Page 24 of Desperate Temptations

“It sure feels like it to me, Buddy.” Jessa said and lifted her chin.

That made him laugh harder. He liked the fact that she felt she could argue with him, felt comfortable enough with him, to push him, get mad, and give him hell.

“The point I was trying to get across is, there’s something between us. Can you at least admit that?” It took a minute, but she finally nodded, slowly, reluctantly. “Good. I know we have some issues that need to be ironed out, but there is no way I’m going to let you deny or walk away from this before you give us a chance.”

Jessa rubbed slow circles on his arm. He really didn’t think she realized what she was doing. She looked so fucking adorable as she concentrated, squinting at him, and her expression was thoughtful.

“Do you realize you’ve known about me for years, but I’ve only just met you? Can you take that into consideration and give me some time to get to know you?”

He was shaking his head before she even finished. “I know I’m asking for...”

She scowled up at him.

“You mean demanding?” she asked with sarcasm.

Cain smiled but went on like she hadn’t interrupted, “...a lot, but I’m not going to lose any more time with you.”

“What about what I want?”

Cain bent to press his lips gently against hers.

“This is all about you, what you want, and what you need. Give me some time, and I’ll show you how good we can be together.”

Her eyes roamed his face and took in everything. His hard eyes were so dark brown they were almost black. Eyes that color should have looked cold, but his burned hot, molten, and were as piercing as lasers. With his clenched jaw and watchful gaze, she knew he definitely looked determined.

“Again, what are your plans today?”

Jessa moved to get up, and this time he let her. She picked up their coffee cups and took them to the sink. She turned to face him, then crossed her arms over her chest.

“I’m planning on going to the grocery store, and then I have some cleaning and paperwork to do. Why?”

He stood slowly, stretched to his full height, but his eyes never wavered from her.

“I have to run into the office for a bit. Why don’t you wait to go to the store, and I’ll go with you?”

Chapter Twenty-Two

His size always made her feel both tiny and nervous, yet protected at the same time. She nodded reluctantly and shrugged one shoulder.

“I suppose I can wait for you. Does your going into the office have anything to do with Drew’s murder?”

His eyes narrowed.

“No, Honey. I’ll tell you if I find anything. You just need to be patient,” Cain said evasively.

Her chin jutted up, and exasperation showed in every line of her body.

“I have been patient for two years, waiting for someone, anyone, to get answers.”

“And you’ll wait as long as it takes.”

His expression didn’t flicker, but something changed in the atmosphere enough to send shivers up her spine. His gaze was so intense it would have blistered over her skin if it had been a torch. If she weren’t sure she was safe with this man, if she didn’t feel so secure, Jessa would have been running screaming for her life right then because the feeling of danger was so strong.

Unable to find her voice, she just nodded.

His body relaxed. Cain took the few steps to her and gently held her shoulders. He stared intently at her, bent, and placed a slow, soft kiss on her lips before he turned and headed out the door.

Jessa slowly let out the breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. She lifted her hand to push her hair back and noticed how much her hand was shaking. She knew the depth of her reaction to him was irrational, but the fact she’d never felt this alive in her life started to push any doubt about a relationship with him away.

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