Chapter Eight
A gasp and then a startled scream came from her as she was falling, only to have the person catch her. She fixed her clothing and then looked up. Her heart dropped when she saw Trent.
“Oh, hi.”
He had his hands on his hips and a scowl on his face. “Where do you think you’re going, Sprite? And where’s Simon?”
She felt her face turn hot in embarrassment. “Oh, well, you see, Simon had to go take care of something.”
“And so, you took the fact that you were alone to run?”
She looked down at her feet. “I’m sorry. I just can’t stay with him.”
“You don’t like him?”
Her head snapped up. “Oh, no. I like him more than anything.”
“Then what’s the problem?” Trent asked.
“Trent, he’s done so much for me. I think he feels responsible for me, and I won’t be a leech. If I go, then he’s free to live his life.”
Trent was quiet for a moment. “What about his feelings?”
Her brows pinched together. “Feelings?”
He smirked. “Yeah, guys have feelings, too.”
She hmphed. “I know that.”
“Can I tell you something?”
Casey nodded. “Yes.”
“I’ve known Simon for decades, and I have never once seen him look at a woman the way he looks at you.”
Her mouth dropped open and then slammed shut. “But it’s only that he feels responsible for me. I would never forgive myself if he didn’t really want me but kept me around because I’m pitiful, and he doesn’t think I can take care of myself.”
Trent shook his head. “Can’t you give him credit for knowing what he wants? You’re taking away any choice he has.”
“I don’t want to do that,” she mumbled.
“What if I told you that it would hurt him if you ran from him?”
Tears filled her eyes. “Really?”
Trent nodded. “Yes. Give the man a chance to make up his own mind.”
The tears ran down her face. “I’m sorry.”
“Let’s get back. Hopefully, he’s not back yet, but you’ll still have to tell him.”
Casey sniffed, nodded, and took the hand he held out.
She was relieved when the room was still empty. She set all her things on the bed, pulled Booboo out, climbed up, and relaxed until he got there. It wasn’t five minutes later, he walked in. Casey could tell he knew something was up.
“What’s going on?” he asked them both.
She looked at Trent, who raised his eyebrows before turning back to Simon.
She cleared her throat. “Well, I…” The tears started again.
He came and sat down beside her and lay a hand on her leg. “Tell me. You can tell me anything.”
“Please don’t be mad.”
“I won’t,” he said.
“I tried to run away.” She couldn’t look at his face and see disappointment or sadness.
“Why did you come back?”
“I ran into Trent, and we talked.”
“Why did you run in the first place?” Simon asked.
“I’m afraid you feel obligated to stay with me, and the last thing I want to do is be a parasite. You’ve done so much for me already.”
“I’m going to head out. Call if you need anything,” Trent said as he waved and walked out.
Casey tried to stop the tears, but the thought of hurting him broke her heart. “I’m sorry.” She pressed her face into her hands.
She heard him sigh.
“Come here, Baby.”
With a cry, she dove into his arms. He let her cry it out, and then wiped her face and helped her blow her nose. The funny thing was, it all felt so natural.
“How are you feeling?” Simon asked.
“Tired,” she murmured against his chest.
“Then let’s get you home, and we’ll take a nap.”
She looked up at him. “You still want me?”
He smiled. “Baby, you can’t get rid of me.”
“But I was stupid.”
“That’s not true. This is all new to us, and we’re both going to make mistakes. But we’ll overcome everything. The fact that I was there to help you, feels like destiny. I’ve been looking for you for a long time. I’m not going to let you go.”
She sniffed and nodded.
“Good girl. Let’s get home,” he said and set her on her feet before grabbing her bags in one hand and hers in his other. “Tell me if you get too tired to walk.”
Casey nodded and clung to his hand as they walked across the parking lot toward a large black car. He unlocked it, opened the passenger-side door, and lifted her in, even putting on her seat belt. She waited and watched as he walked around the front of the SUV and got in. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. Everything about him was beautiful and masculine. He was very large, but it didn’t bother her. She just felt safer.
Within thirty minutes, they were turning into a street and then under a huge building.
“You live here?”
Simon glanced at her after he parked. “Yes, for now, but we’ll look for a house soon.”
“Oh, I don’t need a house. As long as I’m with you, I’m good.”
Simon got out, walked over to her side, and opened the door. Instead of helping her out he cupped her face.
“I’m glad you feel that way, Baby. Now, if you don’t have any objections, I’m going to kiss you.”
She reached up and gripped his wrists. “No, I don’t object.” In fact, she had wanted him to kiss her for hours now.
The first touch of their lips made her whole body tingle. He kept his kisses soft and easy.
When he continued, she pressed closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.