“I never said it was. I don’t envy you.”
He leaned back and then stood slowly, smirking. “Yes, you do. You’d give your right nut for Kari to be pregnant right now.”
Standing and stretching out my long legs, I spun my Saints hat around on my head. “I’m not sayin’ I wish things with Kari weren’t more serious.”
“So why not make them that way?”
“It’s not that simple.”
Cane didn’t say a word, just watched me, waiting on me to explain. I rapid-fired through memories, trying to condense everything into a few words.
“If Kari is anything, it ain’t simple,” I muttered. “I just don’t know what to do with her. If I act like I’m not paying attention, not pressuring her for anything, she relaxes. She allows herself to get into a routine with me. She’ll stay at the house, talk about things, be a normal human being. But as soon as she thinks I’m pushing, she backtracks. Reminds me we are just about sex.”
He tilted his head, chewing his bottom lip. “There was a time when I loved those words—‘we are just about sex.’ Now we’re sitting here talking about how to make things more fucking complicated. What the hell is wrong with us?”
I laughed at the appalled look on his face.
“We’re turning into women. Those women,” he said, glancing down the hallway, “are ruining us.”
“I’m not a woman. I still have my freedom. Now you, on the other hand, are fucked.”
“You’re fucked, too, asshole. It’s not like you’re out getting some strange pussy. Just marry her and get it over with.”
I shook my head in frustration. “I ask her all the time. And she always says, ‘Not today.’”
“Want me to talk to her for ya?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely not.”
“I’ve always said you’d need me one day. Maybe now’s the time.” The cockiness that was Cane’s trademark was written all over his face. “Yeah. Let the guy that knows what he’s doing help out.”
I rolled my eyes and walked to the kitchen, tossing my cup in the trash. “I don’t know what I need to fix this shit, but it’s not you.” I watch Cane toss his bottle in the trash. “She’s it for me, Alexander. She’s the one. I just need her to see it.”
Cane grabbed my shoulder as he walked towards the island. He leaned against it, crossing his arms in front of him. “She sees it or she wouldn’t still be with you. Maybe she wants you to get on one knee and all that bullshit.”
“If I go doin’ that, she’s gone. There’s no way she won’t run. I just . . .” I looked out the window at the leaves swaying with the breeze. “I need to figure out what she’s so scared of. That’s the key. And then change her perception.”
This book is the product of a few people specifically:
My family, I don’t know how I got so lucky to call you mine, but I thank God I do. I love you all.
Books by Adriana Locke, so many of you asked for more Cane & Max! I hope you enjoy!
Heather, if you hadn’t pushed me to finish The Exception originally, this novella wouldn’t be necessary. Thank you for being you.
Kari, you get me like no other person on the face of the planet. I could thank you for a million things, but I’m going to assume you know what I mean since you always do. <3
Jen, I’m pretty sure the majority of this book was written as I talked to you while I walked around the park. Thank you for always listening and never getting impatient. You’re the best.
Susan, you asked for this book from day one. Without your “What happened in Vegas?” messages every week, I never would’ve written this. Huge hugs, lady!
Mandi, the boys are back! ;) No worries if you don’t make it through Family Day—I got Love Burns covered. Ha!
Michele, you are always so enthusiastic about beta-ing my work and this was no exception. Thank you for reading and making sure Cane wasn’t too much of a romantic. I appreciate you!
Tiffany the Bibliophile your love for Cane never waivers. I love your dedication to him and your texts (even when I forget to check them!).
Charlie Hunnam Forever, your enthusiasm for all things Cane never fails to make me smile! And your posts do, too, but that goes without saying.
Joy, you never fail to encourage me in every crazy idea I come up with. I am so blessed to know you. One of these days, we will meet!
Jillian, you literally have a gift for proofreading. Your attention to detail and willingness to drop everything and help me out amazes me. I love you, your heart, and your friendship.
Randa Lynn, my Ouiser, you took time out of your writing to read mine. There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude or love.
Stephanie, you always drop what you’re doing and update my Goodreads. You are one of the sweetest ladies I know and I appreciate you SO MUCH.