Page 56 of Lone Star Wanted
And for the first time in a long time, Cassidy felt at peace. Not because the danger had passed. Not because they had answers.
But because Kincade was here.
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Chapter Fifteen
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Kincade sat at Cassidy’s kitchen table, watching her move around the stove. Fixing them dinner.
A chore she had insisted on doing solo.
Maybe because it calmed her nerves. Maybe because it gave her something else to focus on rather than the fact their lives were pretty much a shitstorm.
He took in the scent of grilled chicken and garlic bread mixed with the clean smell of soap and her skin. His stomach was grateful for real food, but his focus kept slipping to her. The way her damp hair curled at the ends. The curve of her back beneath a fitted T-shirt.
The memory of her body pressed against his, of the way she had clung to him earlier, was far too fresh.
He wanted more than just sex. He wanted all of it. He’d wantedher. But this wasn’t the time to spill his feelings. Not with Travis still missing. Not with danger still circling them like vultures.
Cassidy set a plate in front of him and slid into the chair across the table. Her brow was tight with worry. And for a damn good reason. Travis had vanished again, and the not knowing where he was ate away at both of them.
Kincade took a bite of the chicken and let out a quiet, appreciative grunt. “This is really good,” he said. “I forgot what a hot meal tasted like.”
She didn’t smile, but she gave a faint nod, her fork still pushing food around her plate.
He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. “If I’d known you could cook like this, I would’ve gotten bashed on the head a lot sooner.”
That earned him a sideways glance.
“Seriously,” he went on, gesturing with his fork. “This chicken might’ve just replaced coffee on my list of reasons to keep living.”
A flicker of amusement tugged at her mouth, and he caught it. “There it is,” he said, pointing. “A smile. I knew it existed.”
She shook her head. “Barely.”
“I’ll take it,” he said, settling back in his chair. “Half a smile’s a hell of a win right now.”
She sighed and set her fork down. “Just so you know, my mood isn’t about you. Or us ending up in bed. I don’t regret that. Not even a little.”
Kincade looked up, his brow raised, a slow smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “No?”
She shook her head. “No. I’ve wanted you for a long time.”
His smile deepened. “How long are we talking here?”
Cassidy gave him a look, then picked up her drink. “Well before the first time we landed in bed.”
Kincade let out a low chuckle, the sound rumbling in his chest. “Now that’s information I would’ve liked to have had back then.”
“Wouldn’t have changed a thing,” she said, but her eyes were warmer now, just a little less guarded.
“Maybe not,” he agreed. “But I damn sure would’ve enjoyed knowing it.”
Kincade wanted to hold onto this moment. Hold onto her. And he probably would have leaned in and kissed her had he not gotten a text. Bad timing, that was for sure, but it could also be important so he pulled out his phone and checked the screen.
“It’s from Ruby,” he relayed to her.
