Page 65 of Tasting Fire
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Wasthat all these years had been—an interruption? Had fate always intended that she and Cash would end up right here? Right now?
Just the intricacy of that theory made Emmy’s brain want to reject it. Made her think twice about what she was doing, standing there watching Cash sleep.
She was so used to being strong. Being the one who kept a cool head during a crisis. Today, she’d almost fallen apart. She hated admitting that to herself, but if she wasn’t honest, how could she do better in the future?
Was it so wrong not to be strong all the time? To need someone now and then?
In his sleep, Cash turned on his side, opening a few inches of space on the couch. Rather than stand here and debate herself like a lunatic, Emmy shuffled over and inched her way onto the cushion. Half her butt was hanging off the edge, but if she turned to spoon against him, she was afraid she’d wake him.
So she tried to gently burrow under the sheet and against his chest.
“Mmm,” he rumbled against her. “Em?”
She froze. It was one thing to seek comfort and another thing completely to be caught doing it.
Go back to sleep, Cash.
His arm came around her, and he pulled her close, rolling to his back at the same time. Her comforter swooshed to the floor, and she ended up sprawled on top of him like a human throw just a little too short to cover him completely.
Eyes still closed, Cash spread his legs to cradle her lower body. He’d stripped down to underwear, and the hair on his legs tickled her outer thighs. She wiggled a little to settle in and rested her head on his right pectoral.
Cash made a satisfied sound and held her tighter. He smelled warm and safe.
Emmy’s body was so tired, but in a wired way that indicated she probably wouldn’t get back to sleep quickly, no matter how delicious it was to lie here with Cash.
On top of Cash.
She wiggled again and blew out a resigned breath.
“Are you hinting at something?” he asked sleepily. “Or are you just burrowing?”
“I’m sorry...” Her lips grazed his nipple and it hardened. His lower body followed suit, his cock lengthening against her. “I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t come out here to bother you.” She tried to push up and off him, but his arms were like titanium bands, keeping her bound to him.
“There’s bothering, and then there’sbothering.” Cash’s words vibrated through his chest and tickled the side of her face. “If you just want to sleep, I’m down with that. If you want something else, I will be more than accommodating.”
This time, she skimmed his nipple on purpose.
“Em…”
Then she bit him. Lightly, but her teeth were definitely involved.
The sound he made wasn’t an actual word and his hips lifted against her. His breath was choppy when he said, “But I won’t accommodate you on this couch. With all the things I want to do to you, the sheet is sure to come loose and that would definitely mean bare skin against the upholstery.”
She chuckled against his chest. “Which might require a penicillin shot.”
“Let me take you back to bed, Emmy.”
In this minute, there was nothing she wanted more. Again, she tried to lever herself off his body, but he wasn’t having any of it.
“Uh-uh. If I let go of you, I might not get you back.” In a fluid movement, he flipped her onto her back and sat up so that she was lying on his lap. He slipped his arms under her and stood.
He… What was he doing?
“Why are you carrying me like I’m someone you’re rescuing?” The feeling of being wholly supported by his strength was disconcerting. Disturbing.
Emmy paddled her legs. “Let me down.”
