Page 59 of Most Likely to Fear Love

My heart thudded against my ribcage as she stepped out, her movements a little stiff, like she was trying to hide her nerves. She looked every inch the lawyer in her navy pencil skirt and crisp white blouse, her heels clicking against the driveway as she made her way to the trunk. The sight of her so put-together, knowing she’d soon be in a nightgown of my choosing... Christ.

I leaned against the doorframe, as she pulled her suitcase from the trunk. Even from here, I could see her inhale deeply, probably trying to steel herself. She was nervous as hell. No surprises there.

“Hello, darlin’.”

Her eyes shot to mine and she slapped her hand over her heart. “I didn’t see you there! You startled me.”

“Sorry about that.”

Once she was close enough, I took the suitcase from her. Before she could move past me to go inside, I slipped my armaround her waist and pulled her close, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. I felt her stiffen for just a moment, but then she relaxed into me, her body softening against mine. Taking my chances, I deepened the kiss, loving the sound of her sigh as she opened her lips for me. I bit back a moan at the feel of her tongue sliding across mine. Fuck, she could kiss.When I lifted my head, her eyes fluttered open, more than a little dazed. Fucking excellent. I smiled at her.

“How are you doing?”

“Nervous as all hell,” she confessed, but there was a small smile tugging at her lips.

I stepped back, allowing her to move past me and into the house. “Come on in. “I gave her a reassuring smile as I led the way through the house and down the hallway.

We reached the bedroom, and I dropped her suitcase next to the bed, taking in the way her gaze darted immediately to the sexy nightgown I’d laid out on the comforter. I ignored her look, pretending it was just another detail in the room.

“I cleared some space for you in the closet.” I nodded towards the closet with its slightly open door, revealing empty hangers waiting for her clothes. “And there’s room in the bathroom cabinet as well, for anything you need.”

Cassidy stood there, her fingers twitching slightly, and I could see the tension she carried in her shoulders. I met her gaze, letting my voice stay soft but firm. “Take your time, freshen up, and get changed. Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes.” I offered a small smile, hoping it conveyed that I wasn’t in any rush. That she could move at her own pace.

She swallowed heavily. “Okay.”

I didn’t miss the squeak in her voice, but I pretended not to notice that, too.

Returning to the kitchen, I let out a long breath and grabbed two glasses and a bottle of soda, setting them neatly on the table.I double-checked the roast, even though everything was right where it needed to be. The vegetables were browning perfectly, and the chicken had that deep golden color that promised crispy skin and juicy meat. It was a stupid distraction, but anything to keep my hands busy while I waited.

Minutes ticked by, and I kept my ear tuned for the soft creak of the bedroom door. Cassidy was taking a long time. Longer than I expected. My pulse started to speed up as doubt crept in. Was she okay? Did she need me to go to her? Just as I was seriously considering checking on her, I caught sight of her in the doorway.

She was standing there, framed by the soft light from the bedroom, clad in the nightgown I’d left out for her. My breath caught in my throat, and I had to take a moment just to take her in. The black silky fabric clung to her curves, highlighting everything I’d been trying not to think about for months. It was a baby doll design that gathered just under her breasts and fell to the top of her thighs. It was also just sheer enough for me to see what was underneath. If I looked hard enough. Which I certainly wasn’t going to do right now, or we wouldn’t get through dinner.

“Hey.” My voice came out a bit rougher than I intended. Deep breath.

“Hey.” She tugged at the hem of the gown, trying to pull it down. Then she realized that if she pulled the bottom down, the top went with it. I nearly got an eye full of her perfect tits before she stopped herself.

Waving her hand to indicate the gown, she said, “Did you...did you just have this lying around?’

“Did I just happen to have a size six, black silky nightgown in my closet?”

“Yeah, well, it’s obviously not for you to wear, is it?”

Ooh, a little snark. Very good. Very good. “No, it isn’t. That leaves two options, doesn’t it? It’s either second hand, or I bought it especially for you.”

“Exactly.”

I saw the way her chin lifted and her eyes locked on mine. As if I would give her a second hand fucking nightgown. “I bought it for you.”

“Oh.” Her gaze slid away, but not before I caught the heat that flared there.

CASSIDY

Why the idea of Harle shopping for sexy lingerie, specifically for me, had me all hot and bothered, I couldn’t say. But it did. Just picturing him browsing through a store with me in mind had my body heating.

I stood in the doorway for a moment, not sure what to do after that little chat. He was waiting patiently, but his eyes darkened a little as they swept over me, and I couldn’t hold back the blush. There was no denying the heat there, not with the way his gaze lingered, and something inside me softened, my nerves easing just a little.

“Dinner’s just about ready. How about you come over here and help me dish it up.”

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