Page 13 of Taking A Chance
“I’m here with Kat. I can’t disappear on her without some explanation.” She tilts her head down, and I wonder where the confident, sassy Petra has gone.
“Don’t worry.” I stroke a finger along her jawline before using it to lift her chin up, so our eyes meet. “I’ll arrange something. I’m sure Ben will help. Agreed?”
“Okay,” she half smiles, confirming that she’s still a little on edge.
“Good,” I nod. “Do you want to go down now? It will be less obvious if we turn up separately.”
“Yes please,” her whole body becomes visibly more relaxed, as she grabs her purse from the bed, where she left it. I follow her through the living area to the main door, when she stops and turns to face me.
“I’ll be down in a few minutes.” As I step back from placing a small kiss on her forehead, I notice her eyes are still shut and her expression is soft, almost angelic. An image I want to keep. When her eyes do flutter open, she smiles at me, as if embarrassed at being caught. This woman has more to her than meets the eye.
Petra opens the door and steps outside.
“Cade,” she turns to address me. “Thank you.”
“What for?”
“Just… Thank you.” She smiles sweetly as she walks towards the elevator.
I watch her until she’s no longer in sight.
Iwalk into the dining room about fifteen minutes later and immediately my eyes fall to Petra, who’s already sitting at the table with Kat and Amy. She quickly glances my way, but it’s fleeting, her attention turning back to the conversation.
Isaac and Ben are standing a few feet away, so I go to join them.
“Fucking hell brother, congratulations.” Ben gives Isaac a man hug.
“Did we not do all this already, Ben, or are you getting all over emotional on us?” I titter.
“Amy’s pregnant,” Isaac announces. He has the biggest grin on his face and I can tell that he’s one very happy man.
“Shit, man!” I can’t miss the chance of busting his balls. “So that’s why you married her?” Isaac’s expression changes instantly.
“Amy only told me last night, you ass.”
“Ball, chain and another kid on the way,” I continue. “You’re well and truly trapped, boy. This is for real buddy, no get out of jail free card this time.” I say, referring to the staged marriage to my sister.
Isaac, although family to us, he’s not blood. So, when our sister got pregnant to a low life who immediately ghosted her once he found out, without a second thought Isaac stepped up to save our family from shame. And although it was all a lie, he was nothing but a perfect father figure for Mikey. “You won’t be able to get out of this one that easy.” I pat him hard on the back. “Rather you than me, brother. You’re well and truly pussy whipped this time.”
“Fuck off, Cade.” Isaac squares up to me.
“Isaac,” Amy’s voice suddenly breaks through. Isaac immediately turns to his new wife.
“See what I mean,” I snigger.
Isaac storms out of the room. Amy gets up from her seat and walks toward me.
“Cade, sometimes you’re an utter arsehole.” She chastises, before leaving to following Isaac.
Ben looks at me and shakes his head before going to join the ladies at the table.
“What?” I laugh. “I’ve left my phone in my room. Order me a black coffee, Ben. I’ll be back in a second.”
Ben would have been calling me the pussy, if he’d have known that my phone was safely in my pocket but that I actually wanted to seek out Isaac, to apologise.
I find him in the reception area. Amy stands facing him, looking up at him with adoration. Her hands resting against his chest as she speaks softly to him. The chemistry between them is electric.
“Hey!” I call as I walk towards them, my hands raised up in surrender. “I’m sorry. I was being an ass. I was only busting your balls man, but it was in poor taste.”