Page 41 of Summer Heat
Lexie glanced at her sister, concerned by her sudden change in behavior.
“If your head hurts that badly, of course we’ll go home.” Even if she wasn’t convinced that Kendall had a headache after all.
Chapter Ten
Kade headed for lunch at an exclusive Italian restaurant in Midtown Manhattan with one of Blink’s key investors, Ian Dare. Normally Kade would enjoy meeting up with Ian, an old college buddy, but Ian had made it clear today’s meeting was about business. Ian had flown in from Miami on his private jet, specifically to discuss something about Blink going public and Ian’s financial contribution to the IPO, the Initial Public Offering.
Kade’s stomach clenched, and acid burned in his gut, but he pasted a big smile on his face and joined Ian, who was already waiting at a table in the back of the small restaurant. As usual, Ian wore a suit, and expecting that, Kade had dressed up himself, choosing a pair of black slacks and a white button-down shirt.
“Ian, good to see you,” Kade said, shaking hands with his old friend.
“Same.” Ian pumped his hand and the two men sat down.
“Derek and Luke send their best.” Kade shook his napkin out in front of him.
“Get into a fight?” Ian asked, gesturing to Kade’s injury and the splint covering his fingers and knuckles.
Kade didn’t see the point in lying. “I took my frustration out on a wall. The wall won.” He smirked at himself, because what else could he do?
Ian laughed. “I’ve wanted to do that a few times myself.”
“How’s your beautiful wife and daughter?” Kade asked, changing the subject to one that alw
ays put Ian in a good mood.
He grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Fantastic. Riley’s pregnant again,” Ian said.
If Kade wasn’t mistaken, the other man was fucking beaming. “Congratulations. That calls for a drink.” He gestured to the waiter.
Ian ordered himself a Glenlivet on the rocks.
Kade ordered his usual. “Macallan 18, neat, filled three quarters of the way full. I’ll also take a fresh bottle of natural spring water, room temperature, and a straw please.”
Ian raised an eyebrow but said nothing. It’d been years since Kade and Ian had shared a meal with drinks ordered, and the last time, they were college kids drinking beer.
“And your daughter?” Kade asked.
“Adorable, as you saw last time you were in town.”
Kade laughed because Ian’s little girl had indeed stolen the show at his mother’s second wedding, as the flower girl.
The waiter returned a few minutes later with their drinks. He placed Kade’s glass on the table, followed by a bottle of water and straw.
“May I?” the waiter asked.
Kade nodded.
The waiter poured water into a separate glass. Once the man left them alone, Kade took the straw and dipped it into the water, then placed exactly four drops into his scotch.
He raised his glass and spoke. “To your family,” he said, wanting to express his honest feelings before they delved into more serious business matters. “To their health and happiness.”
Ian clinked his glass. “Thanks, man.”
Kade inclined his head.
The waiter started to walk over, and Kade waved him away.
“Let’s talk first. That way we can enjoy the meal,” he said to Ian, hoping that whatever his friend wanted was something Kade could address and put behind them.
