by Delilah Hunt
“Duh.” She smiled, her face lighting up. “Donna Bainbridge. She offered me a position in the interior decorating company she’s starting up.”
“You’ve never taken a decorating course in your entire life. Why would she offer you a job?” He had nothing against Donna Bainbridge. They had an amicable working relationship, but her speaking with his sister was always cause for suspicion.
Julie raised her brows and spun on him. “Oh yeah. Why wouldn’t she? I’m a fast learner. You don’t think I can do it?”
“I was merely voicing a concern. I’m not a hundred percent convinced she isn’t above using you.”
“Whatever, Cade.” She rose from the chair glaring at him. “Not everything is about you and I’m not going to let you ruin this for me. Next time something good happens, I’ll keep it to myself.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. He was handling this badly. Maybe she was right and this had nothing to do with him. It better not.
“I’m sorry. I’m proud of you. Julie. I’m sure Donna saw promise in you or else she wouldn’t have hired you.”
“You mean it?” she asked, her expression brightening.
“Definitely.” Cade smiled at her, taking a furtive glance down at his watch. He needed to get back to work, but first he had to ask her for a favor.
“Shakara told me the two of you are heading to the mall.”
“Yeah, I’m going to help her pick out a dress. I bet she’s going to look so hot tomorrow night.” She grinned and fixed her eyes on him.
Cade’s face heated under his sister’s stare. He’d have to ask Shakara if she’d divulged the details of their intimate life to Julie. His stomach turned at the idea. He coughed. “Anyway. I need you to find a way of persuading Shakara to buy the dress and whatever else she wants. I tried to hand her my credit card this morning. She refused it. I’m having a hard time getting through to her that it’s acceptable to let me do things for her sometimes.”
Julie held up her hands, halting his speech. “I got it, Cade. Shakara’s been my friend for years. Trust me, I know. I’ll handle this. I only ask that you promise not to have a heart attack when you see her before the party.” She giggled.
“Charge it on your card.” He gave her a pointed look and headed toward the door. “I’ll pay the balance until you’ve settled into your new job.”
With a sheepish smile on her face, Julie kissed him on the cheek. “World’s best brother.”
Cade pretended annoyance while pulling her away from him. “All right. I have to get back to work. Please don’t let her know I spoke to you about this, okay?”
****
“Cade put you up to this, didn’t he?” Shakara threw a dress over the fitting room door.
“Oh c’mon Shakara, he only wants to make you happy.” Julie handed a sheer magenta strapless dress to Shakara’s waiting hands.
Sighing, she pulled the satin gown over her hips. “I know he does, but I’m still not comfortable with him spending money on me.”
“Why? He wants to.”
“I don’t want Cade to think I care about his wealth, or that if he does something for me once, I’ll keep expecting it. I just want to be his girlfriend, not a responsibility. If I let that happen, he’ll end up resenting me.”
She opened the door, spinning around for Julie to inspect the fit. “What do you think?” She struck a pose with her chest sticking out and a hand on her hip.
“I think my brother is going to be pissed when he sees all those men staring at you.”
“Jules.” Shakara dropped her hand from her hip. “Be serious. Is this the one? I want to look good. Sexy, but not slutty. I have to make a good impression on his friends. I don’t want to embarrass him.”
“You won’t. And honestly, Cade isn’t going to start resenting you any time soon. It’s not possible.”
“Hmm.” She turned toward the full length mirror attached to the wall. “I’ll think about it. It’s only because I love him so much. I’m terrified I’ll somehow figure out a way to mess up what we have.”
“Stop stressing about it. And please don’t ever go into details with me about what you and Cade have or what you two do together.” Julie crossed her arms over her chest pretending to shiver. “We have the outfit, so now it’s time for my favorite part. Shopping for shoes.”
After they paid for the dress, Shakara looked over at her friend, wondering if Julie minded how quickly she’d moved into the house. All of her belongings remained inside her small apartment except for the few pieces of clothing and toiletries she’d brought. Her lease would be up soon and she wanted to make sure Julie had no issue with her living arrangements before she terminated the agreement and officially move in with him.
“How’s the new place? Is living on your own all you thought it was cracked up to be?”
“There’s nothing like it. You know all about it, though. It’s like I told Cade this morning, living alone is doing absolute wonders for me. I bet you were stunned to hear I was getting a job.”
Shakara laughed. It was true; she had wondered how long Julie planned on breezing her way through life.
“I thought I was going to pass out when you told me.”
Julie slapped her on the hand. “No wonder you and my brother are meant for each other. You’re both cruel.”
“We’re not. You’re the one out to get us with all this talk of working, knowing we wouldn’t be able to handle it,” Shakara joked, swinging her arms around Julie’s shoulder. “I was curious because I’ve been staying over at the house and I didn’t want there to be any hard feelings between us.”
“Hard feelings?” Julie screeched, looking at her as if she’d lost her mind. “Not likely. Cade and I both got what we wanted. I get to live in the city and Cade has you, or you have him, whatever. Let’s just say, I’m thrilled at how it all worked out. Aren’t you?”
Shakara nodded. Words were not enough to say how delighted she was with her new life. What would her mother say if she could see that she hadn’t been broken? She had taken care of herself, a complaint the woman constantly threw in her face as a child—being stuck taking care of a brat she should have aborted. Too bad for her. She hadn’t killed Shakara then and her last beating hadn’t done the job either. In fact, thanks to her, Shakara was finally happy and far away from her.
“These match. What do you think?”
Shakara shifted her head, suddenly aware of Julie’s question. She was pointing to a pair of black ankle strap pumps. The shoes looked expensive, making her hesitate to give an answer. Then again, it would complement her dress.
“This one. Definitely.” Tonight was an exception to her rule of accepting help from Cade.
“Now you’re getting the hang of it,” Julie cried. “Let’s go find your size.”
Chapter Sixteen
Cade stepped out of the car, handing his keys to the young valet rushing over to his side. Another valet held the passenger door open and Shakara exited onto the sidewalk. Cade took his time appreciating the vision of loveliness standing in front of the hotel.
Earlier this evening, he’d nearly swallowed his tongue after she stepped out of the bathroom requesting he zip up the back of her dress. She was a goddess sent down to torment and fulfill his every fantasy. Her curly ebony hair was pinned up high, while some unruly strands hung beside her ears, framing her face. He was glad she hadn’t opted to straighten it for tonight. Her tiny curls were so adorable and unique to her.
Walking over to her, Cade laid a gentle hand on her arm. She gave him a nervous smile, drawing closer to him. His heart melted and he experienced a bout of shame for the apprehension he’d felt the day before. She was sweet perfection in heels.
“You have nothing to be afraid of, baby girl.”
She held onto him in a death-like grip, lifting her chin. “I’m not scared.”
His lips quirked at her attempt of bravery and he placed his hand around her waist. “I’ll always be by your side.”
/> She nodded, the tension radiating from her body as they entered the hall that was already buzzing with chatter. Cade glanced upward, greeted by the sight of Radcliffe taking a swig of liquor, then slamming the empty glass onto the tray of a nearby server.
“Isn’t that your friend?” Shakara asked, shifting her gaze to him.
“Yes, it is. Andrew Radcliffe. He talks more than he should. Please ignore everything that comes out of his mouth.”
She lifted a smooth brow, gazing at him in question. Her features went neutral the moment Radcliffe’s voice rang out.
“Parker. I swore you were going to skip out on us tonight.”
“You thought wrong.” Cade tightened his arm around Shakara. He didn’t like the way the shorter man was looking at her with unguarded interest.
“I see you brought your lovely guest from the office.” Radcliffe extended his hand to Shakara. “Andrew Radcliffe and you are Shakara, I presume. Did I pronounce it correctly?”
“You did,” she answered, her tone flat. She accepted his handshake. “It’s nice to meet you again.”
He laughed. “Yes. But this setting is a lot different than that restaurant you work in.”
“That’s obvious. I wouldn’t expect anything less than elegance from Cade.”
She turned to him, her eyes shiny and her lips widening into a smile. His heart slammed inside chest, soaring from the way she was looking at him, in spite of Radcliffe’s intrusive presence.
Radcliffe let out a low whistle. “Guess you wouldn’t believe any of my outrageous stories about Parker in college.” He shifted his eyes to Cade. “I see you’ve got yourself a devotee here.”
“Haven’t you ever had a girlfriend?” Shakara asked without missing a beat. “Because I think you’re a bit confused.”
Cade cocked his brow at Radcliffe, daring the man to rebuff Shakara.
Radcliffe, taking a hint, shook his head and said, “my apologies. You’re right, there is a difference. Perhaps Cade can steer me toward an esteemed young lady. One like you.”
“Don’t you have anyone else to harass?”
Radcliffe grinned and spun around, his eyes fixing on another drink-filled tray. “Indeed, I do. Catch you two lovebirds later.” He walked away winking to them.
Shakara crinkled her forehead and shook her head. “Wow, he is, um...”
Cade sighed. He knew what she meant. “He’s not all that bad, apart from the occasional habit of putting his foot in his mouth.” He grinned sheepishly. “I, too, suffered from that affliction not so long ago.”
“I remember.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m glad you recovered.”
He laughed softly and guided her toward an elderly man who was walking away from a small circle. “It took quite awhile, but I did get cured.”
“Angus,” Cade called out to the seventy-year-old man, a longtime friend of his deceased father.
He adjusted his glasses and a smile broke out across his withered face.
Cade shook his hand. “How are you doing?”
The man made a low sound and waved away the question in good humor. “Enough about me. Who is this magnificent creature and where did you find her?” Angus beamed at Shakara through his bifocal lenses. “Ah, if I was five years younger.”
Cade laughed out loud and pulled Shakara to him. “This is Shakara James. Shakara, Angus Donaldson, a friend of the family.”
Shakara smiled, her eyes lighting up in lieu of the old man’s comment. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Donaldson.”
The three fell into light conversation with Angus relaying to them the latest ongoing of his grandchildren. Unwilling to show disrespect to the older man, Cade tried his best to keep up with Angus’s stories, which were of no interest to him. He didn’t notice the tall blonde-haired woman strutting in his direction.
“Caden,” Donna drawled, kissing his jaw before he had a chance to evade her affection. “I thought for sure you wouldn’t be in attendance.” She drew back and peered at him. “Where’s your date?” Her brown eyes gleamed, looking past Shakara. “Did you arrive by yourself?”
“No, I didn’t come alone.” He laid a hand on Shakara’s shoulder. “Shakara, this is Donna Bainbridge, another friend of the family.”
His jaw clenched and he watched the astonishment and confusion wash over the woman’s face. She had no reason. They dined together once, more than a year ago. His heart had not been into it and he’d told her so. He’d admitted that it would be best to remain platonic friends and co-workers on the rare instances that she was contracted by his company for her skills as a structural engineer. He wanted nothing in the form of an intimate relationship with her.
“Are you an intern at the company?” Donna asked, recovering from her apparent shock.
Shakara smiled and shook her head. “No.”
Cade studied Donna, sensing the air of disappointment wafting off the woman when Shakara refused to disperse the details.
“I didn’t think so.” Donna fastened her gaze on Shakara. “Why, you look as if you’re barely out of high school.”
Shakara stiffen beside him and laughed. “Not barely, but Cade did have the patience to wait for me.”
Cade groaned inside his head, fearing a war of words between the women. He made a mental note to remind Donna that their involvement was strictly business and friendship, though not so much the latter. He opened his mouth to diffuse the situation when suddenly the music came on. Angus, smart man that he was, held Donna’s hand, insisting on a dance.
Cade saw the hesitation on her face, knowing she wouldn’t deny the elderly man, a close friend of her family as well. Returning his attention to Shakara, he asked, “do you trust me to not step on your toes?”
“Is that your way of requesting a dance?” She fought back a smile.
His eyes coursed over her body, the swell of her luscious breasts rising above the satin. “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
“What about Donna?” She fixed him with a skeptical look and it pained him that she’d given the woman a second thought.
“A friend and nothing more.” His fingertips stroked the back of her hand. “I love you. Don’t you ever forget it.” Cade took her hand and led her on the dance floor.
“There’s no chance of that. I just hope blondie knows you’re not interested, because she won’t like it if I have to break the news to her.”
Cade chuckled and leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear. “Save all that fight for tonight, baby girl. That woman is the furthest thing from my mind right now.” He held her hand and spun her.
“Oh yeah. Now you have me curious, Mr. Parker. What’s going to happen tonight? It wouldn’t happen to involve me, would it?”
His hand fell to her lower back, right above her plump ass. Their feet moved in unison. “It does,” he whispered, amid the soft music flowing in the background. “You, me. My mouth on your juicy little clit, drawing it between my teeth.”
“I love your tongue.” Shakara sighed and locked her arms around his neck, her hips swaying to the measure of the live instruments.
He dipped his head and kissed her cheek, ignoring the curious eyes fastened on them. “I love your cunt,” he rasped. He did. It was as if God himself had created her specifically for him, a tailor-made glove, warm and snug.
The music ended and he inched away from her, once again baffled by the notion that she belonged to him. Shakara was his and, God help him, she would remain as such for the rest of their lives. He looked around taking note of the lack of inquiring looks or stares directed their way. Radcliffe prediction gained no momentum. He and Shakara had faded into the background, becoming just another couple in the decorated hall.
“Would you like something to drink?”
She nodded. “Nothing too strong.” He smiled at her and made his way to the bar across the room.
Chapter Seventeen
Shakara didn’t want to stand in the middle of the hall waiting on him. She strode o
ver to a nearby wall, smiling to herself. The night was going better than she expected. Cade’s friends were welcoming, all except for Donna. As for Radcliffe, she didn’t know what to make of the man, so she reserved her judgment for later.
Shakara glanced across the hall, a frown pulling at the corner of her mouth. Donna was making her way over to the bar, smoothing back her long hair with each stride. God, she hated the woman.
“We meet again, Shakara.”
Shakara rolled her eyes, immediately recognizing the voice coming up beside her. Be nice, she reminded herself. He’s a friend of Cade’s.
“If you’re looking for Cade, he’s over by the bar.”
“I know. Why else do you think I’m over here?” Radcliffe gazed casually at her.
Shakara blinked, taken aback by the man’s boldness. Was this the onslaught of a verbal attack or did he wish to indulge in a “friendly” conversation. She had no idea.
“What do you want?”
He held up his hands. “Calm down. We have a mutual interest here. I only want to talk.”
She lifted an eyebrow and folded her arms. Yeah right. “We have nothing to talk about. I hardly even know you.”
“Funny,” he remarked, his calmness rattling her. “Because I know all about you. Waitress, stripper—”
Shakara opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her off, holding up a hand again—which was beginning to irritate her.
“No, I’m not accusing you of anything. I can see that you have feelings for Parker. You love him, he loves you. I get it. I know you’re wondering if he told me about you being a stripper. He didn’t. I’ve been to the club. I’ve seen you.”
Her breathing labored and bile rose to the forefront of her throat. She wanted to yell at him, demanding to know where this was heading, instead she quietly asked, “why are you telling me this?”