Page 13 of Cade

CHAPTER SIX

“I think I got here just in time, Bodhi,” said Cade to his older brother. “I could see it in her face. She was ready to just lay down and die, and I’m not gonna let that happen. I can’t.”

“I know, brother. She’s lucky to have you. Ashley and Bree are headed up that way with Doc and Trevor. They rented a cabin about a half-mile from you. They won’t show up unless you ask them, but they thought it might be smart to stay close. Carrie and Robbie said they could come up as well, but Ashley asked that they hold off. She said they wanted to respect her need for a little private time.”

“I appreciate that more than they know,” said Cade, pacing back and forth on the porch. It wasn’t even six a.m. yet, but he was up early, already had two cups of coffee, and was enjoying the brisk morning temperatures. “Are her folks good? Do they know I’ve got it under control?”

“Ask them yourself,” smirked Bodhi, staring at his brother. Behind him, Ivan and Sophia waved. Sophia always had a beautiful smile on her face, but Ivan was usually one serious-looking Russian bastard. He had the hint of a grin, and Cade wasn’t sure whether to be nervous or happy.

“I’m glad you’re there, Cade,” said Ivan. “I was right to let you follow her. She doesn’t want or need her parents to tell her all will be well. She needs someone who truly sees a future for her.”

“I do, sir,” said Cade. “I know we’ve only known each other a few months, but I’ve been crazy about her since our first dance. There is, was, a light in her that made my whole world feel as though it were right. I want that light to come back, and I’m going to get her there.”

“I know you will, son,” nodded Ivan. “Kiss our girl for us and tell her we love her.”

“Will do, sir,” he said.

He ended the call and drained his coffee, already getting cold from being outside. He slowly opened the door and poured himself another cup. Walking back to the bedroom, he smiled at Cassidy lying across the bed. She’d worn a pair of the ugliest flannel pajamas he’d ever seen to bed last night. They had coconuts and pineapples on them, which seemed stupid since they were winter pajamas.

But even through the flannel, he could see his baby’s curves and tried to control his dick. He stayed on his side of the bed, but she reached for his hand and held tight until she fell asleep. He thought it might have been the most perfect moment of his life.

Her long brown hair was covering her face, and he could see that the top button of her pajama top was undone, revealing a beautifully round breast. Her figure could not have been more opposite of Carrie’s. It was like Carrie got no curves at all, and Cass got second helpings. He fucking loved it.

“If you’re going to stand there staring at me with hot coffee in your hands, you could at least bring me a cup,” she moaned in a sexy sleepy voice. He laughed, nodding as he brought the cup in his hands to her. She sat up slowly, leaning back against the headboard.

Handing her the mug, she inhaled and brought it to her lips. Cade stared at the scar on her chest and gently reached to button her pajama top. He expected her to be startled, but she just stared at him.

“It’s awful, isn’t it?” she whispered.

“No, baby, it’s not awful. It’s one tiny, insignificant part of you. You have so much beauty, so much talent, Cass. None of the scars matter. Not to me.” His fingers brushed her skin, and he saw the goosebumps rise on her flesh. He tried to pretend it didn’t affect him, but the truth was it did.

“Wait,” she said, staring at him. “Touch me again.”

“Cass…”

“Just with the backs of your fingers like you were doing. I just want to know that I can do it, Cade. It doesn’t have to mean anything.”

“But it does,” he said, frowning. “I’ve been trying to tell you, baby. It means something to me. All of it. Touching you is special to me.” He gripped the placket of the pajama top and slowly let his fingers rest against her skin. She closed her eyes and inhaled. Cade ran the back of his fingers up and down, careful to not get near her breasts, just gently caressing her flesh.

“I thought I would see him,” she whispered. “I thought his face would haunt me, but I see you. I feel you. I feel your hands and your presence. He was strong, but he was small. I think that’s why I fought him so hard. I can feel the difference with you. I know it’s not him because you’re not him.”

“That’s right, love. I’m not him, and I never will be. I am Cade Norgenson. I am retired Army. Currently an operative for RP, and I am madly in love with one Cassidy Pechkin.” Cass couldn’t help but laugh, nodding her head. She leaned forward, forcing Cade’s hand to lie flat again her breast.

“I’m madly in love with you, too, Cade. I want to feel better. I want to be better for you, for us.”

“We’re gonna get there, baby. If you need them, Ashley and Bree came up for a little vacation too. They’re about a mile down the road.”

“Really?”

“Really,” he smiled, kissing the tip of her nose. She shook her head.

“I think we’re past the nose kissing phase, Cade. How about a real kiss? The kind that you’ve been wanting to give me all these weeks.” She smiled a playful smile, and he laughed.

“Oh, baby, I’m not sure you’re ready for that. I mean, once you get a full-blown Cade Norgenson, Viking kiss, you won’t want anything else.”

“And what’s the problem with that?” she laughed.

“Well, I mean, they’re pretty terrific kisses, and I need to be sure that you’ve agreed to all my terms.”

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