Chapter 12

I stepped out of the limo and made my way up the steps to Kade's building. As I entered the doorman smiled at me. Over the last few weeks, they had gotten used to seeing me. I went up the elevator to the penthouse and knocked on the door. Kade opened the door in black shorts hanging low on his hips and no shirt. His chest was dripping with sweat and he looked incredible. The Men of Steel were hot but they had nothing on Kade. Looking him up and down I almost forgot everything I came to talk about. It should be a sin to look so good. He grins.

"Hey, babe I'm glad you decided to come. I've missed you."

"I missed you too." I smile walking into his penthouse. Even though I'd been here a lot over the last month it still took my breath away. The living room had floor to ceiling windows and the view was amazing. The whole city was lit up I loved it.

"So what did you want to talk about babe? I was getting ready to take a shower. I did five miles on the treadmill and I'm soaked. You wanna join me, baby?" He kissed my forehead looking down at me.

"Kade do not distract me I really need to talk to you." I looked up at him.

"Ok Addi I'm listening what's going on?"

"Have you ever been married?" I asked boldly if I didn't just come out and say it I was afraid I never would.

His eyes widen. "Addison, what are you talking about? Why would you think that?"

"Kade just answer me! Have you or not?"

"I wasn't really prepared to tell you all of this yet but ok." He took a deep breath and sat down on the couch. "Yes I was married for a few months, but no one knows about it. I, um look this is really hard for me so just listen to everything before you form an opinion. Ok?"

"Ok, I'll try why does no one know about it?"

"Because we got married in a rush and before I knew what hit me she was demanding money and pretty much blackmailing me ok? I was in love Addi I really thought we'd be together forever." He ran his hands thru his hair and took a deep breath. "Jules was great at first we dated a few months and then she said she was pregnant. My dad flipped out and wouldn't allow us to have a child out of wedlock so we got married. We took off to Vegas and got married without anyone knowing but my dad. A month after we said I do I still hadn't been invited to a doctor's appointment and I caught her drinking wine one afternoon when I came home early. She wasn't pregnant at all. She wasn't anything like I thought she was. She started demanding money and clothes, a new car, and vacations. It was ridiculous. No matter what I did she wasn't happy. I told my dad and he decided I should divorce her and pay her off so no one would ever know that a Jacobs had been played. So that's what we did. I'm not proud of the fact that I paid her off but I really didn't see any other choice. If I hadn't of the whole world would have known she played me. Can you imagine what people would say? That the Jacobs family got played for a fool by a waitress. I was heartbroken and I didn't know what else to do." He looked up at me. He looked broken and scared. I felt bad for him. How could someone do that to him? No wonder his dad said the things he had said to me. "Addi I would have told you eventually I'm still a little gun shy, that's why I haven't had any more girlfriends since. I haven't let anyone else in except you. How did you know anyway?"

"Grant came to see me today." I looked down at the floor. I couldn't believe I had even doubted Kade he'd never given me any reason to. Damn Grant and his big mouth.

"Grant!? Are you serious Addison? What's he trying to win you back by digging up my past?"

"He made it clear that he wants me and he isn't giving up. But that doesn't matter Kade I want you. I need you to tell me things though I have a feeling Grant won't stop digging Kade."

"The fuck he won't. His ass is fired tomorrow morning he broke company policy telling you about my marriage to Jules. I should have known the fucker would try something." He huffs and his knuckles are white he is clenching his fist so hard.

"Kade calm down don't worry about Grant ok? I shouldn't let it get to me. I'm insecure. I mean look at me and look at you. You could do way better than me Kade. I met Kate tonight she seems more like your type." I sighed.

"Addison you are my type. I only want you, babe. Kate is just a friend we haven't dated since we were twenty. Anything you want to know just ask ok? I don't want us to have secrets babe." I nodded as he got up wrapping his arms around my waist. "You are everything I could ever want Addison." He whispered into my ear and sent chills down my spine. I ran my hands down his chest and over his abs. "How about that shower?" He whispered running his tongue along my neck.

"Mmmm ok baby." He took my hands and led me down the hall to his bedroom.

The next morning I woke up in Kade's arms with the sun streaming thru the windows. I looked up at him sleeping peacefully.  How did I get so lucky?  He was so hot and smart and perfect.  I stayed still for awhile watching him sleep.  My phone buzzed and I groaned.

"You gonna answer that babe?" Kade asks me suddenly.  I grinned up at him.

"How long have you been awake?"

"About ten minutes. I was waiting to see how long you were going to stare at me." He smirked.

"I can't help it if I find my boyfriend sexy." I winked at him and he rolled on top of me.

"Sexy huh? How about I show you sexy babe." He growled kissing me passionately.

By the time I got to work, I was forty-five minutes late.  But it was well worth it.  "Addison!! Finally, I have been calling you!" Nora stated as I entered the office.

"Oh sorry, Nora I was a little preoccupied." I grin.

"Kade I assume?" She smiled.

"Yeah." I grinned up at her.

"Emma called and said the caterer called her saying she's sick and isn't going to be able to make it tonight and may not make it to the wedding tomorrow.  Emma was panicking but I calmed her down.  Do you have a backup?"

"Of course I do.  Here's his number go call him now and give him a rundown of the menu for both nights.  Anything else?"

"Uh well, Grant called and said to tell you quote,  your boyfriend will pay for having him fired."  Nora looked at me as I glared at her.

"Seriously?" I breathed.  I was so mad I was shaking.  What the hell is wrong with him calling my assistant to threaten Kade?

"I'm afraid so Addi.  But I told him not to call back here this was a place of business we didn't have time for his personal drama."  She gave me a thumbs up.

"Good thanks, Nora."

"Your welcome.  Also, Emma called back and asked if you could call her when you came in."

"Ok, I'll call her in a few.  Hold all the rest of my calls today Nora unless it involves the wedding I don't want to hear about it until Monday."

"Yes ma'am." She turned and left.

I picked up the phone and called Kade.

"Miss me already baby?" He answered.

"I do actually but I was calling to tell you Grant called here."

"Already? Damn, he didn't waste any time.  What'd he say, babe?"

"That you'd pay for getting him fired."

"Addi don't let him intimated you.  I'm not worried about him and neither should you.  I'll take care of him. Ok, babe?"

"Ok.  I just thought you should know."

"I'm glad you told me, now get back to work and forget about Grant. I'll see you tonight at the rehearsal."

"Ok, Kade.  I'll see you tonight."

"Bye babe I'll be missing you."

"Bye baby."

I spent the afternoon at the estate rearranging and taking care of all the details for the rehearsal.  By four o'clock I had everything ready for the dinner and I went outside to check out everything for the wedding tomorrow.  Everything was coming along nicely.  The dance floor was being put in over the pool just like Emma wanted.  The lighting company was stringing lights and put up chandeliers everywhere.  The only things missing were flowers and the linens for the table.  Those things would wait until tomorrow afternoon.  I took a deep breath and sat down on the patio watching the men work on the dance floor.  I heard a gasp and turned around.

"Addi!! It looks amazing!" Emma breathed with excitement.

"It will look even better tomorrow.  What are you doing here so early?"

"Dropping off my dress I just picked up.  Dad insisted that I stay here tonight so I have a lot to bring over.  Wow, I can't believe I'm getting married tomorrow!"

I laughed.  "You sure are or I've wasted my time."

"I promise I'm going down that aisle if it's the only thing I do tomorrow Addi! I love Ryan so much I don't know what I did to deserve him."  She smiled and her eyes lit up.

I smiled up at her.  "I'm sure he feels the same way.  You are the happiest bride I've ever seen Em.  Most women are freaking out by now."

"Everyone keeps asking me if I'm getting nervous yet.  What's there to be nervous about? We belong together and I'm ready to start our lives together."

"Good for you Em.  I will be a nervous wreck on my wedding day I'm sure."  I laughed.  "My control freak side will take over."

"If you are truly ready you won't be Addi.  Who knows maybe you and Kade will be next!" She grinned at me.  "Did you talk to him?"

"Yes, I did he told me all about Jules.  I really feel bad that I doubted him.  I guess I let my insecurities get the best of me."

"Everyone has insecurities Addi.  I'm sure Kade has forgotten all about it.  He's pretty quick to forgive someone he cares about."

"Oh, we made up fairly quickly."  I giggled.

"I don't need to hear any details of my brother's sex life Addi." She laughed. "Your face lights up when you talk about him you know.  I can tell you really care for my brother so let me give you some advice about Kade.  As long as you are honest with him you two will be fine.  But if you ever lie to him.  Well, let's just say things won't end so nicely."

I nodded slowly.  "Uh ok?  What's that mean Em?  What's he going to do hit me?"

"Oh no! I don't think he would ever hit a woman but he does let his anger get the best of him sometimes.  Kade has a temper but I haven't seen him even so much as raise his voice around you so I think your good for him, Addison."

I just nodded taking in her words.  A temper?  Is this something I should be worried about?  I have seen him get rather annoyed and last night he was clenching his fist so hard his knuckles were white.

"Now I've scared you haven't I?  I'm sorry Addi.  That wasn't my intention I just wanted you to know.  I love my brother and he is a good man.  But he can get a little carried away at times."

"It's ok Em.  I'm glad you told me.  I haven't seen that side of him so I don't really know what to think."

"I understand.  Don't let it ruin what you with him Addi.  I really think you two are perfect for each other."  She walked over and hugged me.  "You did an amazing job with the wedding thank you."

I hugged her back.  "You're welcome.  Just doing my job.  Thanks for telling me about Kade."

She nodded.  "I've got to get going I have a nail appointment.  I'll see you tonight!"

"See you later Em!"

"Bye!" She called back as she disappeared into the house.

I went around the estate one last time before leaving to get ready for dinner in a few hours.  I couldn't help but be distracted by Emma's advice.  On my way home I called Darby to fill her in on everything that happened last night and today.

"I've seen the way Kade looks at you Addi.  Quit worrying so much the last I recall you have a bad-ass temper yourself."  She laughed.

"I know I do that worries me even more.  Two hotheads together could be even worse."  I sighed.

"You are overthinking this whole thing.  You want Kade right?"

"Yeah, I do more than I've ever wanted anyone."

"Go with the flow and enjoy him Addi.  You can't control everything.  You can't be scared to fall if you really want him then let yourself fall for him."

"Your one to talk! You don't date a guy long enough to even like him, Dar!" She laughed.

"No, I don't because I hadn't found anyone worth it."

"What do you mean hadn't? Darby, did you meet someone?"

She giggles.  "Yes.  A man of steel actually."

"You hooked up with one of the strippers?!"

"Yes, and it was the best sex I've ever had.  But he isn't just a stripper Addi.  He is in medical school actually.  Very smart and so funny.  He started with men of steel on a dare but kept doing it to meet girls." She giggled again.

"Looks like it works for him.  I'm glad you found someone you actually like Darby but don't you think the whole stripper thing could be a problem? I mean he has women all over him."

"No, it won't be a problem Addi.  Look I gotta go.  I need to fix my hair.  I'm meeting him in twenty minutes for drinks."  I could tell she was rolling her eyes at me, she sounded annoyed.

"Ok good luck then."

"You too! Bye Addi."

By the time I got home and changed for the rehearsal dinner, it was six-thirty and dinner was starting at seven.  As I rushed around the apartment getting ready,  someone knocked on the door.

"Kade, what are you doing here?  Shouldn't you be on your way to your dads?"  I questioned as I took in his appearance.  He wore a black tux with a black bow tie,  he looked so sexy standing there leaning on the door frame.

"No, I came to pick up my date."  He grinned entering the apartment, looking over my dress.  I was wearing a sapphire blue one-shoulder dress that came down to the floor.  It was a last-minute purchase but it fit me perfectly.  "You look stunning babe."

"Thanks but I still don't understand.  I can't be your date tonight baby I have work to do I have to make sure everything runs smoothly."  He took my hand and pulled me into his chest.

"Not tonight you don't babe.  I called Nora.  She is going to take care of everything.  Tonight you are going to sit with me and I'm going to tell the people that are most important to us that you are mine."  He smiled down at me.

"Are you sure you are ready for that? I mean once you do that the whole world will know we're dating.  We've done well to stay out of the tabloids so far."

"I want the world to know your mine, Addison.  But if you don't want that kind of attention yet I understand babe."  As I looked up at him I realized I didn't care about anything else but being his.

"All I want is you, Kade.  I don't care about the rest of the world.  All I care about is you."  I smiled and he kissed me with such passion that my entire body had chills.  Within minutes his tux jacket had hit the floor and he was unzipping my dress.  "Kade we will be late."  I moaned as he kissed my collarbone.

"I don't care.  I want you, Addison."  He breathed as he picked me up moving my dress to one side.  I wrapped my legs around his waist and he pressed my back against the door.  "I'm so in love with you Addison Hayes."  He moaned as he entered my body.