could ask Zee to replace her either, not when Harley was clearly comfortable with Cade. He just had to man up and face whatever life threw at him, even if it was in the form of a sexy vixen, who most certainly kissed like one, and moaned like…
“Jax,” Tina’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts. “Cade.” She handed him the phone.
“Can you guys give me a minute?” he asked his bodyguard and his assistant as he took the phone from Tina. He cleared his throat before speaking. “Cade?”
“Yes, Mr. Clark.” Her voice was stern. He should have expected it. Did he think she would loosen up after one kiss?
“I called to see how Harley is doing. I tried calling her phone but—”
“I turned it off. I couldn’t take what…” There was a pause and a frustrated sigh. “I am not sorry for what I did, Mr. Clark, she was making Harley very upset. She panicked.”
“I don’t expect an apology. I’m glad you did it. I would have done the same. Harley is getting a new phone so Fiona can’t reach her without talking to me first.” Fiona would throw a fit about his decision, but he just didn’t care. “Harley’s very…fragile. Not emotional, but I can’t even think what could have happened if you weren’t with her.” His words rang true. Fear lodged in his throat.
“I’m glad I was there too.” Cade’s voice softened over the phone.
Jax waited for her to continue. When she didn’t, he asked to speak to Harley.
“She’s in her room. Just give me a second.” He listened to her steps, and couldn’t stop imagining the sway of her hips, and her hair. The thought made his body stir. He heard a door open, and Cade’s voice calling Harley. “She seems to have fallen asleep. If you don’t mind, I’d rather not wake her, Mr. Clark.”
“No, of course. Thank you for checking.” Jax brushed his hair back with a hand. “Feel free to stay as long as you want. I’ll make sure you’re compensated for the extra time.”
“I’ve already asked a friend to bring me a change of clothes. I’ll stay until you return. No need to pay me overtime. It’s my responsibility to watch over Harley and ensure her safety.” Cade’s voice soothed him. He believed everything she said. The rage he had felt earlier dissipated. Harley would be safe with Cade.
“Use the guest room closest to her room. My housekeeper should be able to help you settle in.”
“Thank you. I will tell Harley you called as soon as she wakes.”
“Yes, thank you.” He knew he had to say goodbye, to end the call, but he wanted to hear her voice longer. The air was filled with silence on both sides. She hadn’t ended the call. What else was he waiting to say? What else was he expecting her to hear? Should he bring up the kiss? Was it the right time, over the phone, when he couldn’t see her eyes, her face, her expression, and her body language?
“I’d better go. If there’s nothing else, my friend will arrive any minute now.” Cade broke the silence.
“Ah, yes. Right. See you later then.” He could already feel a void filling up his chest, but his mind would be flooded with thoughts of her. “Thanks again, Cade, for guarding Harley. For keeping her safe.”
“Goodbye, Mr. Clark.”
“Goodbye.” As soon as he said the word, she ended the call. There were so many thoughts that rushed into his mind. There wasn’t that emptiness he was used to feeling. He had Harley back in his life, for good. And Cade. She might be there for a specific reason, but he was convinced he could get her to stay for another.
Chapter Five
“Gram, you should really get Sheila to help you out with the groceries. Dr. Billings wants you to take it easy,” Cade admonished over the phone. Wednesday nights were for phone calls to her grandmother in New Jersey. The octogenarian had another spill in the bathtub and had passed out. Thankfully, one of the neighbours came by for a random visit.
“Oh, dear,