Page 110 of Caged

“That’s good to hear. John sings your praises.” He paused. “He seems like a good man, and he genuinely cares about you.”

Damn meds, making me emotional. I blinked back the extra moisture in my eyes.

“He’s a great leader.” In my father’s eyes, it was one of the highest compliments I could give.

“I sensed that. And the rest of the team?”

Now that he knew about Gavin and his bullshit, I sensed his question was multi-layered.

“Their good men. Honest, reliable, and I trust them.”

“Did you trust Gavin?”

I took my time answering. “Yes, and no. I trusted him to have my back and do his job. I let it cloud my judgment when we started dating and ignored the red flags.” Red flags I’d been watching for and hadn’t seen at SSI.

“Any red flags at SSI?”

I smiled. “No. I went in looking for them, expecting them.” Hell, I even tried creating one or two. “But they aren’t there.”

“And Jaden?”

“What about him?”

He raised his eyebrow. “You called his name more than once while you were out.” He said it so casually I did a double take.

“Did I?” I tried to play it off like my heart wasn’t racing like a thoroughbred. Like I hadn’t asked about him repeatedlywhile I was awake. I’d tried to act casual, but it was obvious he wasn’t buying it.

“You did. And John said Jaden discharged himself against medical advice so he could sit at your side.”

“He what?” I almost choked on the water I’d been sipping. He was there. I hadn’t imagined hearing his voice.So why didn’t he come see me after I woke up?

“Cate? Are you okay?”

I was, but a million things raced through my mind.Deep breaths. I reminded myself I could control my racing thoughts by focusing on my breath.

“I’m fine. Just surprised, that’s all.”

He didn’t believe me, but at least he had the decency to wait until I was calm again before asking me if I had a thing for Jay.

When I babbled through my no, and my excuses, he asked, “Care to tell me the truth?”

Memories of being scolded for lying about not doing my homework flashed through my mind. I’d always hated that feeling, which explained how I’d become an uptight overachiever.

I didn’t want to admit I might have fallen for Jay in the cage. Or tell him I wasn’t sure how much of what I remembered was true versus wishful thinking. Or admit how much it hurt that Jay hadn’t come back to see me.

I pretended to misunderstand him. “I’m fine, Dad.”

He leaned forward and asked, “Are you in love with him?”

My eyes shot open like a fucking cartoon at his directness, but at least my jaw didn’t hit the floor.

“What makes you say that?” I croaked out. He’ll never believe me if I keep sounding like I don’t believe me.

“You’re not as good at hiding your emotions as you think you are.”

“It doesn’t matter. If he cared, he would’ve come back to see me.” It was the closest I’d come to admitting it.

“A man doesn’t sign himself out AMA if he doesn’t care.”

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