Page 51 of Long Hard Fall

She picked up their plates. Normally, a touch of resentment haunted her when she cleaned the table, but that was because Ellis had “standards” that he expected to be maintained. Cash only directed her when she needed help finding where an item was stored. And as he put food into containers for the fridge, he seemed happy to help. She didn’t even feel like he was helping her, but that they were in it together.

She got a rag damp and went to wipe the table. As soon as she leaned over it, he crowded behind her and nuzzled her neck.

“Do you mind if a dirty rancher has his dessert?”

She turned and gazed up at him. “As long as he doesn’t mind if his dessert is just as dirty.”

He didn’t hesitate, pulling her close. They smashed their lips together, only breaking apart to get her shirt off. Her shorts came off next. He propped her on the tiny table and kissed a path to her sex. When his hot tongue hit her clit, she collapsed back onto her elbows.

Her orgasm hit faster than ever, but the sight of a rugged Cash between her legs would never fail to get her off.

Seconds after she’d crested, he rose and undid his pants to free himself. He was quickly stroking her to another climax. Something about this time was so much more intimate. Not just because they were having sex in his kitchen with the light on, but every stroke had the power of a hundred thrusts. It was like he was velvet-covered steel. The buttons of his shirt chafed her nipples in the most erotic way, but every nerve ending seemed more sensitized than usual.

She twined her ankles behind his back and when his hips jerked with his orgasm, she hit her second climax.

His hands pressed into the tabletop on each side of her as he growled her name. His hot release filled her and her eyes flew to his.

No condom.

They’d established they were safe. She didn’t care, but would he?

Holding onto him while he drifted down from his orgasm, she peppered his face with kisses.

As he was withdrawing, his face went pale and his gaze flew to hers. “Oh shit. I forgot about protection.” He glanced back down, an unreadable emotion flitting over his features. “I’m sorry.”

Was he worried for her? “I’m on birth control. How do you feel about it?”

“Umm… It used to be my worst nightmare, but I…believe you about the birth control. Not that I don’t ever want kids, just…” He seemed to struggle with what to say.

“I get it.” With his history, she understood.

He gave her a lopsided smile. “That was amazing.”

She snuggled into his strong embrace that kept her from collapsing back on the table. “I agree.”

“I bet it’ll feel just as good in the shower.” He picked her up, her legs still wrapped around him.

He was right. It did.

Once they were dressed and had finished cleaning the kitchen, she stood in the doorway and shoved her hands in her pockets.

Cash leaned against the counter. “What do you want to do tonight?”

That was exactly what was on her mind. She knew what she wanted, she just had to broach the topic. “Would you mind running me into town so I can grab my stuff, maybe even…” Was she going to ask? What if he turned her down? After what they’d just shared, she didn’t think so. “Maybe I could check out and stay here for a few days.” Until I have to go home and move out of my apartment. Where would she go? Staying in Green Bay…well, it was her home. But the thought of leaving Moore left a big hole in her soul.

A slow, sexy smile spread across his face. “I guess you wasted a few nights of paying for a room.”

“I wouldn’t call them wasted.” Though Ellis would’ve choked on his tie if he’d found out she had paid for a room she wasn’t staying in. He’d probably think it was worse than staying with a man she’d met a week ago.

“I agree, but it’s not my money.” He crossed to her, his hands landing on her hips. “Let’s go get you checked out.”

They loaded into his truck. How easy it was between them. She’d wager Cash knew her better than anyone, even her parents. Oh, they knew her past and everything she’d done in life. But they had a mold they wanted her to fit into, and as long as she didn’t buck the trend, they assumed they’d sculpted her how they’d wanted to.

On the way to town, her mind worked over her financials. She’d probably have to pay for the evening, but she’d planned for two weeks anyway. And she’d been eating off Cash’s groceries, saving almost three nights’ worth by just not eating out. Now she was saving on a hotel. The unintended benefit of meeting the man of her dreams was that she had some money left over for a deposit on her own place.

He hung an arm over the wheel as they cruised on the highway. “I’m going to talk to Sissy tomorrow. Tell her she needs to talk to Mom and Dad about her new career.”

“You don’t think she’s said anything yet?”

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