Chapter 31

Her voice cut off when he walked purposefully behind the counter, picked her up, and threw her over his shoulder. He started toward the door, but she called out, "Wait! My purse!" He stopped and waited for a minute.

Kiki dug her purse out from under the counter and shoved it into her hand, laughing. "Have fun," she said in a singsong voice, wiggling her fingers goodbye.

"Caden, put me down!" Jocelyn yelled as she held on, watching Roxanne and Kiki share a laugh behind them. It was one of the first times she had actually seen Roxanne smile.

"Not yet." Caden pushed the door open and cold air rushed toward her, along with a few flurries. People on the sidewalk gave them a wide berth, laughing and pointing. He bent down and opened the passenger side of his car and then set her on her feet. "Where would you like to go?"

Jocelyn let out a deep breath as she straightened her suit coat. "I can't believe you did that!"

"Well, what would you like to do?" He looked at her expectantly.

"Sinc