I wish I could tell Kade how I feel.
Chastising herself for the thought, she realized that it was going to take a long time not to miss Kade. In addition to being an incredible lover, he had become her first true friend, the one man who had treated her with respect and kindness. He was special, and deep in her heart, Asha knew it. But he was more than a friend, and staying in his life would just make everything murky and confused. Maybe leaving his home had partially been for her protection, too. She believed Kade deserved more than a confused, messed-up woman, but she was fighting emotions that she just couldn’t deal with right at the moment. Kade overwhelmed her, and she wasn’t strong enough yet to deal with those intense feelings.
Letting herself into the apartment, she closed the door and locked it behind her.
“Home sweet home,” she said to herself, looking around the sparsely furnished apartment. She had a couch and a bed, along with a few bare essentials, but she needed to shop for the rest of what she needed. She’d rented the apartment a few days ago and Devi’s family had helped her move the few things she had purchased into the apartment. Now, it was time to make it a home for herself.
She propped her suitcase against the couch and studied the bare, white walls. One of the first things she needed was paint. She was Indian, and she needed color. She’d paint over the decorations before she left someday so she didn’t annoy the landlord, but the walls were depressing.
I have jobs starting the day after tomorrow. Time to get to work.
She took her bag to her bedroom, opening it to find the computer that Kade had given her on the very top. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she felt the enormous waves of loneliness that threatened to crush her.
Do this for him. Don’t let his kindness be for nothing.
Succeed! Succeed! Succeed!
In that moment, Asha found a new mantra, and she was determined to keep it.
“You did an incredible job with Holderman,” Travis commented casually as he plopped into the chair in front of Kade’s desk in his office at Harrison. “A hell of a lot better than I could have managed.”
Kade shrugged. “He’s an ass, but we want the acquisition.”
“I’m not sure I would have pursued it. The company would have lost money because I don’t have the patience to deal with him,” Travis replied, straightening his tie, obviously wanting to say something, but looking like he was reluctant or unable to say it.
“So you needed me,” Kade said jokingly. More seriously, he added, “It was no big deal. I’ve had to deal with a lot of assholes in my life. I’ve learned not to let them get to me. Winning the game is more important.”
“I’m glad you’re here, Kade. I just wanted you to know that,” Travis grumbled, looking a little uncomfortable. “You have strengths that I don’t, and we complement each other.”
Kade looked at his twin in surprise. “Who are you and what have you done with my brother?” The comment was so unlike Travis that Kade wasn’t quite sure he’d heard Travis properly. His twin didn’t admit to having any weaknesses.
“I’m just stating a fact. Harrison is better for having you here.” Travis shifted in his chair, straightening his already perfect tie. “I just wish you’d rethink your shirts and ties.”
Kade barked out a laugh. That comment was more like Travis, but he was touched that Travis wanted him here. “I thought you had everything under control. I never felt like you needed me.”
“I don’t,” Travis said defensively. “If you want to do something else with your life, you can feel free to leave Harrison to me.”
Kade studied Travis, trying to read him, but it was almost impossible. Luckily, they were twins, and Kade sensed certain things about his brother. Right now, Travis was trying to set him free to do whatever he wanted to do because his elder brother had always taken up all the responsibilities at Harrison, allowing the rest of the siblings to pursue their dreams. Kade had never thought about the sacrifices Travis had made for his family, but now he asked, “Do you like being here? Do you like running Harrison? You could have been a hell of a race car driver if you’d stayed with that. But you couldn’t, could you? You were the only one left to run the company.” Kade’s gut twisted with guilt. “You were the only one who never felt free to do what you wanted. You were trapped here because Mia was pursuing her art and I was playing football.” Kade had never thought about the unfairness of that fact until now. He’d always just assumed that Travis was exactly where he wanted to be.
“It was fair,” Travis rumbled. “I wasn’t deprived. I was doing exactly what I wanted. I like racing, but it’s a hobby. I never felt the driving need to do it professionally. I wanted to be here. So don’t try to make me out to be some type of hero. I love this company and the way it challenges me.”