Chapter 20: The Party

The navy dress hung on the back of the guest room door.

I stood in front of it in my slip.

I had slept in that room for two nights and not once had I slept well.

A knock came, two light taps.

"It's open."

Cade stood in the doorway in his black dinner jacket with his tie in his hand.

He looked at the dress, and then at me.

"I can't do the tie," he said.

"You've done it for thirty years."

"I wanted a reason to come in."

I took the tie from him and stepped close.

He smelled like soap and cold air, and I could hear him breathing.

I threaded the silk under his collar and pulled it through, and my knuckles brushed his throat.

He didn't move.

"You gave up your company," I said.

"Yes."

"You told your father you wouldn't sell me."

"Yes."

"You said it in front of twelve people, and I put my hand in yours."

"I told you I wasn't forgiving you."

"I remember."

"I'm still not."

"I know."

I tightened the knot, and then I did not let go of it.

"But I'm tired of sleeping in the wrong bed," I said.

His eyes went dark.

"Ciara."

"It's not a favor, and it's not a reward."

I pulled him down by the tie until his mouth was an inch from mine.

"I want my husband before I walk into that room."

He kissed me hard.

It was nothing like the careful kiss in the hall.

His hands went to my waist.

I backed him against the door until it shut behind us with a click.

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