“It smells wonderful.

I mean it,” Alicia said warmly.

“Now go, don’t keep him waiting.”

Blushing, the assistant reached into her bag and pulled out a small, new bottle.

“If you like it, here’s one for you.

Maybe for tonight… with Mr Ward.”

Alicia’s eyes widened and she whispered, “Shh.”

The assistant giggled and covered her mouth playfully.

“Good night, Ms. Bennett.

Don’t stay too late yourself.

” With a nod and a grateful smile, Alicia accepted the bottle and tucked it into her bag.

|∆ŧе$т ¢#αpŧêяs |и galnoνels.com

As she watched her assistant leave, she felt a twinge of amusement.

She turned back to her desk, determined to finish the work that had piled up, but somehow found herself distracted by an online game.

Each game seemed worse than the last, and frustration crept in until she finally rested her head on her desk and looked at the time.

Ten past.

She sighed, knowing it was time to go home.

Caden wouldn’t be picking her up and it wouldn’t be safe to stay out later.

As she unlocked her apartment door a thought crossed her mind: Was Caden home?

With his temperament, he was unlikely to come home early after an argument – maybe not at all.

Still, she moved quietly out of habit.

A dim lamp cast a soft glow in the foyer, making her heart skip a beat.

Was he really here?

It didn’t seem possible.

Kicking off her shoes, she cleared her throat gently, testing the silence.

In an instant, Cade bounded out of the room, tail wagging and tongue out.

He circled Alicia’s legs and leapt into her arms.

Nearly losing her balance, she let out a small laugh and hugged him, settling into a chair as she shushed him gently.

Cade, ever obedient, immediately calmed down, his eyes on hers.