I went straight to Cade’s house. He wasn’t home, so I waited.
The clock on the wall ticked too loud, each second scratching at my nerves. I rehearsed the words in my head, over and over, but they folded and unfolded until they tangled. What I had to do would cut both of us open, but it needed to be done.
The front door finally opened. My chest braced for him, only for the sharp click of heels on tile to echo instead.
I turned.
Kimberly.
Her eyes lit when she spotted me, lips curving into a smile sharp enough to slice.
“Well, look at this. The poor little assistant who thought she could climb her way up.”
I decided right then not to give her the satisfaction. No matter what she spat, I’d save my energy for what mattered.
“So, you’re still hanging around,” she said, each word sharpen
