The One and Only: A Single Mom Second Chance Romance (Heart of Hope) Ajme Williams (books for new readers TXT) 📖

my car and headed back into town. Would she even want to see me? Sure, we had had some steamy moments, but did that mean she really wanted to spend time with me? She’d sounded hurt that one time, saying that what we’d had was just a fling and reminding me of the hurtful words I’d used against her ten years ago. She still didn’t know the full story. Would she be willing to hear the truth now?

I called her, and she answered on the second ring. “Hello?”

“Laura.” My cock twitched at the sound of her voice. I could finally have her, no reason to hold back. I had to keep my thoughts straight or I’d crash the damn car from being too turned on. “I was wondering if you’d like to meet me for a drink?”

There was a long pause, then Laura said, hesitantly, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“It’s the least I can do to thank you. I owe you for this one.”

“I wasn’t trying to do anything, Cade, you have to believe me—”

“Laura. I know. I know that. And I’m happy. Seriously, I’m happy. I’m glad this has been called off. Della had the guts to do what I should’ve long ago. I want to celebrate, and I want to celebrate with you. Will you meet me for a drink?”

There was another long pause, and I was sure she’d say no, but when Laura finally spoke, she said, “I’ll meet you at the Boar’s Tavern in twenty minutes.”

“Meet you there.”

I rushed to the pub. It was one of those places that styled itself after the pubs and taverns in Europe, rather than a more classic American bar style. It had a small stage in the back for karaoke and a live band would play there sometimes—looked like a band was setting up right now, actually—and an empty area for dancing that also served as a solid divider between the booths and low tables that spread out along one side and the bar top with its tall stools on the other.

The fact that I didn’t see Laura was unsurprising. I’d rushed here for sure. I found us a booth that wasn’t right by the door but also not too close to the band, so we wouldn’t have to shout to be heard over the music. I ordered two waters because I needed something refreshing after the rollercoaster that had been the last hour or so of my life. I was sure that Laura would want something cool as well.

Laura walked in about five minutes later, looking stunning as usual. She was wearing the same outfit as before, a curve-hugging, long-sleeved shirt that exposed her shoulders, the extra fabric folded along it giving the impression of a scarf, and her delicious pencil skirt from the other day.

Seeing her in it earlier today had been difficult for my poor dick, but seeing her now…knowing that I could actually make a move, knowing that I might actually be able to have her…I felt like I was about to start drooling.

God, I wanted to just take her into my arms and kiss her senseless. Maybe meeting in a public place was a bad idea, given how badly I wanted to take her and claim her. To remind her of just how good I could make her feel and prove to her that she belonged with me.

I wrestled with myself to put my thoughts under control as Laura approached me. “Hi.” She sounded almost shy as she sat down.

Our server came up, we ordered food, and then Laura asked, “How did things go?”

“They could have gone better,” I acknowledged. Laura winced. “But they also could have gone worse. They weren’t exactly thrilled….”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” I took her hand. “It was a good thing, and my parents will figure that out eventually. Even if they don’t, that’s their problem, not mine nor Della’s. You’re right. They can’t use me like I’m an object. They can’t use me to live their own lives through me. I’m my own person. I’m glad that Della found her courage. I just wish I’d found mine sooner. Thank you.”

I released her hand and raised my glass. “To doing what makes us happy.”

Laura gave me an odd look, but raised her glass too, and she smiled as she echoed my toast.

Things were definitely looking up.

16

Laura

I liked this Cade. This was the Cade I’d fallen for all those years ago. He was carefree and smiling, and more confident. This was the Cade that I remembered. I could clearly see that a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Honestly, this felt just like all the dates we hadn’t gotten to have when we were teenagers. All our friends got to go out to local diners and restaurants, find the places that played music. We didn’t. We only went to places where nobody would find us or knew us. Now, just being in the open like this…it was so close to what I had wanted all those years ago.

Cade asked me questions about the event planning business, obviously wanting to stop talking about his family. I narrated a few funny stories and told him about Caitlyn and some of her misadventures. I was careful to avoid any mention of Drew. Although Drew was a subject that I could talk about for hours, to mention him would lead to Cade asking me about the father and….

I couldn’t tell him that. I couldn’t.

Cade laughed at my stories and said that he was grateful to Caitlyn. “It sounds like you really needed a friend. I know that you didn’t really have any in high school. I’m glad that you found one.”

He told me stories about his own best friend, Gray, and his exploits. “He’s the millionaire playboy type,” he explained.

“Isn’t it genius millionaire playboy philanthropist?” I pointed out, teasing.

“Yeah, but Gray’s the farthest thing from a genius you can get,” Cade replied, also teasing. “He did give me good advice about ending this