“Are you sure there’s a restaurant on this street?”
“The one I remember. The further you walk north, you’ll come to state circle. There’s coffee shops, bookstores, and clothing stores there.”
“I was on state circle yesterday buying things for my apartment.” I hadn’t realized there were so many side streets with hidden treasures.
We finally stopped at a white building with a black hanging sign which read McGregor’s Pub. I liked that we were more alone here than on the main streets the tourists frequented.
“Here it is.” Cade held the door open for me as I walked inside the dark bar.
When he caught the skeptical look on my face, he said, “I promise the food’s good.”
“Two for dinner, or would you like to sit at the bar?” A man appeared at the hostess stand.
“Dinner, please,” Cade said.
The man led us to a secluded booth in the corner.
Warmth flushed through me because this was very much a date—meandering through the streets like tourists and dinner. It was still early. There were only two other couples.
The man placed menus in front of us and left.
“What’s good here?”
“The crab cakes,” Cade said like I’d asked a ridiculous question.
“Is the answer always the crab cakes?” I smiled at him.
“Yes, unless we’re at a place you can order crabs.”
“Taylor used to talk about eating crabs. She missed them.”
“She told you to move here?”
“Kind of. The other attorneys at my firm are her friends from law school. She told me about their plan to open a firm.”
“Is your dad still upset you’re here?”
I didn’t want to talk about my dad. I didn’t want to ruin the high I’d been on since Cade stepped into my apartment. “He’s not happy. I have an event for Kids Speak in a few weeks and I worry he has something planned for it. Something I won’t like.”
“You’re planning to go back to New Orleans for it?” His stance was deceptively relaxed, but every muscle in his body tensed as if waiting for my response.
“Yes, we planned on announcing the expansion into other cities. I wanted to start here, but with his threat to withdraw funding, I’m not sure what’s going to happen.” I was a little worried about dealing with the fallout of the proposal. I was sure there would be rumors and talk about why I’d said no, and I worried Layton would confront me again.
“Layton wants you back.” Cade shifted in his seat and his jaw was tight.
“I don’t understand why he’s so intent on getting me back. He didn’t love me.” He didn’t want me with the intensity Cade did. It was like I was the one who got away and he couldn’t handle the rejection.
“You’re beautiful. You’re kind, caring, and smart. Anyone would be lucky to be with you.”
I chewed my lip. “That’s sweet, but I’m not sure that’s what Layton values or wants in a wife. Reputation and family wealth are the two big requirements.”
“I can’t understand the world you grew up in.” Something pulsed between us and I couldn’t look away from him. Was he disgusted by it, or was he sympathetic?
“It’s hard to imagine anything else when it’s all you’ve ever known.” My voice was soft.
“Hi, I’m Casey. I’ll be your waitress tonight. Are you ready to order?”
Cade’s eyes slowly broke from mine to acknowledge the waitress, ending the connection, but I kept my eyes on him. “The crab cake sandwiches and fries, please.”
Casey took our menus and left.
“I hope you don’t mind that I ordered for you.”
“Not at all. I trust your judgment and I loved the crab cakes Friday night.”
Cade’s shrewd eyes watched me for a few seconds. I suspected he was still thinking about our conversation before the waitress interrupted us. “You’re stronger than you think.”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t.” But he was right. I didn’t feel particularly strong.
“No, but I can see the doubt in your eyes. You’re worried Layton or your dad will convince you to go back. You told him no in front of a room full of your family and so-called friends. That took guts. You’ve moved across the country on your own to start a new business and a new life. It’s because you’re strong.”
I’d viewed it as cowardly, so it was mind-opening to hear his perspective. His words filled the cracks in my confidence. “Keep saying that and maybe I’ll believe it.”
“If I were stronger, I would have moved away too. That way, I could avoid any reminders of my life with Caroline and my family who couldn’t give me any space in the beginning, but I didn’t.”
“I think you’re strong for staying and facing it.” I reached across the table, covering his hand with mine.
He cleared his throat, determination filling his eyes. “We’re both strong and we’re both fighters, but I think we could be stronger together.”
His soft words settled into my consciousness, giving me hope that what I’d found with Cade could be my future.
The waitress placed our plates in front of us as I pulled my hand from his.
I focused on Casey, who’d asked if we wanted anything else. I said, “No,” and she left.
We ate in silence while I reveled in the feeling we could be together. We didn’t need to fill the silence. There were no appearances to maintain.
We finished eating then Cade paid the bill. We walked outside where it was dark and cooler than when we’d arrived.
Cade put his arm around me, pulling me into his side. “I loved showing you my town. I haven’t really looked at it in years. I haven’t appreciated the beauty—it’s uniqueness—how lucky I am to live here close to my family who loves me.”
I squeezed his side with my hand, happy for him. “They don’t manipulate you and your feelings?”
“No. They’ve been nothing but supportive—a little stifling at times but supportive.”
“I’m glad I can make you feel better about your situation.” There was no sarcasm in my voice. I was glad I could ease things
