AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Travis demands.
“Have you seen the man? He looks fine.”
“Just because he’s fine—” —Travis is spot-on with his imitation of Tana— “doesn’t mean he’s a decent man.” I get a second searching look from him.
The two of them think like parents when they’re together with me.
“I think he is,” I tell him.
“You think, or you know?” Travis wanted to know. “Because Cady, you have the best gut instinct about people that I know. Except for my lovely bride here.”
I wave off Tana’s outstretched hand, and take my plate to the dishwasher. “I trust him,” I say. “I’m not sure why, but I do. And then Noam… last night he told me to have fun.”
“He said what?”
I stare at the TV mounted on the wall. “After listening to what they said about him, I feel like I didn’t really know him. He was… different… last night. He spent time asking about me.”
“He didn’t usually do that?” Travis wants to know.
“It’s usually all business, but he took the time last night to ask about other things. He wanted to know if there was anyone in my life.”
Tana throws up her hands. “Oh, God, was he trying to fix you up with his son again?”
“No. He told me I needed to have more fun,” I admit. “He’s never said anything like that before.”
Tana spreads her hands. “Then it’s perfect that you have this weekend with Max Steele coming up. That man will be sure to show you a good time.” She wiggles her eyebrows.
“Nothing like that. I’m doing him a favour, and that’s it.”
“He could return the favour,” she suggests.
Travis claps his hands over his ears. “None of that, please.”
For a man who knows what I do, and what I’ve done, he really hates hearing anything about my sex life.
“Cady.” I look up to see Tana studying me with more than her usual intensity. “Mr. Tate enjoyed the belief that he was responsible for your success. That he made you into the woman you’ve become. But that’s not true.”
I open my mouth to respond but don’t get the chance.
“It’s not true, because you’re responsible for your empire. You—Cady Quinn. Sure, he might have given you some advice, and helped out now and again, and for that, we should be forever grateful. But not enough to ruin this chance.”
“What chance?”
“You’re going away for the weekend with a man—no strings attached.”
No strings attached is Tana-speak for no one is paying me. And just her saying that is like pulling the plug on the tension I’ve been feeling since this morning.
No one is paying me. I’m allowed to go—or not go. Enjoy the beach and the sunshine, or I can stay in my room.
I can do whatever I want.
“And I know exactly what to do to guarantee you have a good time.” Tana disappears out of the kitchen, only to return holding my laptop. “Give me your phone.”
“No,” I say, clutching it to my chest.
“When was the last time you took time off?” she demands. “No, don’t answer—it’s never. You’ve never taken time off, and today, you’re about to start.”
“There’s too much going on. I’m waiting to get the monthly financials from Coulter, not to mention the Tingel deal.”
