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Instead she said, “He’s in with his brothers. Conference room at the end of the hall.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t tell him I told you. He’s been in a shitty mood all week.”
“Then why are you telling me?”
She shrugged. “He can’t get much worse, and maybe you’ll make it better.”
God, I hoped so. I walked down to the conference room. I could hear them inside talking.
“What’s going on with the small business project?” I heard a man who I thought was Chase.
“It’s going.” I knew that was Kade. I’d know his voice anywhere. It sounded dull, nearly dead.
“The new G.M. is working out well,” Ash said. “And there have been a few changes to the menu that people seem to really like.”
“Turns out Morgan knew better than you, huh, Kade. Good thing she fired you and the G.M.”
“Fuck you, Chase,” Kade exploded.
“Hey, what’s going on?”
I knew what was going on. I opened the door and stepped into the room.
“Ah, Ms. Andrews. We were just talking about the restaurant,” Chase said.
My attention was on Kade. He looked as bad as I felt, and my heart wrenched knowing it was all my fault.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. Maybe you can answer a few — ”
“Chase,” Ash interrupted. “She’s not here for that.”
“What is she here for then?”
Did he not know? Didn’t any of the other brothers, besides Ash, know?
Kade looked at me, but there was nothing in his eyes.
“I’m sorry,” I said again. “I’m ashamed and I regret what I did. At the time, I thought I was doing what was best, but it was the worst and I hurt you, and I hate that I hurt you.”
“What is she talking about?” Chased asked.
“Jeez, Chase,” Hunter snapped. “Let her finish.”
“Maybe we should let them talk,” Ash said.
“No.” Kade’s voice sounded as dead as his eyes looked. “You don’t have to go.”
I swallowed, wishing I could find the words to make him understand how sorry I was. To have him forgive me and give me a second chance. I didn’t know what those words were, so I just went with what was in my heart.
“I love you, Kade.” I blew out a breath at hearing myself say the words out loud. “I always have, but I couldn’t understand why you were interested in me. I kept thinking you’d get bored and move on. Especially once this project was done.”
“Why would you think that?” he asked.
“Because I’m insecure, I guess. I mean, god… you’re Kade Raven. Billionaire. You’ve dated super models and movie stars. I’m just Morgan Andrews. Daughter of a housekeeper.”
“That doesn’t even come close to being a good reason for keeping my child from me.”
“Did he say child?” Chase said.
“Christ, it’s yours?” Hunter asked.
I didn’t respond to them, and neither did Kade.
I shook my head. “No, it doesn’t. If I could go back and change it, I would. If there was anything I could do now to make you see how awful I feel about hurting you and stop your pain, I would. If there is something, Kade, just tell me and I’ll do it. Whatever it is.”
He closed his eyes, and for a minute I’d hoped I was getting through. “Tell me the truth. Were you going to tell me?”
“Yes. I tried to tell you at the park, but my mom called. I was going to tell you at my house, but then I was afraid she’d catch us in bed. There were many times, but then we were interrupted or I chickened out. I was so afraid you’d think I tried to trap you. And I didn’t. I was committed to telling you when you got back from Romania. You said you wanted more than casual. I wanted that too. So yes, I was going to tell you. Kade. I love you. Not your money, you. Only you.”
“Sorry to interrupt, guys,” Alex poked her head in. “Your dad is on the line.”
That was my cue to leave. I sniffed, and wiped my tears. My plea hadn’t worked. But at least I said what I came to say.
“I have a doctor’s appointment next week, if you’d like to come. You said you want to be involved.” I looked around the room. Chase looked confused. Ash had a concerned look for Kade. Hunter watched me with pity in his eyes. I turned to Kade who was looking at me, but I didn’t think he really saw me. “I’ll text you the information.”
I stepped back out of the room and rushed to the elevator. When it came, I was grateful it was empty so that as I rode down, I could cry. I took a cab home, needing some space. As I entered, my mom, looking much more vibrant and alive than I’d seen her in a long time, sat at the table with a laptop and a phone, setting up cleaning appointments. She didn’t do any cleaning herself anymore, and instead managed a crew of cleaners all freelancing for her. I was so happy for her success, even as my world fell apart.
