24. Paige
Feels Like Home - Chantal Kreviazuk
S hortly after the drama of the evening subsides, Cade and I dance a few dances before we make our way back to his cabin on the lake. He hasn’t told me much about his home, but I’m eager to see where he spends all of his free time. I’ve gotten glimpses of it over the course of our relationship, but it still leaves a lot to my imagination. It’s not long before we’re pulling into a circular drive surrounded by trees, bare branches a testament to the season. My mind wanders to what it would look like when the leaves are full and lush, in the peak of springtime with wildflowers in the grass, or in the midst of autumn when the colors turn to coppers and golds. A rush of excitement invades my body as I realize I might actually get to see it.
His home comes into view, though it’s relatively dark outside, only the porch lights and a few solar lights dotted along the landscape to illuminate our surroundings. A moderately sized three story home with wraparound porch sits on the bank of an expansive lake. The m uted blue siding and natural wood accents give it a rustic yet homey feel. I can see the water on the other side of the yard beyond, a low fence with a gate leading to the dock. Once parked, Cade comes around to my side of the car and offers me a hand as I step out of the passenger side.
“Wow. It’s beautiful,” I say, mouth agape as I take in the view before me. A smile spreads across his face at my praise, but it’s true. Cade’s home is everything I could ever dream of and I haven’t even seen the inside yet. As though he’s reading my thoughts, Cade ushers me up the porch steps and through the front door. I chance a look in his direction, his face impassive, as though he’s waiting for my approval.
To the right of the entryway is a large den with an oversized green sectional adorned with an abundance of throw pillows and lush blankets. A massive tv hangs on the wall above a mid-century console table. The colors are decadent, natural woods and warm tones, giving the space an inviting, earthy vibe.
To the left is the kitchen, much like the main living space, it’s all earthy tones, sage green cabinets, and butcher block countertops. Dishes and decor adorning open shelves in lieu of upper cabinets. The island is the centerpiece with tall stools for entertaining. To my surprise, there are several potted plants on the shelves — is Cade a plant daddy?
“One of the neighbors takes care of the plants for me,” he says. “I like the vibe, but I don’t have a green thumb.” I laugh. It’s like he has a direct line to my thoughts and he’s answering every question before I even have a chance to ask.
Cade takes me by the hand and leads me around the central staircase towards two French doors at the back of the house. He flips a light switch on the wall and we step out to a stunning view. There are string lights hanging over the deck, a large sofa, and matching chairs with a fire pit in the center.
He t akes a remote from his pocket and presses a button. Suddenly, several lanterns with LED candles flicker to life along the perimeter of the space, faintly illuminating the lake beyond as the moonlight dances on the surface. He presses another button and music begins to play, the soft hum of Perfect by Ed Sheeran providing a flawless soundtrack for this moment.
An unspoken request hangs in the air as I take his hand and we walk towards the center of the deck, where he pulls me into his arms, swaying us back and forth. I breathe in the fresh winter air, the slight chill in the breeze is dulled by our mingling body heat as we cling to each other. I dance my fingers along the nape of his neck as my other hand traces a circle across his chest, just above his heart.
He whispers the last line softly into my ear as the song fades out. Our eyes meet, and we crash together in a breathless kiss. Pulling back, I search my heart for the words to express how I feel, but everything feels woefully inadequate.
“Cade…You… this moment… it’s everything.” I close my eyes and rest my head on his chest, willing this time to linger on for a while longer. Cade trails his fingertips along my collarbone, moving my hair over my shoulder before placing a soft kiss in their wake. It's a ghost of a kiss, the slight brush of lips on skin before trailing up my neck to that spot behind my ear that makes my knees weak. I feel fragile, delicate, cherished. This feels like home. I suspect anywhere would feel like home as long as I have Cade by my side.
“We should head in. I can give you a more in depth tour tomorrow. I’m impatient to have you in my bed.” Heat rushes to my cheeks and I know he can see my desire evident on my face. “Come on,” he urges, taking my hand in his and leading me up the stairs towards the primary bedroom.
The room is spacious with large picture windows leading to a breathtaking view of the lake. The bedroom matches the rest of the house, earthy with a mas culine edge. A large king size bed is the centerpiece, with more plants adorning the area near the windows.
Cade tugs me past a door that I assume is a closet, through another door that leads into a gorgeous bathroom. There’s a large walk-in shower to the left of a double vanity, but my gaze is trained on the oversized soaker tub on my right. It looks big enough for two, and I’d love to put that theory to the test. It has the same warm feel of the rest of the house and I long to sink into oblivion here.
Before I can say a word, Cade starts the bath and tests the temperature of the water. He walks over to a basket on the countertop and returns with several bottles. The first one is a bottle of bubble bath; he pours a generous amount into the stream of water and follows that with epsom salts. The scent of lavender and vanilla permeates the rising steam. He places the other bottles on the side of the tub and it takes me a moment before I register that he has purchased my preferred body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. “How did you —” he holds up a finger to cut me off. “There’s one thing you need to know about me, Sunshine. I pay attention,” he pauses. “Now strip.”
He doesn’t have to tell me twice. I’m naked in less than a minute, pulling my hair into a messy bun before stepping into the water. The heat envelops me and I’m immediately relaxed. Cade follows suit and urges me to scoot forward so he can climb in behind me. His arms come around my waist and pull me into his chest. His fingertips trace circles along my ribs and under my breasts. I close my eyes and savor the simple caress. Every lingering touch feels like heaven. He takes a loofah and squirts some of my body wash in the middle.
“Scoot forward a little.” I comply and his hand tenderly glides along my back, then my shoulders, then my neck — his lips following the carefully laid path with a trail of delicate kisses. His free hand dips between m y legs as he begins to gently stroke my center. Heat rises in my core and I could come so easily like this. “Relax, baby. Let me take care of you.”
“Mmmm,” is all the response I can muster. I lay my head back on his chest as he continues to caress my softness with one hand while plunging into my pussy with the other. His thumb reaches my clit as he strokes in and out at a deliciously unhurried pace. My climax comes on slowly, rising from the tips of my toes straight through my spine.
I cry out, “Fuck! Cade,” as he slowly drags his hand away, places his fingers to his lips and licks them clean. He cups my cheek, and turns my face to take my mouth in a decadent kiss. I glide my hands up his thighs to reciprocate, but he stops me before I can travel further. “That was just for you, baby. Let’s get to bed.”
He steps out of the tub first, wrapping a towel around his waist and holding out another for me to step into. He rubs his hands along my shoulders and dries my body before leading me into the bedroom, where he takes an oversized t-shirt from his drawer and pulls it over my head. It smells like him, leather and sandalwood — comfort and peace.
After he shucks his towel and pulls on his boxer briefs, he leads me to the far side of the bed closest to the windows. I slide under the covers as he rounds the bed and slips into the other side, closest to the door. Shifting closer to the middle, I reach out to trail a hand down his chest in a gentle caress. Cade is soft, but strong. He has hair dotting his chest and a happy trail leading down from his belly button. He tugs me closer, placing an arm under my shoulders, resting my head on his chest. I swear I feel him dip his chin into my hair, taking a deep inhale of my scent. Before long, I drift off into a dreamless sleep .
Cade
We awake midmorning, sunlight streaming in through the picture windows. Last night feels like a dream; the best dream. I haven’t slept that well in years. I don’t know how long Paige will be staying, so I intend to shower her in affection and savor every moment we have together. There’s an expiration date looming and even though I know she won’t be leaving forever, I wish I could keep her and never let her leave my side again.
“Good morning, Sunshine.” I place a soft kiss on her forehead as she peers up at me through her thick eyelashes. She looks stunning in the morning light, hair disheveled, face bare. I can see every freckle and beauty mark on her face. She smiles at me, her dimples taking center stage. I kiss her nose and remind her that we agreed to meet up with everyone for brunch in an hour.
She takes her time getting ready and I can tell she’s nervous to see everyone again; the alcohol lowered her inhibitions last night, but she has nothing to worry about, they already love her. We drop off the rental car, then take a short walk over to Rosie’s.
The bell chimes above the door as we enter hand in hand. Several gazes land on our joined hands, a few questioning looks darting in our direction. I hear a few hushed whispers and I feel a pang of annoyance. In an attempt to tamp down any unwanted questions, I cup Paige’s cheek and lay a kiss on her plush lips — let the town talk about that.
I quickly spot our friends in our usual spot, shit eating grins on their faces. I hear a few hushed whispers as we pass other tables on the way to our spot.
When Cara sees us approaching, she slips out of the booth and pulls Paige into a tight hug like old friends. We all slide back into the booth, Paige and I taking up residence across from Miles, Dean and Cara. I hand a menu to Paige, placing a protective arm around her shoulder.
Lisa sidles up to our table, offering coffee and introducing herself to my girl. Paige offers her a warm smile and asks her what she would recommend for a first time customer.
As Lisa shares her short list of favorites, Paige’s eyes sparkle with excitement. Based solely on her reaction, I know before she does that she’s going to order a stack of pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream, and I can’t help but let my mind wander to the possibility of using the whipped cream elsewhere. The thought has me adjusting myself under the booth.
We talk and laugh over enormous stacks of pancakes, and plates laden with bacon and toast — the atmosphere is almost joyful.
Cara, ever the social butterfly, leans over with a bright smile. “So, how are you liking Oak Ridge so far?”
Paige smiles warmly, “I haven’t had a chance to explore much, but I love everything I’ve seen so far. It’s so cozy. Toronto is super hectic, so this is a nice change of pace.”
“Small town charm,” Dean says. “I traveled a lot for work, but there was always something about Oak Ridge that anchored me here.” I don’t miss the way he glances over at Cara when he says it.
“I can understand that. Everyone has been so kind. Well… mostly,” she winces, no doubt recalling the events at the bar the night before. Cara reaches a hand out to ease the tension and Paige’s shoulders visibly relax at the gesture.
“I’m sorry about Jen,” Cara says, her tone apologetic and warm. “Honestly, it’s past time for me to set some boundaries or cut ties. She hasn’t always been this way, but there’s no excuse.”
“I don’t hold her actions against you, Cara. I’m not that kind of person.” Paige turns her h and over, giving Cara a reassuring squeeze.
As we finish our meal, Cara turns to Paige, an excited gleam in her eye. “So, I was thinking, since you’re here for a while, how about we make an appointment at the bridal boutique sometime?”
Paige’s whole face lights up at the suggestion. “I would love that!”
“Perfect! There’s an adorable little shop the next town over. We can grab lunch and make it a whole girl’s day!”
Dean and I share a knowing look. We’re in so much trouble with these two. Miles chuckles, eyeing us from his spot at the table. “You’re both so fucked,” he says, extending his arm out to pat Dean on the shoulder.
Don’t I know it? But I can’t bring myself to care. As long as Paige is happy, I’m happy. Before we leave, they exchange phone numbers with Paige, even going so far as creating a group chat called “The Brunch Bunch”.
Outside the diner, I wrap an arm around her shoulders. “How are you?” I ask softly.
Paige leans into me, her eyes shining in the midday sun. “I’m happy, Cade. Really happy.”
I kiss the top of her head. “Me too, Sunshine.”
After brunch, I brought Paige back to the cabin. We’re cuddling in the den, her head resting on my chest as the credits for Pride & Prejudice roll on in the background, her soft snores soothing something in me that I didn’t know existed. How many times did I imagine this exact scenario on the nights when we would fall asleep on FaceTime? It almost feels surreal to have her here in my space, and so very right .
The sound of my stomach grumbling snaps me out of my thoughts. Poor planning on my part means we don’t have much in the kitchen and Paige is probably going to wake up hungry. I carefully extricate myself from under my girl, gently placing her head on the pillow before tucking the blanket up around her chin exactly the way she likes it.
I snag a pen and paper from the junk drawer in the kitchen, leaving her a quick note, letting her know I went out to grab some groceries, then grab my keys and make my way to the grocery store a few blocks away.
Main street is bustling with the usual Saturday afternoon activity and I walk past the quaint storefronts adorned with hanging flower baskets and hand-painted signs. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted out of Rosie’s, enticing me to step inside, but duty calls, and I had to get home and feed my girl.
Stepping out of the grocery store half an hour later juggling bags of ingredients for taco night, I nearly collide with Rosie, known for both her famous pancakes and her insatiable appetite for gossip. I stand rooted on the spot, ready to face the firing squad. There’s no getting past Rosie Sullivan when she’s set her mind to something.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Cade Brooks,” she says with a grin, hands firmly planted on her hips with purpose. “Where are you going in such a hurry, honey?”
“Stocking up for the week and heading home,” I reply with a sincere smile.
“Uh-huh,” she says, her eyes twinkling with mischief. I already know what’s coming next. “I heard some whispers sayin’ you were at the diner this morning. Seems like you’ve got more than the bar keeping you busy these days.”
I chuckle, shaking my head, entirely unsurprised by the abrupt turn in the conversation. “News travels fast,” I chuckle. “Her name’s Paige. She’s from Toronto.”
“T oronto? City girl. What’s she doing here with you?” Her tone isn’t malicious. We don’t get a lot of city folk around here and she doesn’t know enough about Paige to know that she’s not really a city girl at heart.
“Hopefully sticking around,” I say with a smile, adjusting my grip on the groceries. “We met online, started out as friends and, well, one thing led to another.”
“I don’t know much about that online dating stuff but you know my Archie and I have been together for 50 years this June,” she says with a smile, affection taking over her expression. Rosie and Archie are the heart of Oak Ridge. Everybody knows and loves them. Arch runs the small hardware store in town when he’s not planted at the end of the counter at the diner watching Rosie at work.
“That’s the dream, Rosie. Got any advice? Kinda out of my depth here.”
Rosie smiles, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Happy wife, happy life, Cade. Never go to bed angry and make sure she comes first… in every way.”
I don’t miss the innuendo and I can feel an unwelcome blush creeping into my cheeks. I’m not a prude by any means, but hearing sweet old Rosie talking about sex is unsettling. “Well, in that case, I better get home. She’s bound to wake up hungry and I need to keep my girl well fed.”
“You got that right. Bring her ‘round when I’m working so we can meet her soon, would ya? You can’t keep her to yourself forever.”
“Deal. Nice running into ya, Rosie,” I say with a wink before making my way back to the truck, my hand now tingling from holding onto the heavy grocery bags.
If the whole town didn’t already know about Paige, they certainly will now. It’s not lost on me that I won’t be able to delay the inevitable for much longer — I’ll have to visit mom soon.
When I get back to the house, Paige is sitting on the front porch with her kindle and a cup of tea. I may have been unprepared in the food department, but I’ve had her favorite Earl Grey tea stocked for months. Just in case.
“Good nap?” I lean down and give her a kiss on the temple. She smiles at me, that genuine one that crinkles her eyes at the corners and brings out the dimples in her cheeks.
“So good. I didn’t realize I was so exhausted.”
Holding up the bags of groceries, I say “Hungry? I got stuff to make tacos.”
“You definitely know the way to a girl's heart, Cade Brooks.”
“There’s only one heart I want, Paige Roberts.”
Her eyes sparkle as she holds out her hand, beckoning me to help her to her feet. I can’t help but wrap her in a tight hug, not wanting to let her go. The moment is broken by a loud rumble from her stomach. She looks sheepish and I smile, “Ok, time to get some food in your belly.”
We head into the kitchen, working in tandem to put the groceries away before throwing together a buffet style taco spread. Once we’re settled at the island, side by side, I tell her all about my run-in with Rosie.
She laughs. “I love small towns.”
“You say that now… wait until they find out something embarrassing. I will have to take you to meet Archie and Rosie soon or they’ll show up with torches and pitchforks for keeping you to myself for too long.”
“I wouldn’t say no to more of those pancakes. Maybe we can go tomorrow.”
“Actually, I had an idea to run by you. There’s a cute little bookstore and cafe on Main Street that I think you’d love. I’m honestly ashamed that I haven’t ta ken you there yet. I have the day off tomorrow and they’re hosting an event. Do you want to go?”
“Books and Coffee? I’m practically swooning. Of course I want to go!”
The rest of the evening is effortless, like we’ve been living together forever. She talks me into watching Season 3 of Bridgerton, then complains about how different it is from the books, but I can tell she loves it, anyway. We make love into the late hours and she falls asleep in my arms, right where she belongs.