Chapter 266
Latham pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Baby, I told you, it’s just us here. You really don’t trust your own husband p>
The sound of waves crashing against the beach washed over her soft little whimpers, pulling them away into the night.
Wade had been a bundle of nerves these past few days. He still wasn’t sure how he’d managed to lose Patrick at Latham’s wedding. If he was being honest, Wade had always been careful about who he let get close. He only hooked up with steady boyfriends, and only after making sure their health checks were all clear. He wasn’t about to risk catching something nasty just for a fling.
He kept himself in shape, too. Six feet tall, not exactly towering but definitely respectable, with a body that showed off all his hard work. When it came to guys, Wade had a definite type-neat, gentle, easy on the eyes.
Latham always gave him grief about it, but Wade just couldn’t be into women. Never had been. For years, Latham had played the role of his fake girlfriend, shielding him from nosy relatives and the ever-watchful Gates family.
There were times when the Gateses threatened to kick Wade out, but since Latham was just as unconventional, they usually let it slide. But now, things had changed. Latham had gone and gotten married, leaving Wade out in the cold.
Now he was the family’s favorite target, the odd one out. And there was nothing he could do about it. Latham liked women enough to settle down. Wade just didn’t. Last month, after a huge fight with his family, Wade left the country for a break. That’s when he accidentally wound up in bed with Patrick.
Back then, he hadn’t realized who Patrick was.
The ache lasted for two days. Wade figured it would be a secret he’d take to his grave. But fate had other plans-he ran into Patrick again.
“Mr. Gates, the lawyer from our new partner firm is here. Do you want to meet him p>
Wade waved a hand. “Just let Penn handle it p>
“Penn’s on a business trip today p>
Right, Wade had sent his assistant off to Harrisburg. “Fine. Five minutes. I’ll see him in the conference room p>
He pushed open the door, and as soon as he met those amber eyes, every muscle in his body tensed. No one had told him their new legal partner was from Patrick’s firm.
Patrick stood and watched as Wade sat down, his gaze never wavering. After a moment, he offered his hand. “Mr. Gates. I’ve heard a lot about
you p>
Wade pressed his lips together, eyeing Patrick’s perfect, spotless hand, and
managed a polite smile. “Patrick. You’re too polite p>
He didn’t shake the hand. Patrick just pulled it back, still smiling, showing no sign he cared.
Patrick’s assistant started laying out
the details, but Wade barely heard a
word. He was lost in thought until his secretary nudged him snapping him back to the moment. “Oh Yes. We completely trust your firm’s expertise. Looking forward to
working together p>
Patrick watched the little interaction between Wade and the secretary, eyes narrowing just a bit.
“Mr. Gates, would you join me for dinner?” Patrick’s voice was smooth and inviting.
Wade gave a silent scoff. “Sorry, Patrick. I already have plans p>
“No worries. I know you’re busy p>
Wade waited until Patrick left, then hurried back to his office and let out a deep
breath. He needed to figure out how to switch law firms, fast.
He glanced at his phone, only to see a new friend request pop up.
The note read: [Mr. Gates, want to meet up p>