Page 5 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

“Thanks, Annie,” he says, finally breaking the silence. “Everyone must think I’m a big fool, but you helped me save face.”

“It’s not on you, Cade. Scarlett is the one who looked bad tonight,” I say, looking out the window. We really don’t know each other very well. We just have friends in common who are dating.

“Trust me when I say, it’s on me. I had a feeling she was cheating. I just buried it under the rug instead of dealing with it,” he confesses, which seems odd.

I turn to finally look at him. He’s a very handsome guy, with high sharp cheekbones and a slight slant to his hazel eyes, which have an inner ring that’s a golden hue. His mother is Korean, and his father is Caucasian, and Cade must have taken the best of both worlds.

“I’m not sure I understand. Were you trying to avoid conflict?” I ask.

“Maybe. . .I don’t know,” he replies. “Things with Scarlett were complicated.”

I could understand complication.

“I’m not judging, Cade. I’m sure seeing her making out with another guy felt like a sword going through your heart.”

He grips the steering wheel tighter. I watch his jaw pulse.

“She isn’t going to give up on me. Even after I caught her red-handed,” he says. He pulls in front of my house and places the car in park. “That kiss. . .”

My cheeks heat, the memory of his lips on mine still feeling fresh.

“I was helping out a friend,” I assure.

“Well, friend, if I can ever repay the favor, please let me know,” he offers with a slight tilt to his lips.

Damn, he’s hot.

I reach for the door handle and open the door to the cool night air, when an idea strikes.

“Actually. . .” I get back in the car and close the door. Cade looks confused. “There is something you can help me with.”

“There is?” he asks, seeming surprised. Maybe he didn’t think I would call in the favor so fast.

“Yes.” I bite my lip. “This is a little out there but I’m feeling desperate. . .”

“Oh, Annie, sex is probably not a good idea right now.”

My eyes bulge. “Oh, no . . . that’s not what I meant. Like at all.”

“Oh, sorry.” He squeezes his eyes shut. “Tonight is not my night.”

“It’s fine. I, um, was going to make you an offer. We both seem to be in a bit of a predicament.”

I think I’ve caught his attention by the way his dark brows pinch, and his forehead is creasing. He looks a little worried too. “What did you need help with?”

“My ex from high school cheated on me and treated me like shit, and I kept taking him back. I don’t want to get into any of it, I just. . .”How the hell do I ask this?

Cade is watching me like I am some loose cannon, not that I can blame him. “I’m not sure where this is going.”

“Right.” I tap my lip with my index finger.Just spit it out, Annie.“Ford, that’s my ex. He recently waltzed his way back into my life. It’s a whole complicated story but the point is, I think he wants me back. There is no way I want to go back to him, but he isn’t the type of guy to walk away when he wants something. He’s going to try and break down my defenses.”

“Are you scared of him? Because I can kick his ass,” Cade offers. I don’t know much about hockey, but Ruby and Charlie have explained that Cade is the guy to throw down on the ice for his teammates. He doesn’t seem like a fighter but on the ice, he’s known to throw fists.

“No, not that kind of help,” I clarify. “Ford is transferring to Riverside. I wouldn’t mind sending him the message that I’m in a committed relationship,” I splutter. “And you, well, it seems like Scarlett still thinks she has a chance with you. She may still try to convince you to take her back.”

“I don’t know where this is going, but I’m slightly worried right now,” he replies. The confuzzled look on his face causes a burst of laughter to escape me. Really, I think it’s just my nerves.

“Just relax, Cade. All I’m proposing is that you become my fake boyfriend. That way I deter Ford, and you can keep Scarlett at a distance.”

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