Page 13 of Born Wild

“No.” In this moment I need him more than anything. Even if it’s wild and reckless. “You should.” I take his hands and bring them back to my hips. I tilt my head to stare at his lips, the need to taste them again so visceral I’m surprised I don’t jump the poor man.

Thankfully, he puts me out of my misery, slanting his mouth along mine, softly at first, just a taste. But it’s not enough. I lean my body into him, my hands running over his chest, wishing we were both naked. Visions of our bodies pressed together, naked and sweaty, dance at the edge of my mind. I want him. All of him. As much as he’s willing to give me.

As he kisses me in earnest, that familiar ache of desire builds again. Through the fabric of my clothes, his fingers elicit a tingle of awareness as his hands travel over my body. When they make their way to my backside and squeeze, I moan into his mouth.

He pulls his lips away and kisses along the side of my face. His breath fans against my earlobe as he whispers, “Marry me, Cassie. Marry me and we can do this every damn day.”

His offer pulls me out of my lust-filled haze and I take a step back to meet his stare. “You sure you mean that?” Tears well in my eyes as I’m struck with emotion. God, how could I go from completely turned on to crying within seconds?Fucking hormones. “I’m kind of a mess right now.”

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever set eyes on.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. “Don’t.”

“What? It’s the damn truth.”

“Me?” I open my eyes and meet his stare before motioning down my body. “You want me to believe this is the most beautiful?”

“I’m not lying, Cass.” He closes the space between us, taking my hand. “I won’t lie to you. I can promise you that. Not now and not ever.”

“But I’m pregnant.”

“That’s old news to me.” His free hand cups my jaw and his thumb runs along my cheek so tenderly I fear I might break. “Cassie Higgins, do you think you could be happy with me?”

After the way he’s taken care of me, held my secret, and kissed me tonight, there isn’t a doubt in my mind. “I know I could.”

“Then darlin’, just marry me already.”

“Okay, I will.”

“You will?” His eyes go wide as if he expected more of a fight. But I don’t have it in me. Why would I fight to keep a good man like Tim out of my life when he’s so determined to be here.

“I will.”

A smile spreads across his face and he sweeps me into his arms as if I weigh nothing. He hugs me to his chest and twirls me around as if I am the love of his life. For a moment, I let myself believe this is all real. That he would have always picked me, even if it weren’t for the baby. Together we laugh and kiss, and I let myself believe this could be the start of a forever kind of love. Maybe if I’m lucky, it is.

6

TIM

She said yes!

I can hardly believe it. Cassie Higgins is going to be my wife and make me the luckiest man on Earth. Dreams don’t often come true, not for ordinary people like me. Yet here we are. I want to pinch myself to make sure it’s real.

“We need to tell my parents.” Cassie’s eyes are wide. “And yours. Oh God, what will your parents say?”

“They’ll be thrilled,” I say, though I’m not sure that’s entirely true. They won’t love us rushing into this. Especially my father. My parents’ relationship is more a partnership. It’s difficult to believe they were ever young and in love. Mom will be happy I’m not alone. But Dad will have reservations.

Not that any of those barriers will stop me.

“Should we tell them now?” Cassie worries her lower lip. I hate the hint of doubt that dampens her earlier excitement.

“No.” I shake my head and reach for her hand. “Tomorrow. I’ll come over after work and ask your parents.”

“What if they say no?”

“They won’t.” I shake my head. “And if they do, we’ll elope.” Nothing will keep me from the future I’ve always wanted with Cassie.

“Okay.” Cassie offers a relieved smile.

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