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Overlooked(1)(156)

By:Simone Sowood and Lulu Pratt


“Not too bad yourself.”

He smirks and I swear it could melt even the hardest of hearts. Let’s hope the charm works with this lawyer guy.

“You hungry?” he asks, glancing at his watch. “We have a bit of time.”

“I suppose.” I smile, just to be polite. In all honesty, my stomach is in knots.

He calls over the waitress and she takes our orders. He has a medium-sized breakfast, and I go with a simple fruit and yogurt dish. I figure that will be the easiest on my stomach.

We eat in silence, before Cade begins, “I can’t believe it’s already been three years since we first met.” He glances up with a smile, “Three years since we met and it’s taken me so long to propose.” He chuckles.

It takes me a moment to catch on and I blush, offering him a smile, “I know. You really took your time there, didn’t you?” I’m smiling, shrugging as I look into his eyes.

He meets my gaze and he looks serious, “I just couldn’t get up the courage to tell you before.” He leans forward and for a moment, nothing else exists in the room, in this moment, but me and him. The world slows as he continues.

“I have a bit of a reputation as a playboy… I thought you’d reject me.” He shrugs, a sheepish look on his face, “Good thing you didn’t.”

I feel hope stir in my chest, a faint hope that maybe all this isn’t pretend. Maybe there’s more to him, more to us, than I had originally thought. Maybe I had jumped to conclusions. For a brief second, my heart is soaring.

Then Cade breaks into an easy grin, “So, how was that?”

I blink, unsure what he means. There’s silence for a moment before it hits me. He was just faking it. Just another lie. Just another way to build the image of a perfect relationship. A good excuse for why we hadn’t gotten into a relationship much sooner.

He’s still smiling, “I thought it was pretty good.”

I don’t know what to say. Anger pulses through me, hurt following soon after. It is followed quickly by the shuddering realization that this is all it will ever be to him and I am better off keeping this strictly business.

I throw any hope of something more into the trash, and move on.

If the smile I give him looks forced, it’s because that’s exactly what it is. Forced. “That’s great. Convincing story.”

Any sincerity has vanished from his eyes and I am left wondering what the hell just happened. I wonder how he can change so quickly, how he can lie so convincingly. I swallow the lump in my throat and straighten my dress. He’s a jerk and I need to remember that.

A complete jerk and this is nothing but business, end of story.

“Good. I hoped it would be.” He sips his coffee.

I finish mine, before rising to my feet.

“Where are you off to?” He asks with a confused look.

“To get the bill.” I know I sound a little cold, but I’m beyond caring. I’ll play my part to a tee, but that’s all he’s getting from me. I go to the counter before he can argue, handing over my card and clearing the bill before I return, clutching the receipt like a trophy.

“What was that all about?” There’s tension in his voice, the easy-going exterior melting away into nothing before my very eyes.

I shrug and sit down, “I was getting the bill.”

“I know that. I was going to pay.” His eyes are boring into me and I turn and stare straight back at him.

I smile, and I find my own words flowing smooth as honey, “I just wanted to spoil you before your big meeting, baby. I know how important it is to you.” I lean across the table and touch his arm with a soft smile.

Our eyes meet and there’s a moment of fire between us. Then he glances away. He knows he’s lost this round. An odd thrill rises inside of me and I pull my hand back.

“Thanks.” His words are forced, but he’s smiling as if nothing happened. He’s convincing. That’s good.

“You’re really thoughtful.” He finishes his drink and stands, “We’d better get going. Better to be early than late, huh?”

I nod in agreement, holding my purse as we make our way to the door, “Thank you for inviting me to this.” I practically simper, “I really want to be a part of this.” I smile, “I mean, now that we’re engaged. It would just feel wrong to leave you all alone.”

He adjusts his tie and I can tell I am making him uncomfortable. I’m playing my part too well and I feel triumph flush through me. He can fake it all he likes, but I can do it too, perhaps better. I know what he likes, I know his life story. I’m his stylist – I’ve practically seen inside his soul. It’s time to put that to the test.