Page 37 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

“So he’s just a friend?” Lola nudges, referring to Cade.

She’s a couple of years younger than me and Ford is one year older than me. I know both of the Bancroft siblings from school.

I blink since I’m feeling off-kilter, while my mind transports me to the past and my horrible breakup with Ford. “For now. I’m hoping for more,” I say because she seems to be intrigued by Cade.

“Ooh.” Her eyes widen. “He’s a hottie. Look at that physique. All the girls go crazy for the hockey players at Westfall.”

“How is college life treating you?” I inquire.

“Fine. I’m majoring in political science. Daddy expects me to attend law school,” she says with a tone lacking enthusiasm. “At least Ford enjoys that stuff. Can you believe he’s transferring to Riverside U?” She waits expectantly.

No, I can’t believe it.

“Um. . . I didn’t really understand why he would leave Harvard,” I say instead.

“He wasn’t happy and Daddy wants him more involved in the firm. It’s an easier commute for him,” Lola explains. She’s wearing a pleated mini dress with gold buttons and high-heel black boots. Her black hair is slicked back and her makeup makes her green eyes look feline. They are a good-looking family. That’s for sure.

“Makes sense,” I reply.

“Do you want to go to the kitchen and get a drink? I feel like we’re going to need alcohol if we’re getting through tonight,” she suggests.

There’s a waitress Mom hired who is handing out hors d’oeuvres and the dads have moved toward the moms, so they are chatting together now.

“Lola, are you already causing trouble?” Ford smiles and his dimples pop as he peeks his head into our conversation.

“Seriously, Ford, we need drinks,” she sighs.

“You got anything good lying around?” he asks.

My gaze moves to Cade. This all feels very awkward and there is no way I am drinking or letting my guard down around Ford.

“Daddy does have a stash in the kitchen in a cabinet over the oven,” I say.

“Lead the way,” he says.

I walk first and feel Cade directly behind me. He places his hand on my lower back and that small touch feels stabilizing and reassuring. I take a small easy breath for the first time tonight. When we get to the kitchen, Lola hops up on a counter and her dress moves up her thighs.

“So, Cade, I hear you’re a hockey player. I go out to a lot of the Westfall games,” she says.

“They are a respectable opponent.” Cade nods.

I take a bottle of tequila out of the cabinet. I also grab a few tumblers.

“I hope tequila is okay,” I say as I place the tumblers on the counter.

“Fuck yeah,” Lola cheers.

Cade watches me carefully.

“Who’s having?” I ask.

“Me,” Ford says.

I look over at Cade. “None for me. I’m not much of a drinker.”

“Seriously, buddy? I remember partying with the hockey guys back at Harvard. Those guys were a blast,” Ford says.

“I don’t drink during the season,” Cade explains.

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