Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 137176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 686(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 686(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
I had no idea what to say. Did Cass really see me as all those things? Strong, protective, smart?
“So,” Cass continued. “That’s why I don’t put out on the first date or even the second. I’ve had a lot of time to think about things, and my sexual encounters don’t take up even an ounce of space in my brain. I think about things like body language, conversation, nervous habits, smiles, frowns, tears, secret dreams, sacrifices—I learned that those things are so much more powerful than sex and they stay with you long after the encounter ends. This guy I recently met, he called it making love. Not sex, not fucking—making love. That’s what it will be if and when we’re both ready. I already love him but all those things that are just as powerful… those are the things I want first. I guess I’m just a hopeless romantic,” he finished on a long sigh as he dramatically put our joined hands over his heart and looked up as if he was gazing at the stars instead of a plain white ceiling.
“Weirdo,” I mocked with a light laugh. I still had my hand over his heart even though he’d released my fingers. I stared at the single place where Cass and I were physically connected. I could feel his heart pounding in his chest. It was proof that he was as scared as I was. “The guy… the one you used to know. He sounds pretty smart. I think you’re right, though. He’s changed a lot since you last saw him, but I think he’s trying to learn how to be who he once was and also accept all the good and bad things that exist in him now. Maybe someday he’ll feel like one man again.”
I lifted my eyes as I moved my hand so I could place it at the base of Cass’s neck and pull him forward. This time, I was the one doing the kissing. The soul-searching ones, the teasing ones, and all the other small but no less important ones in between. “When’s our first date, Cass?” I asked between kisses.
“Now,” he responded hungrily, but he didn’t attempt to take control of the kiss or go any further. “What do you want for dinner? I’ve got one can of chicken noodle and one can of minestrone. I might be able to scrounge up some candles—”
“Not hungry,” I said as I deepened the kiss. Cass responded in equal measure. “Want to get to all the other stuff. That important stuff you learned how to do on your first date. That’s what I want. When does that start?”
“Right now, sweetheart,” Cass said after reluctantly ending our kiss. He took my hand in his and led me out of the bathroom, turning the lights off as we went. Once we reached the bedroom, he flicked on the lights and immediately dimmed them.
“This good?” he asked nervously as he led me to the edge of the bed.
I nodded. I didn’t hesitate in removing my shirt, then my jeans. Cass mirrored my moves. Despite his size and bulk, the man moved with such grace and fluidity that I got hung up on watching him step out of his jeans. Every muscle flexed beneath his skin as he moved. He was sporting a saliva-inducing erection beneath his snug briefs. I was in the same condition, but I didn’t care about my dick at the moment.
When Cass straightened, I tore my eyes from his groin and climbed into the bed. The sheets were cold but soft. The comforter seemed pretty new, but it already smelled like him.
“I just need to get a burner phone so you can tell your brother—” Cass began to say. He was in the process of turning away when I grabbed his wrist.
“I told Sully I wouldn’t be home tonight when I used the burner you gave me earlier. He knows I’m with you,” I said with a sheepish grin. “I didn’t tell him where we were or anything.”
Cass was already climbing into bed as I spoke, so I fell quiet. Nerves had me putting some distance between us.
“Probably best you enjoy my pretty face while I’ve still got it,” Cass said as he pulled the cover over both of us. “It’s going to be hamburger by the time your brother sees me.”
I chuckled and used my next words as an excuse to move closer to him. “I’ll protect you, my love,” I said with a smile, then added, “Sully’s just a big ole teddy bear.” Cass snorted in response and then he shifted closer until our bodies were touching. He didn’t make any kind of move to grab me. His body heat was calling out to me, so I took a risk and laid my head on his chest. Cass’s left arm immediately slipped under my body so he could hold on to my waist. His hold was snug, but he made no effort to put me in a different position.