Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 101466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
And then we stopped.
For a moment, we didn’t move, a mass of entangled arms and legs. Her breath on my neck. My arms locked around her.
I lay back, taking her with me.
And finally, she spoke.
“Holy shit, Batman. You sure know how to use that hose. My fire is out. Done.”
I had to laugh. “Glad to be of service.”
“Wow.”
Then she looked up, mischievous and cute.
“There might be embers, though. Don’t go far. I might need it primed again.”
I pulled her face back to mine.
“Wasn’t planning on it.”
And I kissed her.
Chapter Fifteen
CASEY
Iwoke up, confused—and warm. Really warm. I was in my own bed, but I wasn’t alone. I looked down at the massive arm holding me tight.
Jesse.
Last night’s events hit me, and I felt a shiver of delight rush through me at the thoughts of what had happened.
The awful date. Jesse finding me. Once again rescuing me.
He was my own personal hero.
I wiggled a little, and his arm tightened. Warm breath drifted over my neck, and he murmured something low in his throat. It sounded like “Stay.”
I looked down at the way his hand rested on my waist. It was so enormous, it spanned my torso easily. I recalled how that hand had stroked me last night. Held me as I rode him. Cupped my face.
He was an incredible lover. Giving. Tender, while being in charge.
I hoped he wanted to have sex again. I wouldn’t object.
Except right now, I was starving. My stomach growled and clawed at me. I hadn’t eaten since a piece of toast yesterday. Slowly, carefully, I slipped out from under Jesse’s hold. I gazed down at him in my bed. He looked peaceful, his face smoothed out, not frowning the way he usually did. Even in repose, I could see the outline of his muscles, and I marveled at his sheer size. I had a queen-size bed, but it looked small for him. Even with his legs crooked, his feet hit the end of the mattress. I imagined he had a king-size and wondered if he would prefer to use his bed next time. I wanted him comfortable.
Then I paused. Would there be a next time?
Jesse’s T-shirt was lying on the floor in a crumpled heap, and I shook it out, sliding it on. It came down my thighs and the sleeves hung almost to my elbows, but it smelled like him and I liked it.
I crept downstairs, used the bathroom, and peered in the refrigerator for something to eat. I pulled out some cheeses, a bowl of grapes, and grabbed some crackers from the cupboard. I had a small lamp on the table, and it added a cheery glow to the dark. I sat at the table, munching on my snack, sipping water. Miller lay on the floor next to my chair, and I gave him a piece of cheese, his tail thumping in thanks. Barney ate some of his kibble, the crunch quiet in the kitchen.
I heard the sound of feet hitting the floor over my head and hurried footsteps. Jesse came down the steps, his sweats hanging low on his hips and his normally neat hair all over the place.
“Pixie?” he asked. “You okay?”
My heart beat a little faster every time he called me that.
“Hungry,” I replied, spreading some Boursin on a cracker and offering it to him.
He sat beside me, opening his mouth, and I slid it in. He closed his lips, capturing my finger and kissing the tip before letting go. He chewed and smiled. “Hey, that’s good.”
“Cranberry and black pepper. My favorite.”
“More.”
I gave him another one and nibbled on a grape.
“I woke up, and you weren’t there. I thought I’d chased you out of your bed.”
I shook my head. “My stomach was growling so loudly I’m surprised it didn’t wake you.”
He shook his head, slicing off some cheddar and popping it in his mouth. “I’m always exhausted at the end of the long shift. Plus, I had expended some extra energy. I was out.”
I bit my lip. “I liked your energy.”
He chuckled, lifting his arms in a long stretch. “I liked it too.”
He rested his elbows on the table, looking at me. I offered him another cracker and cheese, and he let me feed it to him.
I felt his intense stare, and I braced myself for what he was about to say.
“Casey…”
I held up my hand. “I’m a big girl, Jesse.”
He caught my hand, tugging it to his mouth. He kissed my fingers, frowning as he looked at the bruised skin. He sighed. “Let me finish.”
I nodded for him to continue.
“I don’t do relationships. We don’t mix.”
“Neither do I.”
“I like you,” he said. “I really like you. When you’re not causing me trouble anyway.” He winked. “I think you’re funny, sexy, and beautiful.”
“I think you’re sexy too. And really…massive.”
He laughed, crinkles appearing by his eyes, somehow making him even more handsome.