The Exception (The Exception #1)

“What’s the matter, Cane?”


A small grin slid over his face, his features easing. “A little bit of everything and a whole lot of nothing.”

Confused, all I could do was grin back. He winked before putting on his pants and turning and heading downstairs.

I rolled to my side and snuggled down into the blankets. I inhaled the scent of Cane that was everywhere, letting it take over my senses. But the longer he was gone, the more I started to worry, started to second guess my decisions.

Don’t overthink this. Just enjoy it for whatever it turns out to be.

I had just begun to doze off when the door cracked open again and shut softly. The bed dipped with his weight. He sat for a few moments, not moving, and I didn’t say anything. My heart was racing, knowing this was the moment of truth.

The bed shifted again as Cane lay beside me, not touching me, except to brush a lock of hair off my face.

“Sleep, beautiful girl.”





JADA


“Damn it!” I shoved the top of the printer back, spotting the offending piece of paper jammed inside.

With the last few days I’ve had, how am I even surprised?

I scowled as I squeezed my hand into the tiny space before yanking the paper out. Slamming the top back down, I sat in my chair with a huff.

The week was dragging.

Everything seemed to have gone wrong since I woke up the Friday before to a text.

Cane: You’re beautiful even when you are asleep.

“Sleep, beautiful girl.” His words echoed through my brain.

Sleep? Why? So he could make his getaway? So he could flee without having to speak or see me again?

According to Max, Cane had taken an impromptu trip to Payson very early on Friday morning. So a part of me wanted to believe that is why Cane hadn’t stayed with me or contacted me since then, besides the text. Those thoughts encouraged a seed of hope to grow.

The other side of me laughed and stomped harshly on the prospect.

This is exactly what I knew he would do. I will probably never see him or hear from him again. Don’t be jaded about this.

I hit PRINT on the screen, wishing life could be controlled with simple commands like that.

If that was possible, would I DELETE the night with Cane?

I smiled to myself.

Of course I wouldn’t.

I had made the decision to be with Cane with a clear mind. I couldn’t regret that—and I didn’t. I also couldn’t be shocked that when I had woken up, he was gone. All I could do was control how I went forward.

I had sent him a return text, thanking him for the compliment and he failed to reply. I wasn’t going to call him or text him again. I couldn’t lose my dignity; I had to be strong. Cane knew how to get ahold of me if that is what he wanted, but I wouldn’t reach out to him.

The ping of my email caught my attention and I clicked on the little envelope.



To: Jada Stanley

From: Simon Powers

Re: Solomon Place - Offer



Jada,

I have faxed you the details of the offer I would like to make on Solomon Place. I will be out of cell reception this afternoon. If you need anything, please leave me a message and I will call you back when I get back to town. That will most likely be sometime tomorrow.

Thank you,

Simon





This day might turn around, after all!

I went into the fax room, found Simon’s paperwork lying on the tray, and took it back to my desk. I pulled the Solomon Place file and began compiling all of the documents for the offer. Lo and behold, one piece of paper was missing Cane’s signature.

Confident that the world hated me, I searched our system for Alexander Industries’ fax number. It was nowhere.

My spirits sank as I tried to find a way around talking to Cane.

Lucy!

I searched for the main office number and dialed, perking up in my seat when she answered right away.

“Hi, Lucy. It’s Jada from Stanley Real Estate. I have an offer for the Solomon Place, but I need your fax, please.”

“Hello, Jada! Just a minute and I will transfer you over to Mr. Alexander.”

“Oh, no,” I said hurriedly. “That isn’t necessary. I just need your fax.”

“If you call, Ms. Stanley, I’m supposed to send you back. I’m sorry,” she apologized. “Now, if you’ll hold, I will get you back there.”

“Lucy, please, can’t you just give me the number?”

“I can’t. I have to follow orders. Just a moment.”

I bowed my head, trying to brace myself for the uncertainty that was barreling towards me.

“I wondered how long it would take you to call me,” Cane answered, his voice calm and controlled.

I sat upright, my jawing hanging in disbelief. “You’re kidding me, right?”

Cane just laughed. “How has your week been?”

“Fantastic. I just need your fax,” I said, cutting to the chase. If he wanted to talk about anything more than Solomon Place, he would need to be the one to bring it up.