Page 24 of Purr For Me

“You heard me.”

“You brought me to a mission for a spaghetti dinner? I’ve heard of being a cheapskate, but this takes the cake.” Lexie laughed.

“No, Lexie. We’re not here to eat. Well, not until a little later on,” Kade said. “I volunteer here a few times a month serving meals. I’m on the schedule tonight.”

Lexie looked at the ugly building and then back at Kade. “No wonder you said don’t dress fancy.”

Kade’s smile didn’t dim as he took the keys out of his ignition. “I promise you that in two hours, you’ll be sitting down to some fine Italian dining.”

When he got out of the car, Lexie just sat there for a moment.

“C’mon, Lex! There are hungry people in here who need us to serve them.”

Lexie glanced at the building again, and then turned her gaze back to Kade’s expectant expression. How amazing for a man who has it all, to want to help those who have nothing. Definitely different to his brother. Jason considered no one but himself. Like a block of ice cracking in the sun, her heart warmed. This was the type of man a woman would be proud to have at her side, to share her life with. Whoa, where did that thought come from? But she couldn’t help love that he wanted to share this with her. He really seemed to be trying to prove he was not his brother—nothing like him, in fact.

She’d already told him she would press charges, so perhaps he really did just simply want to impress her. Get to know her. He’d guessed money didn’t impress her, but this softer, kinder side to such an alfa male was intoxicating. She felt her face flush with heat. Kade could have almost any woman he wanted. Did he really want her?

She looked into his handsome face and decided perhaps she’d see where this lead—but cautiously.

“You certainly know how to impress a lady. I love this idea. You are full of surprises.”

“I hope that’s a good thing?”

Lexie said, “I guess we’ll have to see. Let’s go.”

She started for the sidewalk in front of the building, but Kade caught her arm. “The kitchen entrance is this way. It’s quicker.”

His warm hand on her skin made Lexie’s heartbeat leap. “Okay. Lead on.”

Kade released her and strode toward the back of the building. They reached an ugly brown door, and Kade shot her a grin as he turned the handle. “Prepare for bedlam.”

“I’m sure I can handle it,” Lexie said.

Kade opened the door and motioned her inside.

For the first time today, Lexie looked forward to tonight—the man by her side too big a part of that happiness for her peace of mind.