Layton looked uncomfortably from her to me. “I wanted to apologize for how things went down.”
“You mean how you proposed publicly or how you confronted me in Annapolis?” Hadley was practically vibrating from anger.
“Both. I’m sorry I put you in that position.” Layton’s expression was contrite.
“Why did you do it then?” Hadley asked.
Layton glanced at me before he turned his attention to her, rubbing the back of his neck as if what he had to say was difficult for him. “Our fathers are the same. My dad controls me the same way yours does. He wanted me to propose in front of everyone. Our engagement was supposed to look good for their business merger and if I wanted to keep my job, I needed to go through with it. He assumed you’d go along with it. He never expected you to say no.”
Hadley’s chin lifted slightly.
“I saw you up there tonight. You stood up to your dad and found a way to gain funding for your charity. It was inspiring.” He looked away from her. “It made me think about how I want things to be different for me.”
His plea was so heartfelt, I almost asked what he planned to do now, but I waited for Hadley’s reaction.
She was quiet for a few seconds, her face softening as she chewed her bottom lip. “Apology accepted.”
Then she grabbed my hand to make a move around him.
“I hope we can still be friends,” Layton said.
Hadley paused and said over her shoulder, “Acquaintances. That’s all I can offer you.”
Layton nodded. “That’s fair.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Cade
We slept for a solid nine hours after we went over every detail of the evening and made love. We stayed overnight in a hotel I’d booked in the downtown area. I thought it would be perfect for exploring New Orleans before we had to head to the airport. I’d never been to New Orleans. I wanted to see the sights.
“Are you awake?” Hadley rolled over in my arms so she could face me.
“I have been for a while. I’m excited to see the city.” I’d flown in yesterday afternoon, met Hadley at Colin’s house, dressed and gone straight to the gala.
“Brunch with Gabe and Taylor first. Then we can walk around.”
“Sounds perfect.” Anything with this woman sounded perfect—a lazy Sunday, brunch with friends, or sightseeing.
She kissed me. “We’d better get showered and dressed. It’s almost eight a.m. and we’re supposed to meet them soon.”
“I wish we had more time to stay in bed.”
“Me too. But how often are we in New Orleans? I’m excited about coffee and beignets.”
She kissed me again and headed for the bathroom naked. She sent a saucy look over her shoulder. “Care to join me?”
I was up in no time. I grabbed her by the hips, pulling her into me. Her laugh turned to a moan when I kissed her neck and bit her shoulder lightly. “You don’t have to ask me twice.”
“Just don’t make us too late.” Her voice was breathy.
“I make no guarantees.” I guided her to the bathroom, still kissing her as I turned on the shower.
I took my time with her in the shower. I dropped to my knees, spreading her legs before I devoured her with my mouth. When she was limp after her orgasm, I lifted her into my arms, taking her against the wall. I relished in each inhalation, each whimper, her slick skin, and tight pussy pulsing around me. When my release roared through me, the only thought I had was this woman is mine and I am never letting her go.
After we dried off and dressed, we headed out for beignets. We approached Gabe and Taylor, who were already waiting for us outside the restaurant.
“You two look cozy,” Taylor said before turning to lead the way inside.
I exchanged a smile with Hadley before we followed them in.
We waited in a long line for bags of beignets and French-roasted coffees. Since it was warm, we found a table outside. We ate in silence for a few minutes, before I said, “The beignets were worth the trip.”
“Aren’t they? They’re one of the things I miss most about New Orleans. Other than Colin and you guys, of course.” Hadley brushed white powder from the donuts off her skirt before looking at Taylor. “When are you going to visit Annapolis?”
I knew Taylor was from Annapolis originally, but not much else.
“Soon. We haven’t been back in a while. Gabe’s been so busy as co-manager of the bar.”
Gabe shook his head. “We can get away. I told you that.”
“If you’re sure.” Taylor’s forehead scrunched.
“I’m sure. Isaac wants me to scout a new location for the bar in Annapolis anyway.”
“Are you moving back at some point?” Hadley watched Gabe’s serious face and Taylor’s more cautious expression.
“We’ll see. I love it here, but I think it will make more sense for us to spend part of the time in Annapolis.”
“How will you work, though?” Hadley asked after the waiter took our order and left.
“I’m still working on the details. I think I’d need to get a different job.”
I placed my hand on the back of Hadley’s chair and listened to them talk about the pros and cons of Taylor’s job and the prospect of working part-time at Hadley’s firm if it was successful.
I turned my head toward Gabe. “Let me know if you buy a place and need a contractor. My brother and I are going into business.”
“That would be great. I don’t have any contacts there.” Gabe leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest.
I talked with Gabe about going into business with my brother and the Rebuilds program while the girls talked about the logistics of Taylor and Gabe living in two different cities.
This right here was everything I’d ever wanted. A future with a woman I loved. The possibility of marriage and
