AllFreeNovel
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“Tonight, at nine.”
I hunch forward in surprise. “Shouldn’t you be getting dressed?”
“No, I’m right where I need to be, doing exactly what I want to be doing.” He takes a swig of his drink. “Besides, I’m staying in the host hotel, so it’ll take me no time to throw on my tux and head down to the ballroom.”
“You don’t strike me as the type to throw on anything,” I say nonchalantly.
“What do you mean?” He tilts his head sideways.
“You seem well organized and in control. Even your casual dress right now says a lot about you.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“That you’re a man who takes care of himself. Not in an obsessive way, just you like to be…clean. I guess.” WTF was that, Jessica? You like to be clean, really! I think to myself.
Kade laughs and sits back in his chair with his arms folded across his chest. This slight movement allows me a glance at parts of his face. The camera cuts off at the bottom of his top lip, showcasing how soft and pink they appear to be. When he smiles, a set of perfect white teeth greets me, stirring up that familiar tingle I get during our calls.
“I do like to be clean.” He wipes the corners of his mouth with his thumb and ring finger.
“You know what I mean,” I say, burying my face in my palm.
“You’re cute when you’re awkward. You know that?” He slouches a little.
“Whatever.” I take another bite. “Eat your food, sir.”
His smile widens, and I have to look away to keep myself from doing the same. This man definitely gives me all the feels. I spent so many years with my ex, I didn’t know where to begin to even start dating again. Maybe that’s why this thing with Kade has worked out so well. It’s been almost effortless and fun, and I’ve missed that companionship. My inhibitions fade with each passing chuckle, and soon my comfort level is through the roof.
Kade’s phone dings, and he takes a moment to look in its direction. “Sorry, do you mind if I check this?” He points to the phone. “I’m supposed to be meeting my parents downstairs tonight and I—”
“Yes, of course. Go ahead. I’ll get myself another glass of wine while you do that.” I push my chair back from the table and stand. “This was a great wine selection also. I didn’t know the restaurant sold wine. At least I didn’t see a bar,” I say, turning to head into my kitchen.
“Mm, damn,” he mumbles as I walk away from the camera.
“What?” I ask, pretending not to know he’s referencing my ass. There’s no way he missed it with the way my iPad is stationed, showing a full view of the breakfast bar that I’ll need to pass in order to reach the kitchen.
“Inside thought.” His phone buzzes once more and lets out a soft laugh. “But no, they don’t sell bottles of wine. I was able to convince the hostess to make a trip to Total Wine for the kind I wanted,” he finally says.
“No, you didn’t,” I say loudly, hoping he can hear me clearly through the short distance.
“Yes, sweets, I did. I enjoy a good bottle of wine and will do what’s necessary to indulge.”
“See, I’m the complete opposite. I’ll buy a cheap bottle of sweet wine in a minute.”
“And that shit probably gives you heartburn and headaches, too,” he teases while still looking at his phone. Another alert comes through, and he shakes his head.
Taking my seat, I smile curiously. “What’s funny?”
“My mom. She likes to send me these funny memes she finds on YouTube or Facebook.”
“Aww that’s so cute!” I exclaim.
“No…no, it’s not. My mother is sixty-four. She does not need to be on social media.”
We both laugh.
“Let Momma be great,” I joke.
“Here, let me send it to you. It is funny, though.”
