The Kiss

Gabriel halted, keeping quiet for a while. He wasn’t startled by Cade’s out-of-the-blue question, he was just not sure what to say at the moment.

“I know my brother is asking me to trust you so much because he wants you to keep an eye on me and report back to him.” Cade went on, a little more blunt this time.

Gabriel turned to face him, asking, “Are you saying not to do my job now?”

“You can tell him about everything but this. He can’t know of any woman in my life. He mustn't.” Cade said, firmly. “That’s why I need you to quit being his man and become mine.” He requested. “I can’t work with someone I can’t trust with my secrets.

Gabriel was quiet for a while before he eventually replied, “Can I get back to you on that?”

“It’s hard to make an honest decision when I haven’t contacted my previous employer.” He added.

Cade sighed heavily, “I hope you make the right decision on time.” He concluded before shutting the door behind him.

He sat on the couch and relaxed his back. As soon as his eyes shot close, he couldn’t help remembering his encounter with Hazel.

Even though he didn’t want to admit it, Cade knew exactly what he felt being so close to Hazel. It was just as he’d felt five years ago when he lost his innocence to her but upon going back home, he kept the encounter from his family and went on to act like nothing out of the ordinary happened even when he knew everyone of his family members was worried for his future.

Cade tossed and turned on his bed up until the next day, not able to get a wink through the night as his mind explored the possibility of being Ivy’s father as well as his confusing feelings towards Hazel.

Gabriel returned to his suite with a file in hand and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, he went, “Here is the opening speech. You can opt for changes after going through it before the party begins.”

Cade sluggishly took the file from him and casually went through it, absentmindedly until Gabriel noticed the bag under his eyes and asked, “Was the bed uncomfortable? I booked this hotel and the suite in particular because I heard it was the best in Evercrest. Do I have to do my research again?”

Cade sighed heavily while handing back the file. “Everything is just perfect. I’m just having a hard time deciding what suit to wear for the party.” He lied.

It was an obvious lie and Gabriel didn’t want to make him feel uncomfortable so he just went with it, saying, “I can help you, if you don’t mind.”

“Have you made a decision?” Cade asked Gabriel who was already walking toward the bedroom to pick the suit.

Gabriel halted and turned back, replying, “I was so busy preparing for the party that I couldn’t think about anything else. I will give you a response once this is over. But you can be rest assured your secret is safe with me.”

This was supposed to be relieving but Cade couldn’t help sighing again as he watched him disappear into the bedroom.

SEVERAL HOURS LATER

“On behalf of Westham Corporation, we would like to thank each of you for taking time out of your busy schedule today. Thank You.”

As Cade concluded his speech, a crowd of prominent men and women erupted in cheers and applause, marking a new era for the Westham Corporation. Cameras flashed across his face as the reporters vied to have the best pictures of him taken.

Upon the conclusion of his speech, Gabriel took the stage, further welcoming them and expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the new branch. He also made it possible for successful businessmen and ladies to network and mingle while savoring the refreshments and hors d'oeuvres served by the hotel personnel.

Cade wanted to avoid the unrelenting reporters as well as some of the people that might try to connect with him so he left the party, sitting up by the bar counter on the rooftop where the party was being held.

“A glass of Red wine, please!” He requested as he sat up.

Cade felt he needed some snacks to go with his drinks and just as he was about to hail down a waitress, one came from the other side, pushing out her tray and saying, “Meatballs and Bacon mushroom will definitely go well with that glass of wine you have…”

Hazel’s voice trailed off as Cade turned to face her. Her face immediately went pale as blood drained out of them.

‘I came very close to not seeing his face today.’ She pondered in her head.

Even though he was equally shocked to see her, Cade managed to gather himself enough to say, "I know you're stunned, but you can close it."

"What?" Confused, Hazel enquired.

In response, Cade pointed to her face and said, "Your mouth! That agape has been there for a while.”

Hazel eventually closed her mouth, forcing herself to swallow while attempting to control the rage that was rapidly building within her.

She started to leave quickly, but Cade grabbed her hand and dragged her back, drawing her closer to him this time.

“I will take the meatball.” He said, picking up a meatball and shoving it down his throat. “And the bacon mushroom too.” With food in his mouth, he continued.

A lump formed in Hazel’s throat as she observed intently how Cade devoured his food. She couldn't understand why she was drawn to the involuntary movements of his facial muscles, his chiseled jawline that closed and parted with each chew, and the rhythmic movement of his lips.

“F@ck!” She gasped loudly before she realized it.

“What? Doesn’t Hawaiian shrimp go well with red wine?” Holding the innocent shrimp, Cade questioned in confusion.

Seeing Cade’s squinted eyes and pursed lips, Hazel found herself smiling.

‘Hey, you can’t do that.’ Hazel warned, pinching herself.

The smile quickly disappeared from her face as she freed herself from Cade’s grip and dropped the tray of hors d’oeuvres on the table in front of him. “You’re paying for this event, so you might as well have this whole tray to yourself. I have other things to do.”

She turned away once again and attempted to walk away, but she immediately turned back, her eyes widening and her hands grabbing firmly to Cade’s thighs.

“Why are they here? Why the f@ck are they here of all places?” She mumbled incessantly while tightening her grip on Cade’s thigh.

Cade was taken aback and was about to complain, but seeing the nervousness in her eyes, he held back and inquired carefully, “What’s going on?”

Through Cade’s drinking glass, Hazel noticed two people from her past walking closer and closer to her. ‘I guess they are together now.’ She sighed, biting her lower lip as a dark cloud hovered around her eyes.

She scanned herself from head to toe, carefully examining the waitress uniform she had on. This was definitely not the way she wanted to be seen after five long years.

Walking hand in hand behind her were Alexander Frost, her ex-boyfriend, and Serafina White, her high school rival—the two people who made her believe getting pregnant at 18 was a big sin that couldn’t be forgiven.

“Hazel, your grip is too tight, what’s going on?” Cade asked, looking over her shoulder, to see if there was anything he could make of her reaction.

Hazel remained mute, racking her head for a way out. As they drew close enough, she realized she needed to do something to avoid embarrassing herself in front of so many people.

Seeing them at the party, she realized they were actually walking towards Cade in an attempt to network with him, but there was no way they could come to Cade without seeing her, so she thought of an idea to force them back.

Her mind raced through various scenarios until a daring idea struck her. She looked sternly at Cade, and without a moment of hesitation, she leaned in, her hand slipping through the nape of Cade’s neck, leaving him shaken.

“You have to help me out!” She requested desperately as she planted a swift, unexpected kiss on his lips.

To make it look more convincing, she delayed the kiss, casually tasting his rim.

Eventually, she withdrew her lips and stared nervously at him, “That should do, right?” She mumbled almost in a whisper, her face flushed.