Page 5 of Gorgeous

I knew it was Cade when the older lady swooned, talking about the handsome fella with the enchanting green eyes. You don’t forget eyes like his. Or an ass like his—not that granny mentioned his ass, but she had to be thinking it. I listened to their tales of Anniston and her defiant nature until they changed topics and started arguing over politics. That’s when I paid my tab and bummed a ride from a friendly guy—okay, he was a little sketchy, but they don’t have cabs in Madison. I was desperate to get out of there and find Cade.

I told Frank, the sketchy guy, about Anniston, and he knew exactly who I was talking about. After several uncomfortable minutes of him talking about how hot she is, he agreed to drop me off in the square, at the Farmers’ Market, claiming Anniston frequented it almost daily. Which is where I currently sit, hiding in the trees like a total stalker watching her lightly punch Major Jameson in the arm as they dine outside at a rickety picnic table.

I can’t hear exactly what they’re saying but it’s obvious Cade is listening intently as his eyes focus on nothing but her. My stomach roils as I realize he’s found a home and he looks … happy. Something tight squeezes my chest but I refuse to cry over this. My mission was simple: find Cade and help him get back on his feet.

Anniston beat me to it.

And, unlike me, she’s incredibly beautiful. Jess was right; I am crazy for doing this. Now I’ve lost my internship and probably the only opportunity I would have had to establish my name in the culinary industry. I’ll have to start over, probably at a fast-food joint. It won’t be with Philipe, but whatever, as long as I’m in the kitchen, I’ll be happy.

I think.

After a few more seconds of spying, I pull out my phone and brace for theI told you soand type out a text to Jess.

Cade’s fine. He’s with some doctor who found him. She’s beautiful.

I’m just about to typeI’m coming homewhen I hear Anniston’s voice much closer than it was before.

“Yes, Theo, we’re on our way home. We stopped for lunch.” She pauses and then huffs out, “Don’t be an ass. I said I would pick you up. How was I supposed to know your flight would be early?”

Anniston paces around the grassy area, rolling her eyes and smiling into the phone when she says, “Keep talking like that, Von Bremen, and I’ll make sure that’s the last time you speak for the day.” She laughs hard, holding the phone away from her ear while Theo yells through the speaker. “I’ll tell you what, Theo. If you can refrain from being a total asshole in the car, I’ll give you a blowie when we get home.”

I don’t know if he agrees or what because she winks at Cade who looks as though he could vomit any second. She hangs up the phone and asks, “Want me to drop you off at the house, Gorgeous?” Cade quickly nods his head in relief.

I watch as Cade holds the door open to the SUV parked along the street, and helps Anniston in. As she passes, she strokes his face with her fingertips, and I tense up with … I don’t know what. Cade isn’t mine. Just because I’ve sacrificed my potential career for him and left behind everything I have ever known doesn’t make him belong to me. My stomach is just upset from the move and all.

That has to be it.

Cade and I share something special, something no one will ever understand but the two of us. Without even knowing each other, Cade and I are bonded.

We both loved and cared for Bennett Brannon.

And his death broke both of our hearts.

I realize two things in that moment. One: My stomach really is revolting against the greasy diner food. Two: Cade isn’t homeless anymore and doesn’t need me to intervene and save him like I thought. Bennett’s letter flashes in my mind.

You don’t leave the brotherhood.

Call it insanity.

Call it fate.

Call it curiosity.

Call it me being a stubborn ass, but the promise I made to my brother roots me to the ground. I delete my previous text message to Jess and go with,Found him! He’s even more gorgeous than I remember. He’s living with a local doctor. I want to be sure he’s okay before I come home. I miss your face. I’ll call you when I check into a hotel, and we’ll work on the Avengers review.I end the text with a string of heart emojis and hit send.

Two minutes later I get,You better, whore. Sneak a pic of him and send it to me. I want to know what the face of your demise looks like.She also sends emojis after her text but they vary between hearts and the middle finger. It makes me smile.

With a renewed outlook, I take a deep breath and look up at the heavens.

I’m doing this.

One way or another, I’m going to get to know Bennett’s mentor; the person who held his hand as he took his last breath.

I don’t respond to Jess but instead wander over to the Farmers’ Market. I need a job and a place to stay, but other than that, I have nothing better to do than browse all the fresh grown produce and handmade trinkets. If I didn’t have to conserve my money, I would buy a ton of this stuff. All the homemade jellies and sauces intrigue me.

“Can I show you anything?”

I’m shaking my head when I look up and meet the eyes of a woman who has the sweetest expression, reminding me of home. Reminding me of Jess.

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