Page 15 of Rock My Girl

CASSIE

We swung by my apartment so that I could grab a few things, then headed to Ford's loft. I wasn't sure whether this was just to hang out together, or if we'd be working late into the night again.

It was exciting to be working with someone who was genuinely interested in my ideas. I'd worked alone for so long that it was refreshing.

The few times I'd had to work in teams on various projects in the past, it quickly turned into a contest of who could outdo the others, or get away with doing the least amount of work.

With Ford, he was completely in charge – which was oddly sexy – yet he listened to my suggestions, and was eager to try things even if he wasn't sure at first. It spoke well of him to be so open-minded, especially since I had zero musical training.

Working together on something bigger than myself was forging a deep connection with Ford in a very short amount of time.

I was glad that the musical collaboration and the physical intimacy were fairly separated. He wasn't just humoring me to try to make a move.

But I had always been a fairly nervous person, and as Ford casually slung an arm around me on the way into his loft, I wondered whether things were going too fast. He just assumed that we were together now.

And we were. But we hadn't talked about it. Ford had said he hadn't dated in ages, and I didn't know what his expectations were. The really tricky bit was, since I'd never really dated before, I wasn't sure how to ask.

All I knew was that I wanted him more than I'd ever wanted anyone or anything.

After we gave the album a fresh listen and made some more small adjustments, Ford took my hand and led me out of his studio to settle on the couch.

"I am so grateful for your help with this album," he said. "I was completely lost, and running in mental circles."

He shook his head, running a hand through his thick hair. "I know we're never supposed to admit when we have a doubt about a project, but it's hard when there's this much pressure."

I squeezed his hand. "I understand. Putting yourself out there is terrifying, whether it's the first time or the fifty-first. It was absolutely terrifying when I first started looking for clients and working for myself. Especially since at first I was waitressing during the day, and doing photo retouching at night."

Ford's thumb ran gently over my hand. "When I was writing the first album, I was working construction. I’d get a riff in my head, and have no way to write it down, so I'd have to hum a quick recording into my phone."

It felt so perfect to laugh with him. "The other construction guys must've thought you were nuts."

"For sure. But a couple of them came to my first album launch party, so that was cool."

I exhaled too loudly, staring into space. "Album launch parties. Crowds of people. Promotion. I hope you don't need me for any of that."

"We'll figure it out," he said as his arm slipped around me.

He was so confident, so sure. Not only did I admire that kind of energy, but I wondered if a tiny bit of it could pass to me as well.

Ford leaned in slowly, watching my eyes before his lips met mine in a delicate kiss that immediately made my pulse uneven. In seconds, his arms were around me as he pulled me to sit on his lap while he feasted on my lips. His energy turned from sweet to scorching hot in less than a minute.

"You're so sexy," he murmured against my mouth, as he untucked my shirt to lightly rub my back.

Those big, strong hands made me melt, as my palms drifted over his scruffy stubble. Without even realizing it, I straddled him, needing to press our hearts together as it became clear that we were not going to stop this time.

Ford began to lift my shirt, then his eyes darted to the huge loft windows. "Would you like to come to the bedroom?"

Nodding, I stood up. He led the way, turning on a small bedside light, then shutting the door behind us.

"I don't want you anywhere near those windows." He grinned. "I'm greedy, and want you all to myself."

Although I knew he was kidding, I appreciated the privacy.

"Cassie, I’m dying to take your clothes off, lay you across the bed, and lick that pretty little pussy. Please tell me that I can?"

My chin tipped up and down immediately. There was nothing I wanted more than for Ford to just keep touching me.

His lips skimmed along my temple on the way to my ear. "And then please tell me you want me completely."

---