on when the doors opened.
Leaving the building she tried to decide what to do. Walking down the sidewalk she soon came to the city park. Going to sit on one of the benches she sat down, deep in thought.
To be with him the way he wants I will have to tell him about my past. It�
��s only right. Can I do that? DO I want to be with him?
She didn’t know yet. She had only known him for a short time, could she trust him?
Thinking of all the time they’d spent together. Their long talks, his kindness and patience, she thought yes. Yes I can. It's time for me to move on from this. This has defined my life for too long. I can't miss the chance to be with him.
Standing up she rushed towards her apartment. Arriving home, she decided to soak in the tub. She felt as if a weight had been lifted form her shoulders. Maybe I can go to him, wonder where he is?
He hadn't said in his letter or email, which was strange. Getting out of the tub she dried off and pulled out her phone. Dialing the main number for the company she asked to speak to Richard Douglas, Rayne's father.
"Tell him this is Rayne's assistant, Cadance I just need to reach Rayne if he can tell me where he is."
"Just a moment miss", the young man said on the other end of the line.
Sitting on her bed, Cadance waited for someone to come back on the phone.
"Yes, Mr. Douglas has went to the new building site. He is staying in the hotel next to it. DO you need the address?"
"No. No", Cadance said standing up I know where it is." Tossing the phone on her bed she pulled the white and blue chevron dress out and put it on, over a pair of pink lacy thong panties. Deciding to go braless, she picked her phone back up.
Grabbing a duffel bag she crammed a few clothes in it. Going into the living room she grabbed her purse and keys. Closing the door behind her she locked it.
Flagging down a cab, she gave him the address f where she wanted to go. Settling in for the hour drive she pulled her phone out to text Jacie.
Going out of town, business trip. Love ya.
Soon her phone vibrated, you be careful, love ya.
Smiling she thought of her friend and knew that she would have all kinds of questions for her later. Putting her phone up, she sat back against the car seat and watched the passing buildings and people.
Making good time the cab driver got to the hotel in fifty minutes. Getting out of the car she paid the driver and watched him drive away.
Turning around she looked from the tall hotel to the skeletal frame of the new building being constructed beside it. Looking back at the hotel the thought hit her. What if he's changed his mind?