Page 10 of Rock My Girl

CASSIE

Iwoke up from a deep, refreshing sleep, and reached automatically for my alarm clock. It wasn’t there – and instead of touching the wooden bedside table, there was more bed. My eyes snapped open and I sat up, looking around and blinking wildly. I was still at Ford's apartment.

There was a note. "Cassie, I’m on the couch. Please wake me up if you need anything at all. Otherwise, help yourself to everything. I’m a deep sleeper."

The door was ajar, and I could hear heavy breathing in the living room. I was fully clothed, except my socks and shoes were gone. I must have fallen asleep on the couch. The thought of Ford putting me to bed made me tingle. As far as slightly scruffy musicians went, he was incredibly sweet.

My purse was on the dresser, so I brushed my hair, then sneaked to the washroom to wash my face and use his mouthwash. Out in the living room, Ford’s arms and legs were splayed out, making him look like a starfish taking over the entire couch.

After a glass of water, I put the coffee on as silently as possible, then checked my phone.

My client was thrilled with last night’s work, which I wouldn’t have been able to send to him on time without Ford giving me a workspace immediately.

He made me feel so cared for. For the first time in my life, I felt genuinely comfortable with a man. Not to mention the tingle of raw desire every time he touched me. Last night it had been difficult not to slip my hand under his shirt to touch his chest.

I didn't have many close friends, but I absolutely had to tell someone what was going on. I still spoke with Bethan, a girl I’d met during my one year of university. We were both fairly quiet, and often studied together for company. On breaks we would go to the park where she would crochet on a bench while I roamed around taking photos of flowers and plants.

Not exactly party girls, but we had a connection. She was usually up early, so I was sure a text wouldn't wake her.

Me: You'll never believe where I am and who I'm with. I am bursting to tell someone.

She answered immediately.

Bethan:Ha – I've just been allowed to have a phone again. You're my first text in a while.

Me: Whaaat? Is everything OK?

Bethan: LOL. Yes. Everything is amazing. It's a long story that will require a video call in a few weeks. Where are you?

Me: Remember that huge hit Smoky Mountain Eyes? And that I always thought his voice was so sexy?

Bethan: Yeah, but I liked the way you sang it better.

Me:Pssh. I'm in Ford Walton's apartment. He loves my voice, and the way I shift his songs around. Apparently I'm helping with his new album.

Bethan: WHAT?!?!

Bethan: You cannot be serious.

Me: He's so sweet to me. I fell asleep and he tucked me into bed. Fully clothed, for the record. He's on the couch.

Bethan: Aww, a gentleman. I'm so happy for you. If he continues to treat you like that, you might have a winner.

Me: Way too soon to think like that.

Bethan: Does he act like a rock star, or a normal guy?

Me: Totally normal. I think the star stuff isn't his thing. He just loves music. Lives and breathes it. The wall of vinyl in his living room is wild.

Bethan: I always hoped that a nice guy would come along and pull you out of your shell a bit.

Me: I could say the same for you.

Bethan: You have no idea. But I have to go jump into a flower van now.

Me: Huh?

Bethan: I'll explain next week. I can only video call when I'm in town.

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