Page 15 of Purr For Me

“A distraction? Like what?”

Kade took a deep breath and tried to keep his voice light. “How about dinner tonight?”

It was rare for Lexie to be struck speechless, but his invitation obviously shocked her. At length, she said, “Dinner?”

Kade couldn’t help teasing her. “Yeah. You know, the meal you eat at the end of the day?”

Her arms wrapped round her waist. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Kade.”

He lowered his voice. “Just as friends, Lexie. Nothing more. We might talk strategy about where to go from here in regards to finding Jason. Time is marching on.”

She nodded at that idea. Arching an eyebrow, she asked, “What kind of dinner?”

“Something that requires casual clothes. Jeans will work just fine.”

“Nothing romantic, though?”

“Not even remotely romantic. I promise.”

“Where would you take me?”

He held up an index finger and wagged it back and forth. “No, no. It’s a surprise.”

He watched all ranges of emotions flutter over her face, and his heart plummeted when he saw resignation.

“I appreciate the offer, but I just can’t.”

Kade sighed. “I figured you’d turn me down. Okay. Have it your way, but if you change your mind…”

Lexie nodded in response to the invitation he let linger between them. “Thanks.”

“Sure. Now, how about that list?”

She hadn’t wanted to say no.Guilt hit like a rampaging bull. Jason’s image swam into his head, even though he tried to shut him out.What a wanker, hitting on his girl when he’s down and out.

But then Jason didn’t deserve Lexie after all he’d done to her.

He focused on the paper in his hand, and his eyebrows rose as he looked it over. “Holy shit. You already did all this? How much more does it need?”Good thing I have a healthy savings account.

Lexie laughed. “There’s still about five things I need to fix before I can start the new paint job. I never start that until we finish everything else.”

“Right. Well, I gotta go, but let me know how things are going.”

“Okay. See you.”

He walked away, willing himself not to look over his shoulder. Perhaps her saying no was for the best. He didn’t want to piss her off and have her take it out on Jason.