Page 19 of Rock My Girl

CASSIE

“I'm a selfish jerk. I don't want you to go," Ford murmured as he nuzzled my neck on the sidewalk as we stood in front of my apartment building.

"Me either. But I really do need to catch up on work."

"I know. See you tomorrow?"

I loved that he was so eager to see me, not even pretending to play it cool.

"Probably. I do have some work piled up, but I'll try to motor through it."

"Cool." Ford kissed me one more time as if he never wanted to let go. Finally he pulled back and smiled. "I'm missing you already. Is that weird?"

"A little. But I get it."

He kissed the tip of my nose. "Talk to you soon, baby."

It felt like I was floating as I went into my small apartment. Everything felt different. Like I'd been off having a wild adventure for months instead of a few days.

After looking over my work and making a list of priorities, I was just making coffee when my phone pinged with a text.

Ford: The PR team adores your photos, and are thinking of saving them for album artwork. The design team is working on mockups. I assume that you'll sell all rights for a fair price?

Me: You know I'd give them to you for free, but I'm fine with whatever they think is fair.

Ford: I'll also pay you a bonus in kisses.

Me: LOL. Back to work, you flirt!

As I went through my day, working on projects, doing laundry, cleaning the kitchen, my mind was still spinning from last night's events.

Ford was definitely the best lover I could have picked for my first time. My body still tingled from his touch.

Yet as incredible as that was, I also kept thinking about being on stage last night. If I’d had longer to think about it, I don't think I could've done it. It just wasn't me.

By the third song, I had gotten more comfortable, but it was still…icky. Just thinking about it made me feel prickly and off kilter.

I'm sure that if I did it frequently it would get easier, but it wasn't something I wanted to do regularly.

By contrast, it was wonderful to see Ford in his element. Surrounded by fans, and performing songs that he absolutely loved.

What would happen when he toured? I didn't want to think about him being gone for months at a time. Not that I would ever stand in the way of his career, but still, I would miss him terribly.

After I got my work done for the day, I took a bath, then curled up in bed to watch a movie on my laptop.

My phone rang just as my blinking was getting slower.

"Hello?"

"Hey, baby." Ford's low, smooth voice immediately gave me shivers. "What are you up to right now?"

"I'm in bed, half watching an old sci-fi movie."

"Is it okay if I interrupt you right now?"

"Of course."

"Good." He paused. "Mmm, I'm just picturing you all curled up in bed looking super cute and sexy."