Chapter 11

I opened the door to find Kade leaning against the door frame. He looked me up and down grinning.

"You look, good babe." He states placing his hands on my hips pulling me to him. I laugh at him as he kisses my neck and I turn closing the door.

"Kade..." I try to pull away but he holds me against him.

"Mmm?" He mumbles into my neck gliding his hands down to my ass.

"We were going to talk about your dad remember?" I said slowly taking a shaky breath, he was quickly making me forget all of my questions.

He let go of me and smiled. "I called him babe. He said he was sorry if he upset you. He just wants to be sure you are not using me Addi. Women try to get with me and dad both all the time for money or fame. He can't help but think the worst. Why would a smart beautiful successful woman like you want me?"

"Maybe because you're gorgeous? Or because you are sexy and smart. You might be cocky as hell but that has grown on me too. What woman wouldn't want you, Kade?" I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.

"Oh, I see you just want me for my looks babe?" He smirks.

"Believe it or not I actually like everything about you but your looks certainly don't hurt." I wink and he picks me up by my ass and carries me to my bed. Our conversation was forgotten.

Over the next few days, I was working my ass off. The wedding was two days away. Tomorrow would be the rehearsal dinner and I still had a million things to do. I had given Nicole more responsibility but with this being the biggest wedding of the season I was on edge double-checking everything myself. The rehearsal dinner was to take place at the estate we were using the dining room and since Emma had insisted on having six bridesmaids I had to arrange for another table to be brought in. I was going over the seating chart for the rehearsal when someone knocked on my door. It's four in the afternoon who the hell could that be?

I opened the door to the apartment to find Grant standing there.

"What are you doing here? I don't have time for this!" I yelled at him.

"Addi this won't take but a minute please just hear me out. I need to tell you some things I'm worried about you getting involved with the Jacobs." He let himself in the apartment and sat down on the couch.

"Why would you be worried Grant!? Your the one who cheated on me or did you forget that? I don't need your concern just leave me the fuck alone!" My angry flared I can't believe he would come here saying he is worried!

"Addison! Just shut up and listen to me! I know I cheated I regret it but this isn't about us! It's about you. I know I hurt you but what Kade and his family will do to you will be much worse." He yelled back and I looked at him shocked closing my mouth.

"Look I don't want to scare you but you should know who you are involved with. Did you know Kade was married before?" Grant asked me calmly undoing his tie.

"Married? No when? According to him, he hasn't even had a girlfriend in years." I shook my head in disbelief.

"Four years ago our firm handled his very private divorce. No one even knew he was married and they wanted to keep it that way. I don't know all the details but I know his wife got enough money to shut her up for life. As a part of the agreement, she can't tell anyone about their marriage or divorce. They were only married a couple of months."

Grant took a breath. "The Jacobs are ruthless Addi, they will do whatever necessary not to hurt the family name. Kade is an asshole he uses people and then tosses them on their ass. Don't let him do that to you. Your smarter than that Addison."

"Kinda the way you used me, Grant? I was just your trophy to make you look better at the firm. Why are you telling me about Kade? Do you think I'll come back to you? Because that will never happen Grant I want nothing to do with you!"

"Addi, baby please listen to me. I'm telling you this for your own good. You weren't just a trophy Addison. I really do love you. I fucked up and I know that." Grant stood up walking over to me. He placed his hand on my cheek looking into my eyes. "Do you believe me, Addison?" He breathed.

I pushed his hand away. "No, I don't believe a fucking word that comes out of your mouth Grant! You think you can walk in here and talk shit about Kade and I'll just fall into your arms!? Get out!" I threw the door open and glared at him.

"Fine but when he breaks your heart you know where to find me. I'm not going to give up Addi. I want you." He grabbed my ass and I smacked his face. He turned to me wild-eyed with a red handprint on his left cheek. "You're going to regret that." He states holding his face as he turned to leave. I slammed the door and let out a scream I'd been holding in. My head was spinning. Was he just messing with my head? Was Kade really married? And why would they pay off his wife not to talk about it? I threw myself down on the couch. I can't deal with this bullshit now I have a wedding to take care of. I took a deep breath trying to clear my mind. My cell vibrated and I picked it up. It was a text from Emma, inviting me to her bachelorette party tonight. A party? Hmm, I could use a drink and maybe take this opportunity to ask Emma about Kade's past. I texted her back saying I'd be there. Couldn't hurt right? I finished the seating chart and took a shower. I got dressed in a strapless black dress and put on my Manolo Blahnik's Kade bought me. I went into the kitchen I had some time to kill before the party so I got a pizza out of the freezer and popped it in the oven. I wasn't going out tonight without eating first. I was waiting for my pizza when Darby came home.

"Addi! You look good where are you headed?" Darby grinned looking up and down as she put down her purse.

"Emma's bachelorette party."

"Oh shit! Really? You are so lucky can I come too?!"

"Yeah, I don't think Emma would mind it's at club Vogue. Her friends rented out the whole VIP lounge for her party and I'm told the Men of steel are suppose to do a little performance for her."

"Holy shit! Your kidding! Men of steel?! Oh my god, I'm definitely coming then just give me time to get ready."

I laugh at her as she scrambles around pulling off her shoes running down the hall. The Men of steel were a group of sexy guys who strip at events. It was probably a good idea to bring her along just in case I needed backup. I didn't really know any of Emma's girlfriends I really hoped they wouldn't all be stuck-up rich girls. I ate my pizza while I waited on Darby. I haven't heard from Kade today. I know he had a lot of business meetings this week because he took the weekend off for the wedding. I sent him a text to tell him I was going to the party and all he replied back was have fun. Around 7:30 Darby finally came out wearing a pink off-the-shoulder dress with nude heels.

"Do I look ok? I know these girls are gonna be dressed in some fancy shit I don't wanna look to poor." She sighed.

"You are not poor Dar and you look amazing. Let's go I don't wanna be late."

On the way to the club, I told Darby about Grant's little visit today. To say she was pissed would be an understatement. We entered the club and were escorted to the VIP lounge. The lounge was covered in pink decorations, balloons, pink martini glasses, pink penis shapes were everywhere it was certainly a sight to see. The lounge was full of women ages from fifty to early twenties. Looks like Emma had a big turnout for her party. We made our way to the bar ordered drinks.

"Addison!!" I heard a familiar voice and turned around. Emma was dressed in a gorgeous white dress. She was wearing a veil and a bride-to-be sash. She was smiling from ear to ear. I've never seen a bride as happy as she was.

"Hey, Emma! It's a great party thanks for inviting me. Hope you don't mind but I brought my best friend Darby with me. Darby this is Emma."

"Of course I had to invite you! Your dating my brother plus you are the best wedding planner a girl could ask for!! It's nice to meet you Darby I'm glad you came with Addison. I wouldn't want Addi to be lonesome some of the girls can be quite bitchy." She grinned at us as we laughed.

"Thanks for the heads up Em," I tell her smiling.

"I can't believe I'm meeting Emma Jacobs! You are even more gorgeous in person!" Darby squealed and Emma laughed at her.

"Thanks. But I'm just a normal girl. I don't really care about being a socialite and all that bs. I only entertain the idea for my dad's sake. The three of us should do lunch sometime I'm sure we'd get along great. I need to make the rounds before these bitches start talking. I'll be back! You two have some fun!" She smiled at us and walked away to make her rounds.

"She's so cool! I didn't expect that." Darby said drinking her drink.

"Yeah she's great I really like her." I finished my martini and ordered another. "When she comes back remind me to ask about Kade's past."

"Oh most definitely. I'm curious about what she'll say myself. I still can't believe Grant thought he could scare you back into his bed. The stupid mother..." Darby was interrupted when a tall leggy blonde wearing a red dress bumped into her.

"Oh goodness, I'm so sorry." The blonde smiled down at Darby. "These new heels are killing me." She pointed down to her feet and Darby smiled.

"It's ok I've been there myself. I'm Darby and this is Addison."

"Oh, I'm Kate. You two must be friends of the bride right?" She smiled sweetly.

"Yes, I'm her wedding planner actually." I smiled back.

"Wow, I've heard great things about you! I can't wait to see this wedding. Emma was telling me all about it earlier. I've known Emma since she was little, I went to school with her brother. I still can't believe she's getting married!" The bartender sat my martini down and I picked it up. "Martini dry?" She asked and I nodded. "I'll have the same." She told the bartender and smiled at us.

Darby gave me a sideways glance and cleared her throat. "So you went to school with Kade Jacobs? Wow, what's he like?" Darby batted her eyelashes and Kate laughed. Leave it to Dar to dig for info from a stranger.

"Kade is Kade I guess." She shrugged. "Haven't seen him in a few months but I'm sure he'll never change. You know the type cocky playboy who doesn't want to grow up. He can sweet-talk any girl right into a coma." She giggled and Darby glanced at me to gauge my reaction. I ignored her.

"So you know Kade well then? Did you two use to date?" I ask her trying to sound as sweet as possible as I chewed on my bottom lip.

"We were high school sweethearts who went to college together. But the college life got the better of our relationship we figured out pretty fast we were better off as friends. I'll always think the world of him and his sister." The bartender put her martini down and she picked it up smiling. "It was nice meeting you both."

"Nice meeting you too," Darby told her and I nodded and forced a smile as she walked away. Ughhhhh I've been here twenty minutes and I'm already regretting this. I didn't care to meet a string of women Kade's slept with. I knew he had a playboy past but I didn't want it rubbed in my face. Kate was beautiful too, she could be a supermodel. How was I supposed to compete with that? I was just plain old Addison.

"Stop it Addi! I can see you doubting yourself already. Don't worry about her."

"Did you see her Dar? She's gorgeous and I'm well me! What the hell is he doing with me?!"

"Shut the hell up! Your gorgeous too Addison any man would be lucky to have you now stop it! Let's go dance!" She dragged me to the dancing area and we danced to a few songs.

As we exited the dance floor Emma was standing there smiling at us. "There you are! I was looking for you Addi. Kade sent a bottle of champagne with a note that insisted you have a glass with me to celebrate. He can be so sweet sometimes." She led us to a table where champagne was waiting.

"Here you go, ladies!" Emma smiled at us handing us glasses. "So Addi have to heard from my big brother today?"

"Nope I texted him but that's about it." I sipped my champagne.

"Awww he is trying to finish up some business plan dad wanted him to do. I swear daddy keeps him so busy it's ridiculous. You'll be seeing him a lot after the wedding I'm sure. I'm so glad you two got together. Your really good for him Addi." She smiles.

"Emma, can I ask you something?" She nods. "Um well actually someone told me that Kade use to be married and I uh was just wondering if it's true?"

She leaned close to me. "Where did you hear that?" She whispered.

"I'd rather not say Em. I won't tell anyone I just want to know."

"You should talk to Kade it's not my place to tell his business Addi. You questioning your relationship with him aren't you? Did dad scare you? Because I promise he is harmless. Kade really likes you."

I shrugged. "I'm just confused and then I met Kate and she makes me question it even more."

"Kate is just a friend they haven't been together in years. Look I know my brother's past would make any girl worry but he is different with you Addi. That's what scares my dad so much we haven't seen Kade like this about a woman since well... Never mind. Just talk to him ok? Tell him everything and let him explain." She finished her champagne and put the glass down. I nodded and the lights started flickering.

"LADIES are you READY for the MEN of Steel!!!!!!!" A chair was placed in the middle of the floor and one of the bridesmaids came to get Emma and put her in the chair. Four sexy Magic Mike wannabes stood in front of her. They took turns dancing and grinding in front of her. Her face was blood red and Darby was squealing and drooling beside me. I poured myself another glass of champagne and pulled out my phone to text Kade.

I need to talk to you

15 minutes later

What's wrong Addi? Are you ok?

I'm ok I just need to talk to you

How about I send James to pick you up when you are done at the party? You can stay with me?

Ok I'll text you when I'm ready

Ok babe

After the men of steel finished their show all of the women were giggling and fanning themselves.

"That was so hot! I wonder if I could get with one of them." Darby grinned from ear to ear.

"If anyone has a chance it's definitely you Dar." I laugh shaking my head.

The guys were hanging around the bar talking to some of the women. "I'm gonna go talk to them you wanna come?" Darby asks.

"No, actually Kade is going to send James to pick me up. I'm going to stay with him. Are you going to be ok getting home? I can have James come back and take you home?"

"I'll find my way home or maybe I'll go home with one of them." She winks. "I'll be fine you go talk to your man and figure out everything. I want a full report tomorrow."

"Ok, I'll see you tomorrow." I texted Kade back. I said goodnight to Emma and went outside to wait for James.