Saving Cade: A Romantic Suspense

by Victorine E. Lieske

  “Yes, but now you have a feather on you.” She pointed, and he tried to knock it out but missed it.

  She took a step toward him and reached up to brush the feather off. Her gaze caught his and she stilled. His eyes were captivating. Brighter somehow today, like the color of emeralds. He was looking at her with such intensity, her body turned to Jell-O.

  Why was she standing so close to him? She should have an intelligent molecule in her brain and take a step back, but her body wouldn’t budge. She just stood there, feeling the heat from his chest radiate over her.

  He swallowed, his Adam’s apple moving again. “Thanks,” he said, his voice barely a whisper.

  “Yeah.” Meg involuntarily moved closer to him, like he had some kind of pull on her she couldn’t control. She couldn’t stop staring at his lips, and for a split second, she imagined what it would be like to kiss him.

  Then she snapped out of it. What was happening? She wasn’t about to kiss him, was she? That would not be a good idea. She took a step back and ran a hand through her hair. “I guess I’d better get some breakfast going.”

  Cade nodded, his gaze dipping to the floor. “Good idea.”

  Chapter 8

  Cade stepped out the back door and started gathering up some kindling for the fire, his heart still racing from standing so near to Meg. Why was he insanely attracted to her? Sure, she was pretty, but she wasn’t a supermodel or anything. His hormones would disagree. He was raging inside like a teenager.

  The brisk morning air chilled him, which was good. It helped him put his head on straight. He split some more wood for the pit and set the logs on top. After he arranged the wood, he lit a match and set the kindling on fire. Holding his hands out, he warmed them.

  Meg opened the screen door and stepped out onto the patio, a frying pan in her hand. “I hope eggs are okay. Do you care if they’re sunny side up?”

  “Honey, I’d eat them raw, I’m so hungry.”

  Meg gave him a funny look and came over with her frying pan and spatula. “What did you say?”

  “I said I’d eat them raw.”

  “No, you called me honey.” She held the pan over the fire.

  Had he? If he did, he didn’t mean to. “I don’t think so.”

  “Um, yeah. You did, sweetcheeks.” She flashed him a grin and his face grew hot.

  “Funny.”

  “Yeah, I thought it was.” Meg chuckled.

  Cade took a step closer. “Want me to hold that over the fire while you get the plates?”

  She handed the pan to him. “Thanks.” She disappeared inside the house. The eggs started to smell good. After a few minutes, she came out with two plates, a piece of bread on each one.

  “I think they’re done,” he said.

  Meg scooped the eggs onto the plates and they sat to eat. Cade shifted on the uncomfortable log. “I’d like to borrow your car and go into town today.”

  Meg froze. “What if someone recognizes you?”

  “I’ll wear that ball cap. World’s Greatest Dad. I think I should be fine.”

  “I don’t know. I’m getting a bad feeling about it.”

  If Cade were being honest, he wasn’t feeling the best about it either, but he had to continue digging or he’d never free his name. “I have to.”

  “All right. Just be careful, okay?”

  Cade scooped an egg onto his bread and bit into it. “Promise.” The food tasted delicious. After swallowing, he nudged Meg. “Did you want to go to town too?”

  She shook her head. “I was hoping to apply for a job, but my hair is nasty. I need to clean up before I can do that.”

  She looked so depressed, Cade almost reached over and gave her a hug, but he stopped himself. “I have an idea.”

  “What?” Meg looked at him.

  “When I get back, I’ll fill up the tub. You can bathe.”

  She squinted at him. “How are you going to do that?”

  “Leave it to me.”

  “Well, a bath sounds divine.” Meg smiled at him. Then her gaze traveled to his chest. “How’s your injury?”

  He swiped a hand across his chest. “Much better. It’s healing.”

  “I was worried about it.”

  That was Meg. Sweet and caring. Cade changed the subject. “What would you say is your perfect date?” Not that he wanted to date her, but he was curious if she was a dinner and movie kind of girl, or maybe more adventurous.

  Meg got a funny look on her face. “April 25th.”

  Cade cocked his head to the side. “What?”

  “Because it’s not too hot, and not too cold. You know, all you need is a light jacket.”

  He wasn’t sure what to make of her answer. “No, I mean date like a couple goes on—”

  Meg let out a laugh. “You haven’t seen that movie? Oh, man, it’s hilarious.”

  Cade was completely confused now. “What movie?”

  “Miss Congeniality. Sandra Bullock? Have you seriously not ever seen that movie?”

  He was starting to feel stupid. “Nope.”

  “Well, we’d better fix that.” She must have realized what she’d said, and the situation they were in because her face paled and she glanced around. “I mean, once we get power...or something.”

  “Yeah.” He dug back into his food, feeling foolish. Why had he asked such a stupid question? They weren’t in a normal situation. He was a fugitive. He couldn’t take Meg on a date. He had to lay low. It was probably stupid for him to even go to town today, but he couldn’t just hide here forever. He had to prove his innocence. And he had to keep his hormones under control.

  He stood and turned his back on her. “Good luck with that.” He walked toward the house. “I’ll be going then.”

  Meg’s smile faded. “Okay.”

  Cade left her sitting there. Guilt constricted his chest, but he shoved it down. He couldn’t get attached to Meg. They were nothing to each other. Just a means to an end. He had to think about his next step.

  MEG WATCHED CADE’S retreating back as he disappeared into the house. That was a stupid thing to say. Like she could just sit around and watch movies with a wanted man. How dumb could she be?

  A blue jay fluttered down and landed on the cement by the back door. It strutted along the walkway for a minute before hopping down to the dirt. It looked a little lost, and Meg couldn’t help but identify with him. She was feeling the same way.

  She needed a job, but she felt like a dirty camper. Her hair was greasy, and her clothes smelled like smoke from their fire. She hoped Cade was going to come through with his promise of a bath. How often had she taken her shower for granted? She wouldn’t anymore.

  She picked up the dirty dishes and walked down to the stream. Rinsing them in the cold water wasn’t going to get them really clean, but it was better than leaving egg yolk on them to dry. As she walked up to the house, a squirrel ran past her and skittered up a tree. If she weren’t so dirty and out of money, staying in this house would be lovely. The woods were gorgeous, and there was a peaceful feeling up in the mountains. And Cade...

  Well, she didn’t want to think about Cade. He was too handsome. And he could be a murderer. What was she doing with him anyway? If the cops caught him, she’d probably end up in jail for helping him escape. What she needed to do was get some money and get far away from here.

  Meg spent the morning cleaning the kitchen as best as she could. It was difficult without running water. She did find a bucket in the closet, so she brought up some river water and used some rags to wipe down everything. It would have to do.

  Cade didn’t come home at noon, so Meg heated up another piece of ham for lunch. Then she continued to clean the house, working in the bathroom and mopping the tile flooring. It was gross how dirty the water was when she got done. She tried not to think about the filth clinging to the rest of the house.

  When she finally heard the car pulling up to the house, the sun was low in the sky. Whatever had Cade been doing all day? She walked
outside and gasped. The car was packed full of stuff. Cade got out and opened the trunk. He pulled out a large stockpot and beamed at her. “Bathwater coming up.”

  Meg swallowed down the slow panic rising in her. Had he stolen these things? What was wrong with him? They were both going to get tossed into prison. She tried to keep her voice calm. “How did you get all this stuff?”

  “My brother came through.”

  “What? You didn’t steal it?” Meg couldn’t believe those words came flying out of her mouth. She clamped her lips shut.

  Cade gave her a look that made her want to sink into the ground. “Is that what you think of me? That I’d steal?”

  She felt terrible, and no response would come out.

  He turned from her. “I’m that rich dude, remember?”

  “You’re also hiding from the police. What if your brother grows a conscience?”

  “My brother would never turn me in.” Cade carried the stockpot up to the house.

  Meg walked to the car to see what else he’d bought. The first thing she saw was the propane tank, then she noticed the camping stove and small grill. No more cooking over the campfire. Her spirits soared. The back seat was filled with clothes and a propane heater. The front was packed with groceries sitting on top of a large cooler. She grabbed two bags of groceries and walked into the house.

  They unloaded the car and Cade set up the camping grill outside the back door. He pulled a package of steaks out of one of the grocery sacks and wiggled his eyebrows at Meg. “Thought we deserved a nice dinner.”

  “Are you cooking tonight?”

  “Sure. You relax. Looks like you’ve been busy today. This place is cleaner than I’ve ever seen it.”

  He’d noticed. Emotion surged in her and she blinked it back. What a stupid thing to get all sappy about. Just because Travis never said anything about how hard she worked around the apartment didn’t mean she had to go and get all emotional over Cade noticing her hard work.

  Cade froze. “Did I say something wrong?”

  Meg shook her head and tried not to show how stupid she was being. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her crying over something so dumb. “No. You’re sweet. Thank you for cooking dinner.”

  He seemed to assess her for a moment before going back to unpacking the groceries. “You’re welcome.”

  Meg helped him put away the food. She grabbed the large cooler and packed it with the cold items. He’d bought milk, cheese, butter, lunch meat, and yogurt. Her mouth watered just thinking about eating.

  Cade pointed to it. “I figured I could put some snow in there to keep these cold. We can keep it in the sunroom. It’s freezing in there.”

  “Good idea.”

  Cade seasoned the meat while Meg lit a couple of candles. The house was getting quite dark and she didn’t want to bump into Cade. Physical contact with him right now wouldn’t be good. She was already getting mixed up in her head.

  He nodded to her. “Go sit down. I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.”

  “I’m fine.”

  He made a face. “You’re one of those people who can’t stop doing things, aren’t you? Go. Sit.” He shooed her into the great room. “You can start a fire. Then sit and relax. Maybe play your ukulele for a while. Write a song. Stop cleaning the house.”

  Cade left the room, and a few moments later she heard the screen door bang. Meg took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Travis had never done anything remotely this nice for her. She threw a couple of logs into the fireplace and lit them, then she grabbed her ukulele and sat on the couch. It was dark, but the fire provided some light. She strummed her instrument.

  A peaceful feeling overcame her, and she started strumming the chords to one of her favorite songs. She sang the lyrics, getting into the melody of the song. It was one she could close her eyes to and lose herself in. She finally felt at home.

  Chapter 9

  Cade took the tongs and lifted the thick cuts of meat onto the little portable camping grill he’d purchased. Then he placed two corn cobs still in their husks next to them. It barely fit, but he made it work. After he seasoned the steak, he pulled one of the logs over to sit on while they cooked. As he sat, he could hear the faint strains of Meg in the great room playing her music.

  When the meat was done, he put everything on a platter and brought it into the house. He lit all of Meg’s jar candles and put them on the table then set out the plates and dished up the steak and corn.

  Before he finished setting the table he walked down to the river and filled the stockpot with water. Then he put it on the camping burner he’d purchased to let it heat up. He’d have to do that a few more times before Meg would have enough for a bath, but he figured he could let it heat while they ate.

  After the table was set and ready, he walked toward the great room. He slowed as he heard Meg singing. It was a song he recognized. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz.

  He stopped in the doorway and listened to her singing. She was curled up on the couch, strumming her ukulele. She looked so comfortable in her own skin. Her voice was amazing, and yet unique. She had a tone to her voice that he hadn’t heard before. He stood there, mesmerized.

  When Meg was done, he entered the room. She yelped and put her hand on her chest. “Cade. You scared me.”

  “Sorry, just wanted to tell you that dinner’s ready.”

  She set her ukulele down and stood up. “Okay.”

  He wasn’t sure if she’d be upset that he’d listened to her but figured it was better to let her know. “You have a wonderful voice.”

  “Oh, you heard that?” A delightful blush graced her cheeks.

  He pulled a chair out for her and she sat. The candlelight flickered over her features. “Yes. You could go far in the music industry.”

  Meg made a face. “Singers are a dime a dozen. I don’t think I’m anything special.”

  Cade wanted to argue with her but just shrugged. “I guess we’ll see. Someday when you’re famous, you’ll have to give me props.”

  “Yeah, right.” She picked up her fork. “This smells delicious.”

  “Thanks. I’ve been known to cook a few good meals in my day.”

  She cut into the meat. “Women love a man who can cook.” Her cheeks colored. “I mean...some women...”

  Cade couldn’t help it. He laughed. Meg was clearly embarrassed, but she looked adorable. “I know what you meant. You don’t have to stammer.”

  “Oh, yes I do.” She fanned her face. “Is it hot in here?”

  “It’s delightfully cool in here.” Cade chuckled and picked up his corn. He spread butter on it then took a bite. The flavor burst in his mouth. It was the best corn he’d eaten in a long time. Or maybe he was just hungry. He’d skipped lunch.

  Meg motioned to him. “If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?”

  Cade chuckled. “I actually like living in Omaha. But out here, in nature, I’ve kind of fallen in love. If I can prove my innocence...” He let his voice trail off. Who was he kidding? He had a trial and everything. No one believed him. The bloody knife was in his bedroom.

  “You’d live here?” Meg finished for him.

  He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Yeah,” he said, not wanting to talk about it anymore. “What about you? Where would you live?”

  Meg looked thoughtful for a moment. “I’m kind of in that situation right now, aren’t I? I can go anywhere to get a job and settle down.”

  “True.” Cade studied her with interest. “Where do you think you’ll end up?”

  She shrugged in a non-committal way. “I don’t know.” It looked like she didn’t want to talk about it anymore. Maybe she was uncomfortable with the uncertainty of her future. Cade could relate to that.

  The water over the fire probably needed changing by now. He stood. “I’ll be right back.”

  He poured the hot water into the tub and proceeded to fill the stockpot again. It took a few trips, but after dinner, he had filled
the tub enough that he was satisfied. Meg entered the bathroom. Her eyes widened as she saw the warm water. “I can’t believe you did this.”

  Before he could respond, she closed the distance between them, blinking her eyes like she was going to tear up. “It’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.”

  Cade was a bit taken aback by how moved she looked, especially since she’d been asking him for a hot bath since they arrived. “It was nothing.”

  “No. It wasn’t.” She wrapped her arms around him and placed her head on his chest. “Thank you.”

  He wasn’t sure what to do. He settled on hugging her for a few seconds, but then he forced himself to step back. He was starting to like Meg. If he was being honest with himself, he liked her too much for his own good. She was everything he ever wanted in a woman. But he couldn’t fall for her, and he needed to remember that. “Don’t drain it when you’re done. It wasn’t all selfless of me to fill the tub.”

  Meg smiled and shooed him out the door. “Fine. I’ll try not to enjoy this little slice of heaven for too long.”

  MEG DIPPED THE WASHCLOTH under the surface and then squeezed it over her knees. The warm water felt amazing. Bubbles from her soap congregated around the edges of the tub. The soft glow of the jar candles she’d placed on the tile floor made the room seem romantic. She leaned back and sighed. This was heaven. Just the right temperature, and the tub was fantastic. The perfect size to soak in.

  As she let the soothing water warm her, thoughts of Cade entered her mind. She couldn’t believe he’d carried up that much water for her bath. Travis would never have done anything like that. But Cade wasn’t like Travis at all. He was kind where Travis was selfish. Cade was...Meg closed her eyes and moaned. Boy, she really knew how to pick them, didn’t she?

  There was Travis, the freeloader. He once milked a small injury at work for an entire six months, getting workman’s comp and everything. And trying to get him to do anything around the house was useless. And then there was Cade. The exact opposite from Travis in every way. Oh, but wait. Cade was a convicted murderer. A fugitive running from the police. Nice.