Page 17 of Grade A Girl
I see the three dots and know he’s adding more. I wait, staring at my phone until the screen goes dark again. I light up the screen and wait, but another response never comes. I need to think about what I’m going to say before I respond to him.
* * *
Things have been awkward between Kade, Jaxson, and I since that night. When I say awkward, I mean you can cut the tension with a knife. Kade tried to reach out to me one more time, and when I didn’t respond, he stopped. I know I’m being childish; Jaxson has even made a point to tell me that—but I’m scared. It’s Wednesday again, and I know Kade will be here any minute to go over his order. Jaxson wanted to be here, but I told him no.
The bell rings above the door, and I hold my breath as I look out from the back room window. Kade is standing there in all his glory in jeans and a t-shirt. I instinctively lick my lips as memories of the two men and three orgasms come rushing back to my mind. Everything hums, and I have to clench my thighs together to stop the pending rush of wetness. I push open the door, and when his eyes meet mine, I see his shame.
“I’ve got it from here, Scott. Kade, follow me.” I nod to the room, and he follows without saying anything. We walk to the back of the freezer, and I turn suddenly, smacking into his chest. I didn’t realize he was walking so closely behind me. He grabs my upper arms and holds me steady as I blush from head to toe.
“I’m sorry I didn’t text you back or call you,” I admit quietly. He murmurs something about it being okay, but it’s not. I need to let him knowwhyI left. “You were having a nightmare—”
“I was trying to tell you it was different than ones I’ve had before,” he tries to reason.
“You called out for Blair,” I spit out. His face contorts in fear, and I hesitate. “I didn’t know what to do.”
He wasn’t expecting me to say that. The color drains from his face. His lips are pressed in a hard line, and his eyes are wide in shock. “What?” He drops his hands and takes a small step back. “Charlie, I…” He presses his glasses up and rubs his eyes, then drags his hands down his face before he looks away, shame gripping him. “I didn’t know.”
I shrug. What can I really say to that? I turn away to grab the invoice, and he starts speaking quietly.
“You look like her.” I turn to look into his darkened eyes. “You look so damn much like Blair. I didn’t even realize I said her name when I woke up screaming. It was all subconscious.”
“Ilooklike your ex?” My mouth drops in surprise. Everything seems to come to a standstill, and I stop breathing for a moment. “Is that why you and Jaxson like me, Kade? Is that why you wanted to have sex with me?”
Please don’t let that be the answer. Please say no.
“Yes—no! Fuck!” He tries to correct himself, but it’s too late. I take a step back from him, my eyes wide and my mouth open, then nod in understanding.