Stealing Rose (The Fowler Sisters #2)(58)

I feel like a complete shit, since only a few minutes ago I had the interest of two men. How selfish am I? “Do you like smart guys?”

She laughs. “I certainly don’t like dumb ones.”

“I know someone … he’s sitting at my table. Really sweet, but always seems to be overshadowed by the other men he works with.”

The woman raises her brows. “Is he ugly?”

“Not at all.” I shake my head, enjoying her brutal honesty. “He’s cute. In an understated way, you know? Fun. Earnest. I could introduce you.”

The woman smiles. She’s dressed nicely in a pretty green dress and with her dark auburn hair and pale complexion, I’m sure Nigel would be bowled over to talk to a woman like her. “That sounds great. But if he’s so amazing, why aren’t you going after him?”

“Because I already have someone amazing,” I admit, thinking of Caden. I don’t care what my sister said. I don’t care if Ryder thinks he’s a con man. Look at Violet and how she turned Ryder around. I could do the same, right?

Right?

I exit the bathroom with my new friend Louise and hopefully Nigel’s future date, when we run into a glowering Caden in the hallway. I send him a pleading look, introducing him to Louise before we head out to the table.

“What are you doing?” I ask brightly, hoping he isn’t as mad as he looks.

He scowls. “What does it look like I’m doing? Using the bathroom.” With those famous parting words, he shoves his way into the men’s restroom, the door slamming behind him.

Ignoring my worry over what he must think about me, I take Louise out to the table and introduce her to everyone, saving Nigel for last. He’s a little drunk, wavering on his feet, but the spark of interest in his gaze upon first meeting Louise tells me I did the right thing.

Even better? She didn’t salivate over Hugh like I thought she might.

Leaving Louise with our little group—and neglecting to acknowledge the pointed stare Violet is shooting in my direction—I go back to the restroom area, hoping to catch Caden so I can talk to him privately.

He’s already there, waiting for me in the depths of the dark, short hall, leaning one shoulder against the wall, his arms folded defensively across his chest. Whereas the rest of us are in work attire, he’s dressed casually in jeans that mold perfectly to his strong legs and a white polo shirt that offsets his tan skin. He stands out with his longish hair and the stubble covering his cheeks. Not that he looks unkempt. More like he looks … amazing.

My heart trips over itself just staring at him.

“Where’s your boyfriend?” he asks snidely, sounding like a jealous idiot.

That shouldn’t please me, should it? That he’s jealous? Well, it does. And if that makes me petty and foolish, then so be it.

“I thought I was looking at him.”

He huffs out a sarcastic laugh. “Please. You’ve been up-front about what we’re doing from the start. Vacation sex, pure and simple.”

“If this is a vacation then why did I go in to work today?” This isn’t how I wanted our conversation to go. Not at all.

“Guilt? You’ve been f*cking around with the useless guy and now you’re finally realizing you need to straighten up and fly right.” He pushes away from the wall and takes a few predatory steps toward me. “When are you going back to New York? Or are you sticking around here for a few more days so Hugh can show you around town?”

So he definitely heard Hugh’s offer. Great. “I turned him down,” I say softly.

“Why?”

“Because I’m with you.” I lift my chin, hoping I don’t regret that statement.

“With me? How? Don’t tell me you’re starting to take this—thing between us seriously?”

Yep. Guess I regret my statement. “I thought maybe we both were,” I murmur.

He looks down at the floor, his hands on his hips, his hair falling over his forehead and hiding his face from my view. “I’m not good enough for you, Rose.”

His words cut like a knife but I say nothing, silently urging him to go on. I want to hear the exact reasons why he believes he’s not good enough for me. I need to hear them.

“I can offer you nothing,” he says after a few minutes of silence. “That other guy … Hugh. He’s probably the better man for you.”

He sees it. Everyone sees it. But I don’t care. “I don’t want him. I want you.”

Caden lifts his head, his dark gaze meeting mine. “I don’t get why.”

I want to slap him. Really. “I don’t want to fight, Caden. Please.”

He stares at me for long, agonizing minutes. “Let’s get out of here.” His hands drop to his sides and before I can say a word, he’s rushing toward me, grabbing me, pulling me into his arms, his mouth fusing with mine. I’m helpless in his arms, returning his kiss, crying out against his lips when he pushes me to the wall, pinning me there, his hips keeping me still.

I bury my hands in his hair and he tilts his head, deepening the kiss. We’re right back where we started. In a hidden spot at the White Swan, losing all control, too wrapped up in each other to worry about anyone else.

The obvious throat clearing comes seconds, maybe minutes, later and Caden lifts his head away from mine, the both of us turning to see Hugh standing there watching us, appearing uncomfortable.