Page 107 of Caged

“It’s not like that. We suffered through hell together, so it’s normal for me to want to make sure she’s okay.” I sounded lame as I excused my behavior.

Not wanting to see them smirking at me, I refused to look at anyone.

“Whatever you say, but I expect updates from you more often now that you’re not hiding away in the dessert.”

“I’d hardly call it hiding.” I’d gone dark for missions, but I wasn’t hiding.

“We didn’t know where you were,” Madi said.

“No, but The Marine Corps did,” I laughed as I answered.

“Fine.” She rolled her eyes. “It sucked that we rarely got to talk. I’ve missed you.”

“Missed you, too.” I didn’t have to fake the emotion behind it. I was closest to Madi growing up because she always stuck up for me.And she’d never called me a mistake.

“So, you’ll call me when something happens with you and Maxwell?”

Covered snickers filled the room.Damn it.

“I wouldn’t wait for that, since it isn’t likely to happen. I don’t want you giving me shi-crap because I waited too long.”

I saw the question in her eyes as she tilted her head to the side, her hazel eyes laser-focused as she studied me through the camera.

Every single member of my family saw through my bullshit. But just because I had feelings for Cate didn’t mean she had them for me.

Before she could ask any questions, Dad cut in, “Let your mother and I have some time with our daughter.”

Thanks, Dad. I wasn’t ready to have that conversation with anyone. Not even myself.

Chapter 41

Cate

Islept through most of Monday. The rest was exactly what I needed, allowing me to feel more like myself when I woke up on Tuesday. Except for the fact that I was keenly aware of Jay’s continued absence.

Any time a knock sounded at the door, I expected to see Jay’s tall, strong body strut though it. Expected? I hoped.Maybe seeing him will help me work through the disconnect between my heart and mind.And I wanted to make sure he really was okay.

I’d developed feelings for him, but I didn’t trust them. I also doubted he felt the same way about me.

When I’d asked, my father said he hadn’t heard from Jay, but John had called to check on me.

Where is Jay?Why hasn’t he come to see me?

I considered calling him, but decided against it. If he didn’t want to see me, I’d accept it and move on. I wouldn’tcall and beg. We’d developed a friendship in the cage, but it could never be more than that.If it’s even that.

Risking my career for an office romance was stupid; a romance with my boss’s son, no less. The idea reminded me of the romcom movie theme of dating the Captain’s daughter.It fits both of us.I was the General’s daughter, and dating me was something no Marine with half a brain dared to do.Dating?I wasn’t even sure we were friends.

My stomach rumbled, letting me know I was hungry. Starving actually. The only things they’d allowed me to eat were soup, scrambled eggs, bread, and jello. I begged my dad to get a burger and fries so I could steal a bite.

He looked at me, unsure if he should break the rules by letting me eat something the doctor hadn’t approved.

“Please, Dad. I need something with flavor.” My mouth salivated at the thought of a greasy burger and salty fries.

“Alright. What do I want on my burger?” he asked, fully embracing the idea once he’d agreed.

“Cheese, lettuce, and tomato” I wanted bacon, but didn’t think he’d go that far. “And you need fries.”

“Do I also need ketchup?”

---