Overlooked(1)(157)
He might know how to treat some random lady, but I know what makes Cade Harlow tick. I slip my hand into his and glance up at the building that we’re approaching.
It’s massive and somehow it seems terribly soulless. “Cheerful place, isn’t it?”
“Matches the man inside it.” I feel him twitch, hostility pouring off him like waves.
“You know him?”
“No. One phone conversation. One email.” He frowns, “That was enough.”
I nod, and squeeze his hand, “Well, we’d better be nice. After all, he’s doing a lot of work for us, isn’t he?” I laugh and shake my head, “Oh, I mean, for you. Sorry.”
An innocent slip, a loving little mistake and a squeeze of his hands. He looks away from me and I can feel the warmth radiating off his body.
“Of course I’ll be nice.” He does a remarkable job of keeping steady and I have to admit that he’s not the only one feeling tense, feeling nervous. This is a big day and I hope that I am ready to take it head on.
We make our way into the building. Cade checks a piece of paper – I assume he is confirming the floor and the number. We step into the elevator and I glance at myself in the mirror. I still look put together and professional. A reliable fiancée.
Good. That’s what I am going for. I let my attention wonder as the lift rushes upwards. Cade seems unsettled, tapping his fingers lightly. His expression is smooth but I have only ever seen him tap his fingers when he’s feeling stressed. I’m not sure he even realizes he is doing it.
The building itself feels unusually cold, like it is too big to heat properly. It truly does have an odd, soulless feeling to it – a sort of corporate quality, but without any attempts at being friendly or inclusive. I swallow. I need to play it cool. I need to keep it together.
I know Cade. I just need to focus on the truth and build it into the lie. Everything will be just fine. Cade doesn’t say a word until we reach our floor, stepping out of the lift. I let Cade go first, and breathe a deep sigh. I try to steady my nerves. I suddenly wonder if this would feel any different if we were in love, if we were together. Would I feel less worried or even more so about this meeting?
“His office is this way.” Cade glances at me with a smile. He’s moving with easy confidence again, the hostility left behind in the elevator. He’s all calm smiles and flashing eyes.
When we stop outside a door, the plaque reads, “Adam Jones. Lawyer.”
Cade doesn’t hesitate, knocking firmly on the door before glancing at his watch. We’re right on time, and the door swings open promptly.
A man is standing in the doorway. He’s taller, younger than I expected him to be, and I am struck by how good looking he is. He exudes a completely different kind of confidence. He’s holding himself tall in a way that suggests he holds power, he holds knowledge, and he knows it.
His eyes skim over me and over Cade, and I notice that they are the most brilliant shade of blue. Lively, sharp and very intelligent. I need to keep my guard up with his man. He’s dressed crisply in a shirt, tie and dress pants. No suit jacket. He’s at ease, even more so than Cade.
He has nothing to lose. He holds all the cards. I feel a flush of heat down my body, lingering between my legs. His eyes find mine and for a moment, I am held in place, a butterfly pinned and unable to move. Then his eyes slide to Cade again and he smiles, extending a hand.
“Ah, Mr. Harlow. Come in.” He shakes hands with Cade and steps back to let us into the room. “And you must be Miss…?” His eyes search my face and it’s like he can see right through me.
“Cassidy.” I answer, a blush creeping to my cheeks despite my best intentions to stay composed. He holds out his hand and I take it for a moment in a handshake. It’s cool and dry and I hope that my hand feels the same way to him.
“Please, take a seat.” He leads us to his office and pulls out my chair.
He’s polished, unlike the womanizing confidence of Cade. It’s like being submerged into a pool of cool water. Too cold at first, but refreshing and beautiful and exactly what you need.
“Coffee?” He steps away to the machine.
Cade is leaning back in the chair now, looking perfectly at home. His posture is open and relaxed, but I see the flickering in his eyes, “Black, thanks.”
I nod, even though I have only just finished a cup, “With cream, if that’s okay.”
“It’s no trouble.” Adam turns to make the coffee and I glance at Cade. He gives me a reassuring smile and reaches across to take my hand.
For a fleeting moment of insanity, I consider pulling my hand away. I blush at my own stupidity, the way I am fawning over a man I have just met. Sure, he’s magnetic, but that’s no reason to lose my head.