Page 94 of Most Likely to Fear Love

“Hey, you’re all good. Dinner isn’t for another fifteen minutes.” I had to brace myself before I could meet her gaze.

She looked tired but happy as she walked towards me, her cheeks a little flushed, her hair a little tousled. I felt that same, deep pull in my chest. A feeling I could only just now start to name. Love. It was love, plain and simple, and it hit me like a punch to the gut.

How the hell had I let this happen? And what the fuck was I going to do about it?

As soon as she was close enough, she ran her hand lightly down my back, smiling at me,her eyes crinkling at the corners in that way I adored.

I felt my heart squeeze painfully. She’d be gone in a few days.

Fuck.I wanted more. I wanted her. All of her.

“Something smells amazing,” Cassidy peered into the pot, her arm sliding around my waist and her head resting on my shoulder. It was such a simple gesture, but somehow, painfully sweet.

“It’s not quite done yet,” I murmured, pressing a kiss into her hair.

“Yeah, you said.”She raised her head to look up at me, her gaze searching mine, and for a moment, I wondered if she couldsee it. If she could see everything I was feeling, everything I was too afraid to say. “You okay?”

I swallowed, forcing myself to keep it light. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit tired from yard work.You hungry?”

Cassidy nodded, her eyes still on me. “Starving.”

“Okay, well, how about you go and freshen up and I’ll get done here.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Before she could move away, I slipped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close and giving her a fierce, hard kiss on the lips. She matched the heat, breathless when I finally let her go.

“I won’t be long.”

“Okay.”

I turned back to the stove, but my mind was still reeling, my heart still racing. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do about it. This love had crept up on me, unexpected and unplanned. But for now, all I could do was hope that somehow, some way, I could convince Cassidy to take a chance on me.

CASSIDY

Iwatched Harle through the kitchen window as he worked in the backyard. He was chopping wood, his movements smooth and effortless, his muscles flexing with each swing of the axe. I was mesmerized by the sight of him, his strength, the way his hair glinted in the sunlight. He looked like he belonged out there, all wild and rugged. I mean, did he have to do that shirtless? Right in my line of sight? So fucking hot, it made my insides melt.

It didn’t help that I was standing there in the raciest outfit I’d worn yet. Body skimming, black lace, with open cups. My breasts were hanging out, totally uncovered. The gasp I’d let out when I’d stepped out of the bathroom this morning to see it on the bed was so loud, I can’t believe Harle didn’t hear it.

I forced my eyes away, turning back to the ingredients laid out on the counter. I was making cookies, needing something to keep me busy, so I could ignore the fact that in two more days, we’d be done. I’d go home, hopefully pregnant, and that would be that.

As much as I tried to concentrate, my gaze kept sliding back to Harle every few moments. He’d definitely been a bit odd since I got in from work last night. Like, really intense. A few timesI’d caught him watching me and three times, I’d asked him if everything was okay. Of course, darlin’,he’d said, each time.

And what he’d done to me last night, in bed… The memory had my core pulsing.

I felt a trickle of wetness between my legs and bit my lip, shooting another glance out the window. He was too damn sexy for his own good. Like some Viking god of fertility, sent to get me pregnant. I suppressed a giggle at the thought.

It took all my willpower to focus on the cookie prep, but the dough just made me think of him, damn it. I pictured spreading it on his chest, licking it off slowly, teasing my tongue into his navel. Oh, shit. My heart started pounding.

Will power deserting me, I looked up, meeting Harle’s eyes through the window. I froze, my heart pounding. His gaze was intense, like he could read my mind, my dirty thoughts laid bare. And damn, if he didn’t look hungry too...

The moment stretched, filled with unspoken words and electric tension. Then, as if coming to a decision, Harle threw down the axe. My breath caught as he started walking towards the house, a determined stride that had my pulse racing.

The sliding door creaked open, followed by the solid thud of his boots on the hardwood floor. I kept my eyes fixed on the measuring cup in my hand, pretending to be absorbed in my task even as every cell in my body screamed with awareness of him. His footsteps drew closer, accompanied by the faint scent of sweat and sunshine that clung to his skin.

I focused on measuring the flour and pouring it into the bowl. The air between us felt charged, crackling with possibility. I took a steadying breath, my hands trembling slightly as I added the sugar. Mix. Add the butter. My movements were mechanical, my body buzzing with anticipation.

I felt him before I saw him, his arms sliding around my waist, pulling me back against his chest. I bit my lip to stifle a moan ashis lips brushed my ear. My hair was pulled up in a messy bun on top of my head, leaving my neck exposed for him. He took full advantage, pressing hot kisses along my skin, pressing his rock-hard cock into my ass.

---