by Jade James
He took a sip of his drink. “It’s a quick meal. Dig in.”
She was starving, so she complied and for a few minutes, they concentrated on the food. Once she was done, she pushed the plate and cup to the side.
She swallowed as she brushed some imaginary lint on her robe while she gathered her thoughts. Why was she so nervous about this? Maybe because Cade had avoided telling her the truth, and now that the moment was here, she was a bit jittery. She could see why he chose not to tell her, but not everything between them would be a v4" de wabout happy moments. “Ivy and I spoke about a few things yesterday.”
He stiffened. “What did she tell you?”
“She told me how abusive Matthew’s been in the past, and how he recently paid her a visit. She seems to think he’s planning something.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him, which is why I hired Gage’s company. I never meant to keep my past with him a secret. It just isn’t an easy subject to talk about. How could I tell the woman I’ve grown to care a lot for how much of a bastard my father is?”
She rose to her feet, took a step toward him, and then straddled his lap. Her heart broke for him, at shouldering the responsibility of his father’s actions. “Matthew is a grown man who’s well aware of the decisions he makes. But I do know how painful it must feel to see your father choose to behave in such a way.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist. “I should be used to his actions now. When I was younger, there wasn’t much I could do. But he stopped coming around threatening my mother when I hit the age where I was bigger than him. Since then, he’s kept his visits sporadic and tries to reach my mother and Ivy through phone and e-mail. And then I saw him here with you, his hands on you, and I could have happily killed him.” Every muscle in his body seemed to tighten at the words.
She stroked his arms. “I’m fine, Cade. Truly. I know how hard it is firsthand when a parent isn’t there for you. But when it comes to you and me making this work, I want you to open up to me. I want to have a relationship with you, where we have to hide nothing. Do you think you could do it, or at least try?”
He blinked once as he flexed his hands on her waist. “Give me some time. I promise I’ll get there.”
She saw a moment of insecurity pass through his gaze before he quickly shielded it. She dropped a soft kiss on his lips, then ran her tongue along his. But before he could delve deeper into her mouth, she pulled back. She needed him to understand where her own insecurity came from. “I care about you deeply, Cade, and I want us to be completely honest with each other. My parents didn’t have that in their relationship, but I want it for us.” She tried to keep the pain o
ut of her voice, but she was sure he’d heard it.
“Jazz, with every day that passes, I fall for you even more. I’ve always believed in lust at first sight, but never in love. This thing between us is magic, and the last thing I want to do is screw it up.”
Chapter Fourteen
“Jazz, with every day that passes, I fall for you even more.”
He’d said those exact words six months ago. He remembered it clearly as if it were yesterday. And if he’d been falling for her back then, he was completely in love with her now. She practically lived with him, staying at his place during the week. And he loved having her by his side. She’d become the center of his world, and though he’d regretted not telling her the truth of how they’d come to be, Cade couldn’t afford to tell her now.
She’d leave him. And if she did, the pain of it would slice him open. He’d never felt this way about anyone before. He knew that if she found his secrets, she’d simply walk out the door and never return.
He’d spent the entire day selecting the perfect engagement ring for her. He intended to propose tonight, not because of his promised obligation, but because he’d fallen in love with her. He needed no more time to be sure. She was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
She was perfecti ~4" de moon in every sense of the word. She fit well into his family, and they saw her for the special person she was. It warmed his heart Jazz and Ivy had grown close in the past couple of months. They’d gone out a few times for girls’ night out, and on separate occasions, Jazz had spent time with his mother.
But the truth of what he hid still burned a hole in his gut.
“Are you ready to leave?”
He looked up as she walked into the living room wearing a tight white lace dress, the hem barely hitting her thighs, and nude-colored heels that made her legs look a mile long. His cock hardened at the mere sight of her, and she knew the exact effect she had on him as she sauntered over. “If this weren’t an important event, I’d rip your panties off, bend you over the couch, and fuck you where you stand.”
She ran her hand over his dick. “Sounds like a wonderful idea. But your sister is expecting the both of us at the opening of your new restaurant. She’s extremely ecstatic to co-own this one with you. And I’ve invited Jax to attend, so we have to be on time.”
She gave his cock one soft squeeze before grabbing her clutch. “I have a surprise for you though. Our rented limo is downstairs. I’ve never had sex in a car before, and if we hurry, we can make each other explode before arriving.”
His dick pulsed in his pants. Fuck, he loved her. She was perfect for him.
They managed to make it to the vehicle in ten minutes. He hit the partition button, ensuring they had privacy, as Jazz wiggled out of her panties. He unbuttoned his slacks, then pushed them down his body. Jazz straddled his thighs and sank down on his shaft slowly.
He gritted his teeth against the tight, wet feel of her cunt. He grabbed her by the nape, pulled her forward, and ate at her mouth. She moved her hips, sliding her slick pussy down on his cock. Her scent filled the vehicle, and already he was seconds from coming. He pulled back from the kiss and cupped her breasts, then slid his thumb along her nipple.
She arched closer to him. “I’m so close. Please…please.”
He moved his hands to her waist and lifted her from him before thrusting himself back in hard. She panted, and he gave a few more thrusts. Jazz exploded, her cunt squeezing him.
Cade gave one more push before he blasted his seed deep inside. Jazz collapsed on top of him, and he stroked her back.
Tonight, he had every intention of making her completely his, forever.
* * * *
They arrived on schedule, and Jazz smiled as she and Cade made their way to Ivy. The place was crowded with industry people, journalists, photographers, and customers who’d been invited to experience the opening.
Ivy turned just as she and Cade reached her. She hugged Cade, then Jazz before pulling back. “I’m so glad you’re here. We have a full house tonight. The opening is going off as planned, and fortunately there haven’t been any problems. Mom is mingling with the guests.”
Jazz took the decor in. As with Gramercy, Cade and Ivy had created an elegant space. “It’s beautiful. You both did a wonderful job.”
Cade hugged her to him. “Ivy, have you taken any of the publicity photos yet?”
Ivy shook her head. “Not yet. But they’re waiting for us.”
Cade scanned the crowd. “Is Gage here?”
Ivy arched a brow and tightened her lips. “You know he is, since you told him not to leave my side, and he’s very good at following orders. By the way, Jazz, I met your friend Jax. He arrived a fHe herew minutes ago, and I sent him to grab a drink.”
“Great,” Jazz replied. “Go ahead and get the photographs over with while I go search for Jax.”
Cade bent and whispered in her ear, “Are you sure?”
“I’ll be fine. Go.”
He pressed a kiss to her lips before leaving. She made her way to the bar area and ordered a glass of chardonnay. She grabbed her drink and spotted Jax just a few feet from her, leaning against a wall. He looked somber and a bit too pensive, as if he were blocking out everything going on around him.
She made her way to his side and s
tepped into his line of vision. “I’m so glad you came.”
He blinked, then stiffened. “Thanks for the invite. This place is wonderful, and I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting Ivy. She’s extremely attractive.”
She took a sip of her wine. “Is that interest I hear in your voice?”
He shrugged. “Maybe. But I suspect the guy who’s been following her around all night wouldn’t like it.”
“Gage?”
“If that’s his name. We weren’t exactly introduced.”
“Gage owns a security firm. Cade hired him to protect Ivy against Matthew.”
Jax tensed further. “Any word on Matthew? Is he fucking with you again?”
“No. I occasionally get a call from my mother, but that’s it. I suspect Cade frightened him enough to go into hiding.”
“Let’s hope he remains away then.”
“So, Ivy, huh?” She smiled.
He put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. “I plan on asking her out on a date, but I have to get her alone for that.”
“Need any help?”
“If I do, I’ll let you know. But I think I can manage it.”
* * * *
She stepped inside their home. She didn’t think it odd she thought of it as such. Not when she spent almost all of her time there. And she’d relished every moment, basking in the love she felt for Cade. He was right by her side, treating her as an equal in both their professional and personal life. And she was ecstatic she’d taken the plunge with him, more than elated she hadn’t let fear ruin them. She loved him, and though she hadn’t said the words to him yet, she desperately wanted to say them now.
She placed her clutch on the foyer table and headed to their bedroom to undress. “The restaurant opening went extremely well.”
“It was indeed very successful,” Cade replied as he followed her.
“Why don’t…” She froze in the entryway. Every one of her muscles seemed to be locked rigid as she took in the scene before her.
Pink rose petals covered every inch of the room, from the floor to the bed, and the flowers even graced the top of the furniture. She stepped into the center of the bedroom, and saw two champagne glasses atop the nightstand with a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice. Was he celebrating the opening of Masa, or was this what she hoped it was? She couldn’t even think it, for fear of disappointment.
“Jazz.”
She closed her eyes at the emotion she heard in his voice, the raw desire in his tone. But as she turned, she opened them. She gasped at the sight of him on his knees, his gaze darkening with desire. “When did you do all this?”
Cade reached for her hand and laced his fingers with hers. “Monica helped a great deal with the setup.”
“It’s beautiful, Cade.”
He squeezed her hand softly. “The past months have been incredible. I never expected to find with anyone what I’ve found in you. I love you, Jazz.”
The tears escaped and slid down her cheeks. “I love you, Cade. So much.” Her heart felt like it would burst, and she took a deep breath, hoping to calm her jittery nerves. She’d fallen for him, and it was a deep kind of devotion she’d never experienced before.
He dug into his pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. “You’re the one for me, and I
want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?” He took the ring out and placed it on the fourth finger of her left hand.
She looked into his eyes, saw the love he had for her in his gaze. He completed her in every way, and her answer fell easily from her lips. “Yes.”
Chapter Fifteen
Jazz stared at the engagement ring that graced her finger. She didn’t think she’d ever get used to the brilliance and opulence of it.
In a relationship for a little over six months, and she hadn’t expected Cade to propose to her. But how long they’d been together wasn’t an issue. He was the one, and once the knowledge settled within her, it’d been easy for her to agree to forever with him. She simply wished her father were here to enjoy this moment with her. And if she had what one would consider a normal mother, she would have shared the news with her as well.
A knock on her door jolted her out of her thoughts. Monica had gone home hours before, and so had every other employee who worked for her. Cade was still in his office going over some paperwork. And she’d chosen to wait for him, since they had a dinner reservation at nine, which was in just a half hour. So who in the hell could it be? “Come in.”
The last person in the world she expected walked in as if he hadn’t a care in the world. “I tried your home, and my son’s as well.” Matthew strode to her desk and held a manila envelope in his hands.
She jumped to her feet. “What the hell are you doing here?” The guard at the front desk went home at eight, and though she rarely worked so late, she should have asked him to stay longer. But there had been no need, since she and Cade hadn’t heard from Matthew in months.
He smiled. “Take it easy. I promise I won’t lay a hand on you.”
She fought not to show how nervous she’d become around him. “If you want to avoid another altercation with Cade, I highly suggest you leave now.” Though she knew Matthew deserved to be beaten to a bloody pulp, the last thing she wanted was for Cade to come barging in and taking matters into his own hands.
“I’m just here to give you this.” Matthew placed the envelope on her desk before strolling away. At the last minute, he turned. “I suggest you read it right away, Jazz. It’s very informative, and stealing the letter from Chris was a piece of cake. My son is a lot more devious than he looks.” He left, closing the door behind him.
He must have finally lost his damn mind. Jazz picked up the envelope, then opened it. She slid the paper out and bit back a cry at the sight of the handwriting. It was her father’s.
Dear Jazz,
I’ve requested Chris to hand this letter to you on the day of your wedding, after you’ve said your vows. You will find this shocking, but I wanted you to begin your marriage knowing that I loved you so much, I‘d taken care of you even after my death. My meddling was not by any means what one would consider normaht=o ur mal, but you have always been number one in my life.
By now, my hopes are that you have fallen in love with Cade. He was the man I selected to look after you. I wanted him to be your partner professionally, and by how well he’d done for himself, he was the man for the job. But most important, I wanted you to fall in love with someone who would be by your side always.
I offered him the half of Cortez Enterprise, so he’d be close to you at all times.
I know you, sweetheart. And right now you’re thinking how highhanded and possibly underhanded I’ve become. But you and I were so close, and the last thing I wanted to do was leave you alone in this world. Cade became your protector through me, and though I’m not there on your wedding day, I truly hope you’ve come to love him completely.
You will always be my sunshine. I’ll be watching from above, forever and always.
Dad
A tear escaped, and she had to blink the others back rapidly before she turned into a blubbering mess. And somehow she found herself walking to Cade’s office. She stood before his desk, gripping the letter tightly as a sob tore out of her mouth. Her heart felt like it was torn in two, and she had to wonder how in the hell she would pull herself back together again.
Cade jumped to his feet, then quickly walked around the desk. “Jazz, what’s wrong?”
Had everything been a lie between them? Had Cade started this relationship with her just to fulfill the promise he made to her father? How in the hell could her dad do this to her, and more importantly, how could Cade? They weren’t living in an archaic era where the father decided who she was to wed. He seemed to have thought she wasn’t capable of running his company.
“Matthew just stopped by. And he stole this letter from Chris that my dad had written to me.”
“Did the son of a bitch
touch you?” There was an edge of violence to his tone.
She shook her head as she bit her lip to stifle another cry. She was a complete and utter idiot to think she’d actually meant something to Cade. And out of all the thoughts flying in and out of her head, the knowledge that she was just a means to an end hurt the most. “I once asked you if you were hiding something from me, Cade. And you looked me straight in the eyes and told me no. Were you ever even going to tell me about this?”
She lifted the letter Chris had given her, detailing her father’s intentions. She waited as he read it. Seconds ticked by before he raised his head.
“My love, I was—”
“You have no right to call me that. You have no right to anything. I’ve been such a fool to even think you had actual feelings for me. You got my dad’s share of the company, and fucking his daughter must have been a great perk. Were you ever even going to tell me? Or would you have waited until we actually said our vows?”
“You were never a perk.” He ran his hand through his hair before reaching out to her, but she took a step back.
She snatched the letter from his hand. “But I sure was part of the job.”
“The hell you were. It was an unexpected surprise when your father approached me. And yes, I accepted his offer. I had hopes our companies merging would be a profitable venture. The truth is I never expected to fall in love with you. But as I got closer to you and saw how intelligent, sexy, courageous you were, I fell completely.”
She took another few steps away from him, needing some space between them. “You expect me to believe what you’re saying now, when you couldn’tyoup> < even tell me the truth?”
“I fucking love you so much. You mean the world to me. Think about it for a second. Put yourself in my shoes. Your father asked me to keep his bargain a secret, and knowing he was ill, it was a request I couldn’t refuse.”