Page 30 of Desperate Temptations

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Cain’s body tightened as he watched her little tongue wet her full lips. Oh, hell, just like that, his body stiffened. Soon, he reassured himself, soon he’d have that tongue on him. He’d grip her hair and coax her to open her mouth and take his cock in as deep as she could.

Fuck, he had to get his mind off fucking her. There were things they needed to talk about.

He rubbed her arm slowly, up and down. Cain knew talking about this would make her nervous, but something was off about the whole situation, and it was essential he acquire as much information as he could get.

“Did you have any idea that Gary wanted you?”

He held her tighter, pulling her against him when she tried to sit forward. Jessa looked up at him, her eyes anxious and then defensive.

“Are you accusing me of something?”

He grasped her chin firmly in his big hand, and his brows drew together.

“Hell, no, I’m not. I just got the impression Gary’s wanted you for a long time. Did you ever get that feeling? Or has he ever said or done something to make you think he wanted you?”

She shook her head and frowned thoughtfully.

“No, I didn’t, but I have to admit I’ve been preoccupied, and I’m guessing I haven’t really been here, you know, in the present, mentally. Selfishly, all my time and energy were spent on Drew’s murder and my grief. I haven’t really noticed anyone else until recently.”

He nodded, his palm stroking her neck, relaxing her. He was saddened by the fear and remorse she displayed. He wanted more than anything to be able to fix this, but until he knew the facts, there was only so much he could do.

“You’ve been through a lot. You were grieving, give yourself a break.”

Her eyes were tearing up. “I know. But I feel I’ve missed so much in the last two years. I know I’ve lost friends over the fact that I isolated myself so much and wouldn’t let anyone in.”

Cain's stomach tightened at the tears that made her eyes sparkle. If he could prevent her from ever grieving again, he’d do it. He watched her swallow her grief and pull herself together.

“Another question I have for you.” He paused, his body tensed, and admitted to himself he was even a little insecure. “I recognize you’ve only known me for a short time. I know I should be more patient, and I’m pushing to take our relationship farther, sooner than I should. But you trust me already. You showed me that when Gary was here and before, when you slept so soundly with me on this sofa.” Cain slid a finger down her neck.

“And I know I definitely turn you on.” He chuckled when she gasped. “But I need to know if you’re ready for us? Ready to take our relationship to the next step?”

Cain watched the various emotions cross her face. His body stiffened. He knew he’d deal with whatever she chose. He’d waited this long for her. He could wait a little longer.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Jessa’s brow furrowed as she contemplated his questions. Her first instinct was to shake her head no. Was it only a few hours ago she told herself not to get involved, that it might be too soon? Was the fact that she wanted him enough to consider it?

Several questions ran through her brain. She listened to the steady thump of his heart under her cheek and felt the impressive strength of his body wrapped around her. She knew she’d never felt more wanted or safe, not even with Drew.

She was a little unsure if she could handle a man like Cain, but part of her really wanted to try. Another thought skipped through her head. Could she let Drew go? Or was it really letting him go, or just moving forward? Life was too damn short to not try to find love again, not grab every bit of happiness she could. She still needed to know what really happened that night to get closure, but did she have to be alone while she waited?

Some part of her knew it was time to let go. It hurt, and yet it brought her a measure of peace, too, like a substantial weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

“You’re making me a little tense here, Baby” he murmured.

Every fiber in her body craved him. She bit her lip, still uncertain of the right decision.

“I’m sorry. I’m turning the thought of us around in my head. I don’t want to get into this relationship and not be ready.”

“And?”

“I don’t know for sure if I’m ready,” she whispered.

Jessa continued when he opened his mouth. “But I’d like to try. I just decided I could still discover what happened to Drew, but I could wait with you, just as well as I could wait alone.” When he continued to watch her, she tensed, looked raptly at him, and waited for him to say something.

He gave a slow, manly, satisfied smile of elation.

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