Sweet As You

(37) Kathie Jane

This chapter is dedicated to mild_reddd for being so awesome and supportive in every aspect of my writing. No words can express how much grateful I am that you came across my books.

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Kathie Jane

My heels were in frenzied clacking as I reached the halls. Even more frantic when I heard Cade's voice calling my name. I raced to the elevator and hammered at the button. His voice that was just a murmur down the hall turns louder as he enters my line of sight.

I punched the button one more time and when the elevator didn't come fast enough, I cursed, rushing to the fire exit to use the stairs instead.

It had been the brightest idea in the spur of the moment. However, as I trudge down the stairs, it wasn't much of a good idea anymore.

Taking the stairs in my five-inch heels from the twentieth floor doesn't seem sensible anymore. If I were to be honest and harsh, it was dumb.

I kept going though. By the time I reached the bottom, I was pretty sure I didn't look the same as when I started from the top. And just my luck, Cade was waiting at the door of the fire escape, holding it open.

I am exhausted.

"I was wondering when you'll get to the bottom." There was amusement in his voice.

I glare at him. "Don't judge me."

"I'm not judging you."

I was about to walk past him but he props his hand on door, blocking my exit. "What's going on, Kathie Jane?"

I gulped, taking a couple of steps back. "Nothing."

"You would be taking the elevator like normal people do if it were nothing," he says, pinning me in his gaze.

My eyes darted to my shoes. "I thought you only invited me. Just me. Then I saw Margot and I realized the invitation wasn't that special as I thought."

He takes a step closer. "This is about her?"

"No. It's not her who just stupidly took the stairs like a crazy person instead of the elevator," I replied dryly.

Great, now I was the one who was grumpy when it was supposed to be Cade. The guy is starting to rub off on me.

His fingers clasped my chin and urges me to meet his eyes. "I'm not following, Kathie Jane."

"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't. But I had this overwhelming urge to hate her."

He nods as if in understanding. "I get it."

"No, you don't. It's just so odd how much I want to—"

"Tear a man's limb off when I think he's flirting with you? And then ridicule myself for forgetting my place? Then go crazy because I have nothing to do about it?"

My mouth hung open.

He swallows. "I told you. I get it."

"Cade." I blink.

"I'm not taking it back." His hands slid to his pockets.

My heart pounded. "Cade, I don't know what to say."

His palm lay across my cheek. "Tell me I'm not the only one who swore not to but still did. Tell me I'm not the only one with all these feelings I don't know what to do about."

I stared up to his face. He's put the ball in my court. His arm that was blocking the doorway slid back to his side like he was giving me a choice. I can go and leave things as it is. Or I can stay and lay all my cards.

He stiffened when I took a step forward – not toward the door. My eyes graze down to his tie then back up to his face. I leaned in, the movement putting him within kissing distance.

His breath hitches. So did mine.

I leaned further, letting our lips touch.

The contact sent skitters of fireworks down my spine. And butterflies. Oh, my God, I haven't had any with... anyone.

His mouth moves over mine, brushing gently. The feel of him was divine. And he smells incredible. He always does. My hands splayed across his chest, urging him closer.

I whimpered when he pulls back slightly to break contact.

"Tell me, Kathie," he whispers, blue eyes bluer than they usually were. There was a plea in his voice. He needed to hear it before he leaps.

I fiddled with his tie. "You drive me stupidly crazy, Cadey."

"Even better." A small smile curved his lips.

I gulp. "What now?"

His hand clasped the back of my neck, pulling me close. When he kisses me the second time, he didn't hold back. His lips claimed mine in a sweet caress, taking his time. His other hand spread across the small of my back as he sweetly scraped my bottom lip with his teeth, asking for entrance.

I gave in to his request. His kiss tickled all my senses. I forgot everything else. When the kiss slowly ended, I was still intoxicated.

He holds me close to his chest.

My fingers were still on the front of his shirt.

His forehead rested against mine. "You want to take the elevator back to the party? Or you want to stick with the stairs?"

I giggled, giving his chest a light slap. "I honestly just want to go home. And you're gonna have to carry me because my precious feet hurt from that exercise."

"Okay." He chuckles. "These precious feet shall never touch the ground."

I wind my arms around his neck as he lifted me off to his arms in bridal style.

Happy reading, guys! Hope you had a great day. How's your Monday? The start of my week is bearable. Hope it stays that way. We have four more days until weekend. 😂 Who's counting to make it through the weekdays? If you do the same thing, I adore you. We're strong people. lol.