Page 78 of Dreaming at Seaside
She leaned against him, tilting her head to the side, giving him better access to her neck. He kissed his way up to her earlobe, then laved it with his tongue.
“Caden,” she whispered, then turned around.
He sealed his lips over hers. His arms slid to her lower back, and he pressed his hips to hers.
She smiled against his lips. “Is it bad that I want to make love to you every time we’re together?”
He touched his forehead to hers. “Are you kidding? I was thinking the same thing.” He inhaled deeply.
“We should talk, right?” She bit her lower lip and wrinkled her brow.
“Probably. We should go outside and cool down before that look you’re giving me gets you in trouble and I carry you into the bedroom.” He wanted to lose himself in her love, and afterward, when the guilt and pain were pushed too far away to recall, they could talk, but he knew that was backward. Talking with Bella would make him feel better, and then he could make love to her with a clear head.
They moved in silence, carrying the wine and glasses outside. Bella’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes seductive and dark. They sat beside each other on the deck chairs, restraint tightening his nerves and written all over Bella’s face as they tried to calm their desires. He drew her legs onto his lap and moved his chair closer; then he poured them each a glass of sangria.
“You guys are still going fishing with us tomorrow, right?”
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
She smiled. “Good. I picked up four new businesses for the work-study program, and TGG referred me to two other companies and I’m meeting with them on Thursday.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her cheek to his chest.
“That’s fantastic.”
He clinked his glass to hers. “To a full-time job at the Cape.”
“I can’t imagine that this isn’t going to come through as a full-time job.” She sipped her wine and traced the condensation with her finger. “I also got a call from my old boss. She wanted to let me know that Jay quit.”
Caden’s stomach clenched. He knew how much she loved working there, and with Jay out of the picture, he wondered if her excitement over the work-study program and their relationship was enough to keep her at the Cape. He settled a hand on her thigh.
“She said she needed a decision by the fifteenth, so I have another two weeks.”
He was unable to read her steady gaze. “And how do you feel about it?”
She ran her finger along the edge of her dress. “Conflicted.”
“About?” was all he could manage. Did she want to be with him, or did she want to move back to Connecticut?
She sighed. “There’s a lot to consider. On the one hand, if this job comes through, it’s because I created something valuable that could really make a difference in a lot of kids’ lives, and that’s exciting. On the other hand, I have a life in Connecticut and friends and a job that’s secure.” She ran her finger along his forearm. “And then there’s us to consider, too.” She leaned forward and kissed him.
“I’m glad to hear you say that. I know you want to make your decision free and clear of our relationship, but, Bella…” He stopped himself from saying more. This was her decision.
“I know.”
He took her hand in his. “I adore you. I know your life is up in the air right now. I also know that what we have is worth considering.”
“I know. I’ve never felt this way before. I couldn’tnotconsider us, Caden.”
He kissed her again, silently thanking her for caring enough to keep him in her mind while she decided their fate.
She took another sip of wine. “My realtor also called. She has a verbal offer on my house and expects to have it in writing tomorrow.”
“That’s good, right?” He took a drink, then ran his hand along her thigh. He loved her legs. He lovedher, and he would have told her tonight, but with the job and house offer on the table, he worried she might think he was saying it just to keep her there.
“Yeah. I think so. I mean, I came here with the intent of starting fresh. New job, new digs, new life. Now at least the option is stronger, but I still don’t have the offer from the school board here.” She smiled, fisted her hand in his shirt, and pulled him down so they were eye to eye. “Even though I didn’t come here looking for a new boyfriend, I’m really glad I found you.”
He kissed her again. “I think I found you, remember?” He slid his hand up the outside of her thigh, beneath her dress. “I sure do. Your hair was caught in Leanna’s window, and your black silk panties were begging to come off.”
She tightened her grip on his shirt. “Only for you.”
