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My heart dropped into my stomach. Last night had been tough on both of us, that much was obvious. But we had connected so deeply afterward and left things on such a high note, I thought we had risen above the pain. I’d chosen him and he’d chosen me. When he left around midnight and kissed me goodbye, I didn’t feel any distance there. In fact, I felt closer to him than ever before.
Maybe I had underestimated what kind of damage my parents’ disapproval had done.
Why would a man like Wesley Taves want to get involved with someone who was still just a girl in her parents’ eyes?
I swallowed and shook off the feeling.Not now, Cara.
I imagined what Wesley would say if I could have that immediate text back or could get him on the phone. He’s smile that lopsided, smug smile and narrow his eyes. “Why’re you nervous? You’ve got all the power. Make him wait.”
I did have all the power. The walk through had been such a mess, we’d been able to slash the price of the building by nearly a third. Danny wanted the sale; he wanted the commission. If the paperwork didn’t get signed, he didn’t win. Of course, I had the power.
So I made him wait. Just as my imagined Wesley instructed me. Usually, I was early to my meetings with Danny, left hanging by his chronic lateness. Today, I’d be the one who was late.
I ambled to the coffee shop near Lucy’s school where Danny and I always met, taking in the scenery, window-shopping, stopping to pet dogs. By the time I got there, Danny was already seated, arms over his chest, looking rather displeased.
Perfect.
“Sorry to make you wait, Danny.”
He looked up at me, aviators perched on his head. “Cara! No matter. I just got here.”
What a freaking liar.
Danny stood and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “How are your parents?”
I did my best not betray the panic inside me. “Good.”Now who’s the liar?“And yours?”
“Good, they’re on vacation, actually. Florida. Lucky bastards. Anyway, let’s get started, huh? I got you a coffee.”
I sat and eyed the coffee cup. “Mmm. Thank you.” I picked it up and took a sip. Overly sweet and creamy liquid hit my tongue. I nearly gagged but managed to swallow it. “Uh, what is this?”
“Oh, it’s a campfire latte. I figured you’d like something sweet like that.”
I grimaced. “It’s…interesting.”
“Good!”
Jesus, Danny could not read a reaction for the life of him. No wonder he was still single even though he had his “illustrious” real estate career and all this money. It was like it had blinded him from being the least bit self-aware.
“Now, let’s go through the contract, shall we?”
Danny whipped out a dense document and started gesticulating to places I had to sign and initial.
My body felt hot, and not in a good way. Like I was maybe getting a fever. I was worried I’d start dripping sweat right here in the middle of the café.
I felt the moment the gulp of disgusting latte hit my stomach. Everything began to churn and I could feel the contents of my stomach starting to press upward. A wave of nausea hit me.
“You alright?”
I looked to Danny with alarm. “Huh?”
“You just kinda seemed zoned out.”
“I…uh…”Deep breaths, Cara. It’s just a bad latte.“Sorry, you know, sometimes I get a little bogged down by all the technical speak.”
Danny smiled, showing off his canines. An unflattering look. “Oh, I can make it simpler for you if you want. I know it’s hard when you don’t have Taves here.”
If Danny wasn’t a family friend, I’d have punched him for that one. Anger like that, though, I usually didn’t feel. I was almost always calm and patient — it was necessary when caring for children. Now my temper rose unexpectedly and suddenly, only to drop back down just as quick.
