Page 125 of Fly Back to Me
When I eventually enter through the glass door, I idle myself behind a few women. Reflexively, my head peeks about, my body slightly leaning around to scope the scene before I blow out a breath.
Murmured conversations and laughs linger around me, a muddled mockery of this asinine idea I had. I should’ve known better considering I haven’t returned any single message of his.
My attention wanders, feet stepping forward as I inch closer to the order counter. I eject another breath, and the cork board of neon notes snags my concentration. Indifferently, my eyes roam the messages—some clever and some strange.
Hell, who am I to judge?
Until I catch the golden yellow petals peeking behind a pink Post-it in the bottom corner.
The green stem of the Black-Eyed Susan has been wrapped around the pointed edge of the board, only to curl around the thumbtack of the message.
I did think of you.
I saw your eyes.
I dip my brows, flashbacks of our argument popping before me, and I realize he’s responding to my question.
“Did you even think of me?!”
I pad over to the wall, my fingertips lifting to caress the silk petals. We planted this flowertogether. To heal and thrive. A token of how wesaved each other.
Cade doesn’t just keep me protected with his physical strength. He cradles my heart far from the ground to prevent it from shattering.
He fell in love with all my blemishes, his love only blossoming with every conversation and intimate moment. His lovelistens. His love is passionate and persistent. His love keeps myheart safe.
Just like he did the first time we met.
All those months ago.
That’s the power of Cade’s armor.
Chapter 47
Cade
“How did you make out with the Mind Haze?” I ask.
My customer lifts his camouflage hat, running a hand through his shaggy, brown hair. “I’m usually not a big fan of hazy IPAs, but this one is definitely the best I’ve tried.”
I grin on a nod. “Glad to hear it. I’m a milkshake IPA guy, so if I want something with a fruity flavor, that’s always my go-to.”
“Oh yeah?” He lifts his glass to his lips. “What’s in that?”
“Guava, mango, ripe pineapple, vanilla beans. It’s definitely on the sweeter side, but it’s balanced nicely.”
He bobs his head. “Let’s do that next.”
I tap the bar top. “You got it.”
As soon as I slide up to the clean drinking glasses, I pluck one off the stack to return to the tap faucets. On my spin, I catch sight of a familiar brunette behind the end of the bar.
“You made it back,” I say, pouring the thick beer.
“Me and my friend did, actually. She just walked off to take a phone call.”
I smirk, answering her as I slide my customer’s beer toward him. “I guess it’s safe to say there’re no issues with the beer.” Then I point to the drink in front of me, acknowledging Camouflage Hat. “Let me know what you think. Enjoy.”
He raises his fresh glass to me, and then I’m wandering to the brunette.
