Page 10 of Strawberry Cake

Decan sighed and turned off the water, grabbing onto the railing to haul himself out of the shower. As he transferred himself onto a dry bench outside the stall, he couldn’t help but wonder if Hope would always be so casual about him and his disability. He hated that word, but what would she think if she saw him likethis? Probably not that he was sexy. Women never stayed around long enough to be even remotely intimate with him. The only women who had seen him naked were the nurses who’d cared for him in the hospital, and that was emasculating enough.

Once his curls were no longer dripping onto his shoulders, he dressed and forced himself into the kitchen to make dinner.

Decan spent the next morning working on a manuscript for a new client. It was slow-working, having to get used to a new style. Every writer was different, so Decan had to make sure to offer the best suggestions without silencing what made the author unique.

Having ignored his phone all morning, he finally checked it when he stopped for something to eat. There was a missed call from Hope that he immediately returned.

“Hi,” she softly greeted.

“Hi, sorry I missed your call earlier. I was working.”

“On a book?”

“Yeah.”

“Is it good? Would you recommend it?”

“It might not be your genre.”

“Well, if you ever get something on your desk you think I would like, you’re required to tell me.”

“I’ll be sure to give you the inside scoop,” he promised with a smile.

“Thank you.” After a small pause, Hope continued, “I only wanted to check on a dress code for Tuesday. I can’t be showing up in a ballgown while you’re wearing sweatpants.” She giggled at her own words. “Not that I mind the sweatpants, but we should at least match.”

“I’ll wear my Adam Sandler best,” he agreed with a chuckle. “Business casual?”

“Business casual it is.”

“Can I pick you up? Parking might be a nightmare.”

“What a gentleman. I think I’ll take you up on that sweet offer.” A second later, his phone vibrated. “That’s my address. I’ll meet you at the leasing office.”

“Is it far from your apartment?”

“No, but parking here is a nightmare too, so it’ll be easier. I only just got a permanent spot.”

“You’ve lived there for a while?”

“Close to two years now. Are you working all day today?”

“Just a while longer. My best friend is coming over today to watch the game. What are you getting up to?”

“I’m volunteering at the animal shelter.”

“That’s awesome!”

“Thanks, I’ve always wanted a dog, but I work long days. I think a cat might be more appropriate.”

“They can be good companions too.”

“And not as bothered as a dog when you leave them for hours at a time.”

“Why haven’t you gotten one yet?”

“The new owners don’t allow pets. Maybe whenever I’m ready to move again I might get one.”

“I’m guessing you don’t want to move anytime soon?”

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