Page 42 of Daisy Chain
“We might’ve just met, but I know you’re kind, caring, generous and love the people in your life. You’ve even started up a charity.”
“Don’t confuse my generosity for kindness.”
Waving my arm around to take in the shop, I say, “Who would pay the owner to keep the store open, then replace all of Remi’s things even though most weren’t touched if they didn’t care? Don’t get me started on how you protected her from her foster father.” I poke him lightly on his chest. It’s so firm I could break a finger. “You, my friend, care a lot.”
He takes hold of my wrist and steps closer. I have to tilt my head back to look up at him. I swallow hard at the way he’s staring at my mouth, wanting so much for him to kiss me.
Someone clears their throat behind us, and I step back.
“Is there anything I can help you with?” the store owner asks. “Or I can take what you have to the cash register while you keep browsing.” Even with the massive tip Kade has probably offered her, she probably wants to go home as soon as possible.
Kade glances into the cart. “I think we have everything.” He turns to me. “Unless you can think of anything else?”
“This should cover it. If she needs more, I can always come back.”
The woman smiles, and we follow her toward the counter. She rings up the sale, and I gasp at the total amount. One tiny baby does not need to have so much money spent on them. I make the mistake of placing my hand on Kade’s arm. His muscles bunch under my palm, and he glances down at me, heat flashing from his eyes. Quickly dropping my arm to my side, I say, “Are you sure you want to spend so much money?”
He raises an eyebrow.
Right. Dumb question. No amount of money seems to be too much when he’s buying stuff for Remi. And he reckons he doesn’t care. I inwardly scoff.
We take our purchases to the car and pile all the bags into the trunk. When we’re seated inside, Kade says, “Where do you live? I’ll take you home.”
I turn to look at him. “Natasha might need me to help her with the clothes.”
Kade pulls out onto the street. “Giselle can do it.”
“Oh… okay.” His dismissal stings a little, but I give him my address, and we sit in silence as he drives through the busy streets.
Fifteen minutes later, he turns onto my street and parks in front of my building.
“Thanks for the ride. Tell Natasha if she needs anything to please let me know.”
“I’m sure she’ll be fine. She has all the help she needs.”
Why is Kade being so cold all of a sudden? He had no problem with me staying with her the first night. Or my visits. Now I’ve helped him shop, I’m of no use to him? He makes my head spin. “Well… goodnight.”
I get out of the car and make my way to the building. Footsteps sound behind me, and I spin around, surprised to see Kade has followed me. “What are you doing?”
“Making sure you get home safely.”
“I think I can manage on my own.” As I’m about to step away, a dark figure steps from the shadows. Jeremy? My ex's gaze travels over Kade and then back at me.
“Jeremy, what are you doing here?” After our breakup, he stopped coming to church, and I hoped to never see him again.
“I came to see you.” Jeremy isn’t much taller than me and only comes to Kade’s chin. His slender body doesn’t come close to Kade’s muscular one. “Who are you?” he asks Kade, his tone sharp.
“He’s no one,” I say. Kade’s head turns sharply to look at me. “We had to help a mutual friend, and he gave me a ride home.” Kade’s gaze burns into me. That’s what you get for getting rid of me. “What do you want, Jeremy?”
“I… arhh… This is personal. Do you mind if I speak to Daisy alone?” he says to Kade.
Kade crosses his arms over his chest. “I’m not leaving. I told Daisy I’d see her into her apartment safely.”
“This is a private matter between Daisy and I. After I’m done, I’ll see she gets inside.”
Kade doesn’t move. He only stares Jeremy down.
“Are you going to let him stick around?” Jeremy turns to me.
