Page 3 of Cade

He gives me a slight grin. “I asked you to keep me company, and we’re getting to know each other. Both are good in my book.” Huh.

My mouth moves before my brain. “Losing my vision doesn’t scare you off? My experience is that most guys hear about it and run for the hills. Even the few who stick around for a bit end up getting frustrated with it.”

Cade leans forward in his seat with a serious look on his face. “Hanna, those were boys and not men. A man, a real man, won’t see that as a frustration or a reason to run for the hills. Now, you tell me you don’t like coffee or chocolate, andthat’sa reason to run for the hills.” My laughter comes out loud and immediate. He smiles and it lights up his face.I’m definitely in trouble.

Tonight’s ending up being way more interesting than most family days. I’ve spent almost the entire night getting to know Cade. He’s fascinating and one of the funniest guys I’ve met in a long time. He was able to keep up with the verbal banter from Asher and the other brothers, including Saxon, Juan, and Ry, and that’s saying something. We’ve been enjoying the evening around the table, and between the lights and the fire, I’ve been able to see Cade and the brothers near me all night.

Zane stands up and looks at the group. “As much as I would love to stick around and do more prospecting chores for you, we’ve got to get going. It’s a couple of hours back, and we’ve got practice in the morning.” He goes around saying his goodbyes. Cade, who’s been sitting next to me, leans in. “I’ve had a much better time tonight than I thought I would, and I’m pretty damn sure you’re the reason for that. I’d like to continue to get to know you. I can’t promise I can make it up here a lot during the season, but would you be open to continuing this conversation through text or voice messages?” I nod and give him my phone.

“Put in your number and I’ll send you a text. I can either do voice messages or voice-to-text when my eyes are tired.” He types in his number and must send a text because his phone buzzes in his other hand. He gives me a smile.

“Wanted you to see I didn’t give you a bullshit number or anything. You can text me whenever you want. If it’s during a practice or game, I’ll answer as soon as it’s over, but you might find out that my life is pretty fucking boring most of the time.”

If he only knew. “I have a feeling you’re underselling yourself, but that’s okay because my life is boring enough for both of us.”

He shakes his head as he stands up. He bends down to get close to me and whispers, “I would ask you to walk with me to the SUV, but it’s dark over there, and Ireallydon’t like the idea of you walking back alone after we leave. I’m going to say goodnight to you here and tell you that you better text me so we can get to know each other more and I can eventually ask you out for a proper date.” He leans in, kisses my cheek, and murmurs, “Thank you for a great evening. I hope it’s just the first of many more with you, beautiful Hanna.” Maybe this kind of trouble is just what I need.

After they take off, I get a ride home from Asher and Logan since Mom, Dad, and Pops went home a while ago. When Asher pulls into the driveway, Logan turns in my direction and gives me a big smile. “We’re coming over for dinner tomorrow, and you and I are gonna have to talk about what’s goin’ on with you and that hunky rugby player who came tonight.”

Asher glares at Logan, then looks at me. “What the hell do you mean what’s going on between you and that guy Zane broughtaround? You just broke up with Mario!” I can’t help but roll my eyes at my oblivious big brother. “That was a few months ago. Nothing has happened…yet. He asked me out for a date sometime.” I can tell Asher is gonna say something that’ll piss me off, so I cut him off and continue. “I’d like you to remember I’m a grown-ass adult and only living at home because the place I want isn’t available for a couple of months. I’m older than Logan was when you two got married. Now I’m gonna go inside and go to bed, and all you’re going to do is say goodnight and turn on the brights so I can see my way to the door.” I lean forward and pull one of Asher’s arm hairs for good measure and hop out of the truck as fast as possible. I hear him howl and Logan laughing and shouting out his goodbyes.

I hurry up the stairs and get inside, quietly making my way to my room. As soon as my bedroom door closes, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. I pull it out and check my messages. With the enlarged font, I can read it fine tonight since my eyes aren’t tired.

Cade: I had a great time tonight. Thank you. If I survive Zane driving back since he refused to give up the keys, I really would like to take you out sometime.

Me: He can’t be that bad. I haven’t heard that he’s wrecked his bike at all. I’d like to go out sometime. I had more fun tonight than I expected to, so thank you.

Cade: He’s fine on his bike, but I swear, put him behind the wheel of a truck or SUV, hell, even the golf cart at the stadium, and you’re gonna see your life flash before your eyes at least half a dozen times.

Me: LOL. I think you might be exaggerating on the golf cart, but I’ll take your word for it. It’s what, a two- or three-hour drive?

Cade: A little over two hours.

Me: That’s gonna be a late night for you guys. I’m surprised you didn’t leave earlier since you have practice in the morning.

Cade: It’s mostly just cardio tomorrow. This was a bye week for us-meaning we don’t have a game this week. Usually, we’d have a match on Saturday or Sunday. So even with gettinghome late, we’ll be fine. Besides, I’m really happy I came tonight.

Me: I’m glad you did too. I’m assuming the answer, but I like to know things for certain. You are single, right? I mean, you wouldn’t be the kind of guy who asks a woman out while having a girlfriend already, would you?

Cade: I am very much single. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve dated anyone seriously. I would think someone today would’ve mentioned it, but the same goes for you, right?

Me: Yeah, I’m single. I was seeing someone, but that ended about six months ago. Nothing dramatic or anything. We just weren’t right for each other.

Cade: That sounds so adult and mature of you. Not sure we can be friends if you’re that mature.

Me: Oh, I don’t know about that. I spent the morning pranking my oldest brother with the help of his husband. The man is a creature of habit, which helped me out.

Cade: Now this I gotta hear. As someone with a younger sister, I know sibling wars never end. They just evolve. We have one that has been going on since I was eleven. My sister’s wife has even gotten involved.

Me: It’s kinda a long story…this pranking has been going on since I was like eight…

Cade: I’m not going anywhere for a while. Keep me entertained. Plus, I need new ideas for my war with my sister.

Oh, the man doesn’t know what he’s asking for. This is gonna take some explaining.

**********

I stretch and reach for my phone and hit the lamp on the nightstand. It’s connected to two other lights in my room, so it lights up as soon as I hit the button. I let my eyes adjust for a moment. I know someday there may not be a change, and this haze will more than likely be permanent, but today’s not that day.