Page 6 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

I wait for a response from Cade. He looks frozen. I watch the wheels turning in his mind. I’m proud of my brilliant plan. Ford’s father will help Daddy. Ford will keep his distance from me, and Scarlett will have the message driven home that Cade isn’t on the market. It’s a win-win.

“Cade?” I ask when he’s been silent too long.

“We would just be faking it?” he asks.

“I mean, we will have to make it look real, but obviously it isn’t. You wouldn’t be able to see other people because of the risk if word gets out,” I explain.

“No, I get what you mean. That is a good idea. Scarlett knows I’m not a cheater, which will send her the message we are over,” he says, almost like he is convincing himself by repeating the words.

“So, are you in?” I ask.

He turns to me and extends his hand. “It’s a deal.”

CHAPTER TWO

Cade

“Hey, how are you holding up?” Aaron asks as I drink a coffee and stare into space the next morning, while sitting at the kitchen table. The guys are making plans and getting ready for break.

“Okay, I guess.”

“You cared for her. You wanted to see the best in her. You can’t be faulted for that,” he says.

“I appreciate you saying that, but I stayed with her longer than I should have.” I shake my head.

“Don’t be hard on yourself.” Aaron gives my shoulder a squeeze.

“I’m going to hit the gym. You want to join me?” he asks.

“I’m really not in the mood,” I tell him.

He sighs. “Don’t get into a funk. She isn’t worth it.”

“I know, but it’s easier said than done.”

Aaron nods like he understands.

“How about the hot redhead from last night?” he asks, grinning wide.

“You mean, Annie?” I ask, surprised.

He nods with a mischievous grin. That was a pity kiss and everyone knows it.

“She was helping me out,” I say.

“So, continue to help each other out.” He winks.

“Can I tell you something? But you have to promise not to tell a soul,” I say to him.

I probably shouldn’t mention my arrangement with Annie. I need to know if he thinks it’s a good idea because I’m clearly not thinking straight.

“You have my word,” he assures, looking concerned.

“It has to do with Annie. She thinks we should pretend to date. Her asshole ex is transferring here in the winter. He wants her back and she wants to keep him at a distance. I don’t think Scarlett is going to back off, even after I caught her in the act. I agreed to Annie’s little arrangement last night, but I’m having second thoughts,” I confess.

“Bro, it’s brilliant,” Aaron says enthusiastically. “Scarlett isn’t going to back away from you. Knowing her, she is going to try to worm her way out of the shithole she dug herself.”

“Yeah, I’m a bit of a mess right now. It does make sense to keep her away. Especially when my head is so messed up,” I admit. I stayed with Scarlett for way too long. I had my reasons though.

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