“Listen, now that you understand, I really need to talk to her.”
“I’m coming with you,” he said, deciding as he spoke.
She came to a halt and turned to face him. “What? You can’t. She’ll take one look at you and freak out.”
“Or she’ll take one look at me and spill her guts. What are the chances she’ll tell you everything if you’re alone?” he asked, willing himself to ignore the fear in her eyes.
She didn’t reply, letting him know he was right. Besides, he wasn’t going to hurt her sister. He just wanted answers. More than that, though, he didn’t want Lexie to face this alone.
Maybe he was a nicer guy than he’d thought. Or maybe this woman meant more to him than he wanted to believe.
* * *
Lexie’s stomach churned as she and Kade took a cab to her apartment. She didn’t know what awaited her any more than she understood why he insisted on being there. She could handle her sister. But he did have a point. Kendall was more likely to cave if Kade was there, and she was intimidated by his presence. She didn’t have to like it though.
A little while later, she let them into her place, realizing it was the first time Kade had been there. Subconsciously she’d been avoiding allowing her worlds to collide in any way. And that had been a mistake, she realized now. Not just because the distance she’d created had allowed Kendall to run amok in Kade’s life, the very opposite of Lexie’s intentions, but because what kind of relationship could they have had if she didn’t share everything?
She pursed her lips at that thought and stepped inside.
“Kendall?” she called out. She’d left her sister at home in bed this morning, recovering from the migraine. She’d said she had no plans to leave the apartment. “Kendall?”
“What’s with all the racket?” Her twin stepped out of her room wearing an old sleep shirt and a pair of sweats. “Oh! Who’s this?” she asked, pushing her hair out of her eyes and looking Kade over, appreciation in her gaze.
Lexie drew a deep breath, aware of his large, looming presence behind her. “Kendall, this is my … boss, Kaden Barnes,” she said, deliberately keeping things professional. “Kade, this is my sister, Kendall.”
“Nice to meet you,” Kade said, stepping up beside Lexie.
Her twin’s eyes popped open wide. “Oh. Hi. Well, then, I’ll just leave you two alone.” She spun around with the obvious intention of closing herself back in her room.
“Kendall, we need to talk to you,” Lexie said.
Her sister’s steps slowed. “I’m not feeling well,” she mumbled without turning back to face them.
“I’m sure you’re not,” Lexie murmured.
Kade put a hand on her shoulder, and despite the absurdity of the entire situation, she appreciated his attempt to support her.
“Come on, Kendall. Let’s all sit down,” Lexie insisted.
Shoulders slumped, Kendall followed them over to the couch, and they all settled in, Kade in the big club chair in the corner.
“Kade, really, I can talk to her alone,” Lexie tried once more.
“No.” He remained in his seat, but he didn’t attempt to lead the conversation, allowing Lexie to jump in.
“Kendall, what do you know about your boyfriend?” Lexie opted to start with a broad question and not an accusation. She’d get there. Somehow.
“Jay?” Kendall asked, clearly startled by the subject. “I told you. We met at the gym. He’s been good to me. Well, until yesterday,” she muttered. “Haven’t heard from him since I saw him on Saturday, and he hasn’t replied to my texts about being in the hospital on Saturday night,” she said, obviously hurt by his neglect.
Lexie shot Kade a concerned glance.
“What’s Jay’s last name?” Kade asked her.
“Dane. Why?”
“I’ll explain in a minute.” Lexie closed her eyes and shook her head, wishing she’d asked that question sooner. Still, there was no telling whether she’d have made the connection.
Now for the tougher question. “Did you steal—take—Kade’s watch off his dresser yesterday?” Lexie asked.