Cade (The Hadley Series- Book 2)

By Kelly Mooney

All it took was a wink and a smile and Bailey Cooper was head over heels in love...
But that was then.
This is now.

Determined and desperate, Bailey Cooper returns home to right her wrongs and find the one person who's always had her heart--Cade Hadley. Before giving in to what she's wanted all along, she must rebuild what she lost so long ago—herself.

When she skipped town, she took Cade Hadley's heart, and he never got it back.
But that was then.
This is now.
Hell bent on uncovering her motives, Cade Hadley refuses to give in to his desires until he discovers why Bailey left in the first place and most importantly, why she's back now. But as he begins to search for answers, the biggest question of all remains: Can they rekindle what they had when they were young and in love?

But that was then.
This is now...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly Mooney
• Release date: Oct 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310218361

Kelly Mooney

Kelly grew up in Southern New Jersey. She currently resides in Pitssford, NY with her husband and two kids. She developed a love for writing teen romances over the last few years. She has now completed three teen romances in hopes of getting them published. There really is nothing like falling in love for the first time, so this is what she writes. Her second book Never Say Never is the second book she wrote and is now available on Smashwords and Amazon.

Book preview

Chapter 1

CADE

---

Bailey Cooper had been back for a week, and it was like my whole world flipped upside down. Or right side up. Not sure which one yet. I’d been keeping busy on the farm with Colt, minding my business when Caroline had come out to check on her damn piglet she rescued. I’d been living in the spare apartment over the stables on Colt’s property for the last several months. They teased the hell out of me for not getting a place of my own, but I knew he and Charlie loved having a built-in babysitter at their beck and call. Hell, I even loved it more when they did call upon me to watch those little rugrats.

So, guess who is back in town after finding herself in New York?

I’ll bite, who? I already had known the answer since I bumped into her pumping gas in town, but I liked to play dumb when it came to my feelings for Bailey. We had one of those relationships where we broke up, then made up. We could never seem to let go, even now I still wanted her.

She tore my heart into shreds when she broke up with me out of the blue. Again. We’d split up several times throughout high school and college, but she always came running back into my arms. And like an ass, I always opened them for her without question. She was that girl for me. She was it. She was my everything. Even though she didn’t have enough faith in that. I did. Well, I used to. Not so much anymore.

Even though it had been a few years, I remember that night like it was yesterday.

Cade, come here for a second. We were sitting in her apartment, sharing a few beers and some take-out Chinese.

What, babe? I stole her last egg roll and bit off a huge chunk after dipping it in some sauce.

I’m moving to New York.

I almost choked and died right there at how she just blurted it out like it was no big deal. Because those five words were a huge fucking deal to me. I managed to swallow the food down and watched her face to see if she was genuine as I guzzled back the rest of my beer. You serious this time? I only asked because we’d been around this topic a time or two before. She felt like Georgia wasn’t right for her and her dreams of making it big in the entertainment world. The girl had serious talent when it came to making people look beautiful and as much as she pushed to get noticed in her industry. She hadn’t. Of course, it didn’t help that she had a B.A. in business versus hair and make-up. Her parents didn’t agree with her passion and forced her to go to college versus cosmetology school. And being sweet Bailey, she listened, not wanting to upset them figuring she’d get around to her dreams eventually.

I knew that one day this was going to come and fuck up my world, a world I had no intention of leaving. Not even for Bailey. I loved the hell out of her, but I had no desire to step foot away from my family, the farm, my heritage. It’s not that all of that meant more than her, but Bailey always had a way of finding her way back to me. So I just had to trust in that. Trust that she would come back and I would have it all.

She could never make it as the artist she needed to be in our shit town, which was a given. She had warned me several times that she needed to move out West or up North to find her true calling, but I always liked to think it was me that had been her true calling and not sitting on television film sets touching up noses with powder and plumping hair.

I am. I’m sorry, Cade. You know how much I love you, but I need to do this for me. If I don’t leave now, I’ll never know, Caden. I need to walk away from everything I know and love. Everything that makes me feel safe…even you this time. You’re the first boy I ever loved, Cade and I know I’ll always love you, but it’s time for me to stand on my own two feet now. Tears began to trickle down her face, her eyes diverted to the floor as she sniffled finishing up her little speech.

I stepped closer and took her hand in mine. You’re saying one thing, but every fiber of my being is telling me you don’t really want to go. I tried to pull her into my arms, but she halted and took a step back.

I’m serious this time. The tears streaming down her face, her mascara running along with it was crushing me. I hated looking into those baby blues and seeing an ounce of hurt.

What are you doing, Bay? I gripped her hand harder and forced her to come to me. You can do whatever you want right here. You can open up a salon or anything you want. I’ll buy you whatever you want, honey. Just stay. Stay for me.

Something in the way she looked at me gave her away, before she wrapped her arms around my waist hiding whatever it was she didn’t want me to see. Maybe it was the quick look of indecision or the way she wouldn’t look directly in my eyes when I lifted her chin to read her. She didn’t want to go. I was right. I could read her better than anyone in the world. I kissed the top of her head, inhaling the smell that was all Bailey Cooper. What’s wrong? What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?

She swiped the tears with the back of her hand and released her hold on me.

I’m leaving tomorrow, Cade. I’m not changing my mind this time.

I just sat there, numb, nodding my head letting it sink into my damn skull that she was really doing it this time. She was leaving me for good.

We have one more night. She held out her hand, and I just sat staring at it like it was poison. Like what she was offering was tainted and going to cause horrible heartbreak for me the next day. Of course, that was inevitable. Bailey Cooper was it for me. I’d known since the day she walked into my tenth grade History class. It took me two months to get the balls to ask her out. We’d been together off and on for eight years, but I never thought for one second that she’d really up and leave me. I always saw the rocking chairs on the front porch and her ass in one and mine in the other.

Why, Bay? I can give you the world here.

I want my own world, Colt, and you know that. This isn’t personal. I knew she meant it for real this time. Hell, it was one of the things that drew me to her all those years ago. She and I didn’t need to work for cash, it was handed to us, but we did it anyway. We wanted to earn our money and then spend it however we wanted. She scooped ice cream at the local parlor just to put gas in her car back in high school instead of holding out her hand, and I admired the shit out of that.

Not personal? How the fuck can you say that? It screams personal when you’re ripping someone’s heart the fuck out.

Cade, please, one more night and then let me go. I have to do this.

Even though my heart was screaming to walk away before she did any more damage, I did what I always did when it came to her. I opened my arms. I knew I’d regret it, but I also knew I needed that last memory. One more to hold onto.

Bailey’s back.

Is that right? I stood out in the fields, checking on a fence that needed mending. At least it was something that I could control. A fence needs fixing, I was the man for the job. Horses needed to be taken care of, no problem. Work issues, I dealt with them. Bailey Cooper was the one thing I never had control over. She was always taking care of and looking out for everyone but herself. I admired that about her, but it was also one of her downfalls too.

I heard she’s going to Kramer’s tonight for some dancing and drinks with her old friends. I’ll go with you if you want?

I harrumphed. Why would I want to see her? Caroline, do me a favor and stay the hell out of my love life.

Well, that’s my point, jerk. You don’t have one.

I do fine on my own, I countered defensively.

Yeah, I’ve heard. There’s a lotta loose lips in this town and quite frankly it’s disgusting hearing about your brother and his escapades. She stomped away like she always did when she didn’t get her way, and I let her go, knowing that I’d apologize for being rude later when I got my wits back.

It was just about finishing time, and I was heading to my apartment when I noticed Colt brushing Cali. You want some help?

Nah, she’s almost done.

I figured I’d take a stab looking for a wingman not wanting to wade the tidal wave of emotions that came along with Bailey Cooper alone. You doing anything tonight?

No solid plans yet. Mom is taking the kids for us so we can get out.

You feel like going to Kramer’s? Kramer’s was our own little honky tonk bar. A big ass jukebox with country music constantly boomed throughout the place if there wasn’t a band playing live.

Kramers? Why? Colt and I used to love going to Kramer’s together, but ever since he turned into a family man he preferred to stay put with Charlie and the kids.

No reason. Just thought we could grab a beer.

Yeah, it’ll give me an excuse to get Charlie in her boots.

Him and those damn boots. He goes fucking crazy whenever she wears them. He was always looking for an excuse to get her in them and then right back out of them.

I’ll be down in an hour. Colt nodded while finishing up on Cali. Cali was probably one of the most beautiful Tennessee Walkers I’d ever seen. She was Charlie’s gift when they moved in here, but Colt loved that damn horse just as much as she did. I admired him for forgiving her for keeping his baby a secret for so long. They had their ups and downs, but they loved each other deeply and were able to overcome their obstacles. I was hoping to overcome some of my own.

Instead of letting myself get wound up tighter than an eight-day clock wondering what the hell she was doing back in town, I headed up to my apartment to shower, figuring I’d know soon enough. I wasn’t sure if my heart could take seeing her with another man, so I hoped like hell she was back in Georgia for me. She didn’t say too much when we ran into each other, but I could tell she had something on her mind. And even though that something was sure as shit none of my business anymore, I’d known the moment she drove off from getting gas in her little supped up convertible that I’d figure out how to make it my business.

Her parents disappeared the same day as Bailey. They moved out and sold everything without notice. No one knew why, just that they did. Until a few years later when the news trickled down South and we discovered the real reason for their sudden departure and what had happened with her father. Unlike my family, Bailey Cooper came from new money. Our fortune dated back to the times of the Civil War. Hell, we had so much money Colt and I figured us working, while owning one of the largest beef farms growing up was strictly for show. We never really gave a rat’s ass why, but we loved getting out there and working hard and putting in our hours like the rest of the staff. Now Colt and I, with our father’s blessing were running one of the most well known, grass-fed, small organic farms in the South, and we loved every single minute of it.

The sound of Colt’s truck as it came up the gravel drive alerted me that he and Charlie were ready. Usually my idea of trying to look nice for the ladies was a pair of jeans and a decent tee, but as I stood in front of the mirror, buttoning up one of my nicer shirts, I sighed, knowing I was doing it for Bailey. She always loved the slow, drawn out tease of taking off my shirt one button at a time before getting down and dirty. And I loved watching her flirtatious eyes full of love and playfulness when she did.

Colt honked the horn, letting me know they were waiting for me to get my ass down there. After running my hand through my hair one last time, a quick spritz of my cologne and a wallet grab, I made my way outside.

Shit!

What the hell are you doing here? I asked, sliding in the backseat of Colt’s truck.

Caroline smacked my arm. Is that any way to talk to your favorite sister?

My only sister, punk. Don’t get me wrong, I fucking loved my baby sister to pieces, but Caroline had a way of sticking her nose in where it didn’t belong when it came to Bailey and me.

Colt looked back and shook his head at the pair of us. She said you were cool with it.

Charlie jumped in the front and slammed the door. This is going to be so much fun. I can’t wait to meet this girl.

Who? Colt and I asked at the same time.

Charlie’s face slipped from excited to someone who looked like they just inserted their foot in their mouth, as her eyes shifted back and forth from Caroline to me several times. Um…I thought.

Caroline patted her shoulder. It’s okay, Charlie. Colt, Bailey is back in town and I have it on good word that she will be at Kramer’s tonight. I assumed that’s why Cade here asked you to go with him. He’s too much of a baby to go alone and face her on his own.

I opened my mouth to reply but closed it back up when it dawned on me there was no fight to have when she was only speaking the truth.

Why didn’t you tell me Bailey was back? Colt turned off the truck for some reason and I knew what was coming next. And I wanted nothing to do with it.

Start the fucking truck back up, Colt. I’m not in any mood for a lecture.

Is she why we’re going there? he asked, disbelieving, but he started the truck back up like I ordered.

No. I muttered when at the same time Caroline answered, Yes. And with a little too much excitement if you asked me.

God, you’re still such a shit liar, Caden. Caroline laughed, well, snorted.

Colt twisted in his seat. I’m going to do for you what you did for me, little brother.

Yeah and what’s that Colt?

Help you move on.

I didn’t help you move on, bro. I picked up your damn broken ass and fixed it. Hell, if it weren’t for me, you two probably wouldn’t even be together.

Hey, Charlie whined. That’s not totally true. We would have eventually found our way. That’s probably true, but I liked to take credit for their happiness, rub it in their faces whenever I could.

Can we just go, please?

Colt started down the driveway again, but I could sense his eyes on me from the rearview mirror as I stared out the window wondering what the hell I was thinking asking them to come with me. Joey and Brett, two of my good buddies would’ve probably been a better option. I loved my family more than anything, but sometimes they drove me bat shit crazy. Oh, well, too damn late now. I needed a drink, or maybe ten, to deal with tonight.

Bailey never left my heart or my mind and I was determined to get to the bottom of her abrupt appearance in my life again. I knew Bailey like the back of my hand, so it wasn’t escaping me that she had a reason for showing up since she had no business here anymore. No family. No house to come home to. Just memories of us walking or driving down every back road we had here. Frankly, they were memories I did my damnedest to forget, but had never been quite able to shake them away.

She had always been beautiful, sexy and strong willed when it came to getting whatever the hell she wanted. And I knew she wanted something but until my head figured her out, my heart was staying locked, just like my arms. There was no way in hell I’d be opening them for her this time. If she wanted them around her, holding her like I used to, she had a lot of begging to do. Even though Bailey Cooper had major balls in the determination department, so did I.

I refused to go down that rabbit hole again.

It had been over three years since she split town and I was a changed man for it. Now, I just needed to prove I wasn’t the same boy anymore.

Chapter 2

BAILEY

---

I’d like to say it took more than a wink and a smile to fall head over heels in love with Cade Hadley, but that was all it really took. I’ve loved him from the very first day. Just one panty-melting smile and I knew my fifteen-year-old heart was a goner.

That same heart he stole years ago stopped the minute his beat up old truck pulled into the gas station. It was like no time had passed at all since I left to protect him. My mother said it was exiting gracefully, but we all knew that was a bold-faced lie. My folk’s think I did it to save the family name in hopes my father could do something to help us recover our image. But that was never the case. I left for Cade. Daddy’s image was tarnished, but mine was recoverable. And until then, and only then, would I try to win his love back. The need to make it on my own