The boy ran off to his parents, who stood a few feet away watching.
Cade’s expression was thoughtful. “I’d love to show you more of the city today, but Nolan is waiting at home to help me with the renovations.”
My body flushed with excitement that he wanted to spend more time with me.
“That’s great. I didn’t realize you had plans.” I brushed nonexistent crumbs off my lap before standing to throw out my garbage. I experienced a small twinge of disappointment that we wouldn’t be exploring Annapolis together.
When I returned from the trash can, Cade stood in the same spot watching me.
“Well, thanks for lunch.” How could things be so awkward when a minute ago it felt so natural—to be close to him, to be touched by him? My heart ached with the need for that moment back. The idea of something with Cade scared me. Maybe he felt it too and wasn’t ready.
“You’re welcome. I still need to schedule an appointment with you to go over the contracts,” Cade said.
It was like he’d dumped cold water on me. When I met him at our bench, I hadn’t thought once about the fact he was my client. It was good that he’d reminded me of the line we couldn’t cross. Even if I desperately wanted to. “You can text me or call the office, whichever’s more convenient.”
Even though it was the right thing to do, I felt a sense of loss that he’d reset the boundaries between us. We said goodbye before I watched him walk toward the parking lot.
I had nothing planned for the rest of the day, so I walked around the historic downtown area and wandered into a few shops. I’d have loved to do this with Cade or even Avery, but instead, I was alone—alone with my thoughts about what was happening between us. I’d thought we’d had a moment.
I took stock of what I knew about him and realized I’d only discovered he had a younger brother, he was renovating his home, and he owned two businesses. There were no pictures in his office or the studio—not even framed photos of his students competing.
There was no reason for him to be more forthcoming. His past was none of my business, but I couldn’t ignore the pang in my chest. I was vulnerable last night. His observations of my family and our interactions touched me. Yet, I knew he wasn’t capable of opening up to me.
Cade
I almost suggested spending the day together. I wanted to show her what I loved about the town—not what the tourists saw when they came here, but Nolan was waiting for me at my house.
I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision before I took another step with Hadley. Between last night and lunch today, we were standing on a precipice and the next move would change everything.
I found Nolan inside the house, tearing out carpet in the living room. “What are you doing?”
“Did you know there’s hardwood under here?” he asked, without looking up from his task.
“Yeah.” I vaguely remember the realtor advising me of that when I toured the home.
“They’re beautiful. Shouldn’t need much to refinish these.” He held the end of the carpet up to show me the hardwood underneath.
“You’re right.” But my mind wasn’t on the renovations.
“Did class run late?”
“I went to lunch with Hadley after class.” I wanted to talk to someone about this and make sure I was doing the right thing.
“Did something happen?”
“Is it right to pursue something with her if I don’t know if I can fully move on from Caroline?”
Nolan thought about his answer for a few seconds before speaking. “If it feels right, then I think you can. Just be honest with her.”
He made it sound so easy.
“You like her?” He dropped the carpet and straightened.
“I do.”
“But you feel guilty for liking her?” He raised his brow.
“A little. I’m worried we’ll get in too deep and I’ll realize I can’t love someone else like I loved Caroline.”
“I would think any love you felt for someone new would be different. You’d be opening up your heart to her, not replacing Caroline.” His tone was thoughtful and considerate.
I hadn’t thought about it like that.”
“I think Hadley’s good for you. She might be a rebound. Not everything has to lead to marriage.”
“That’s true, but do you think that’s fair? That feels like I’m using her to get over Caroline.”
“That’s not what it would be. It would be spending time with someone good for you. Be honest. Tell her about Caroline and lay it out for her. Let her decide if she wants to pursue something with you after she knows all the facts. How do you know if she’s looking for anything serious?”
“I don’t know. She recently turned down a marriage proposal. She moved here to get away from everything.” I’d never betray Hadley’s confidence. It wasn’t her ex’s proposal that left her vulnerable. It was her family who had her twisted in knots.
“She has baggage too. Be there for each other. As long as it feels good—do it.”
Could I enjoy myself and damn the consequences?
“That’s because it’s easier to be happy than you think. Caroline would want you to be happy.”
She’d tried, but I always put her off. I think I was in denial until the very end. I hoped she’d get better—a new clinical trial would form or a new treatment, but it didn’t. Caroline accepted her fate well before I did. Nolan’s suggestion that Caroline would want me to be happy took root and I knew what I needed to do.
Chapter Fifteen
Hadley
On Sunday afternoon, I poured myself some tea and took it out on the balcony. I’d spent the rest of the Saturday shopping for decorations for my apartment. I wanted to make it a home. I chose a few things which were quintessential Maryland, a pottery bowl from a shop
