5. Chapter Five
Chapter Five
M arcus
I walked into the kitchen, fighting the need to hightail it back upstairs, throw Cassie onto my bed, and sink into her wet pussy. I wanted her, have for such a long time, but I had to hold back. This weekend was too important not to.
When I opened the front door and saw the fear in her eyes and how tense she was, I changed my plan of action. My anger at her lateness dissipated the second I saw her fear. What in her past was making her so wary?
I put a pot of water on the stove before I walked into the dining room and checked the table settings I’d set up earlier for dinner. Everything was good, but it helped me to do something as I thought about Cassie.
There was something about her that called to me on an emotional level. A connection I’d never felt with another woman. Yes, I wanted her; that was a given. And from her reaction earlier today, she wanted me, too, but something held her back.
Was she afraid of sex?
I shook my head. No, I didn’t think it was that, considering she worked for a sex fantasy company.
Was she afraid of me?
My gut clenched. I had never given her a reason to be afraid of me, not that I was aware of.
Had some man hurt her in the past? I’d checked before asking her out. Her last relationship went south a little over a year ago. If he’d hurt her—
My fingers curled into fists. If some man had hurt her, I’d hunt him down and teach him a few things. No one hurt my Cassie. I was already thinking of her as mine. I’d thought of her as mine since I met her over a year ago.
I slowly released the tension in my hands, letting go of anger at something I had no control over. Cassie had to know that I would never hurt her.
Or did she?
I pondered the question. I’d shown my anger earlier, and she’d reacted in fear.
I checked the wine glasses, plates, and candles.
Everything was in its place—except my dick.
It had hardened the second I opened the door.
It was out of control, but then again, I never had much control over my cock around Cassie.
I’d wanted her for over a year now, and I wasn’t used to denying myself.
Striding over to the digital player, I pushed several buttons, and soft jazz filled the air. Jazz always helped me relax. Tonight I needed it. I would show Cassie she had nothing to fear, because I wanted to give her pleasure. Pleasure I was sure she hadn’t known before.
Soft footsteps on the hardwood floor got my attention.
Cassie stood in the doorway of the dining room, her rosy lips parted and what looked like amazement on her face.
Was her wonderment over my home or the way I set the table?
I was happy to see that she’d taken her hair down and let it float around her shoulders.
She’d changed out of her business suit and into a soft-looking, lounging-type outfit that complemented her eyes.
I was happy, and I wanted her to feel at home and comfortable.
“Come, sit down.” I walked across the room and pulled out one of the cherry chairs for her. “Dinner is almost ready.”
She glided over and sat. When I leaned over to help push her chair in, I caught a whiff of honey and cream. I inhaled. My cock leapt behind the zipper of my jeans. Later, I promised. Later, I’d bury my dick in her until her scent covered me completely.
With iron will, I backed away and picked up the bottle of white wine. She nodded when I held it up, so I poured her a glass. “I believe you prefer white over red? If this isn’t to your liking, let me know. I have other wines.”
She nodded, but otherwise sat still as a statue, looking more uncomfortable by the second. I was determined to help her relax.
“I’ll be right back with dinner.” I didn’t wait for her answer and bolted to the kitchen like a nerdy boy with a crush on the head cheerleader.
What the hell was wrong with me? Control.
I needed control. Willing my cock to calm down, I plated the meal and looked things over once more to ensure it was all perfect.
Fruti de mare over pasta e olio, asparagus and pine nut salad, and a loaf of perfect Italian bread. Chardonnay was already on the table.
The chocolate soufflé was in the oven on low heat and would be ready by the time we finished dinner. Perfect seduction by food . A smile curved my lips as I picked up the tray and carried it into the dining room.
Cassie leaned back in her chair, looking more relaxed than before. She sipped her wine and lightly swayed to the music. This was a much better start to the weekend.
“Dinner is served, my lady.” I set the tray down and took my seat to her right.
She set her wine glass down, and her mouth opened into an “O” as I set the salad bowl in front of her. “You cooked?”
“Yes.” I fought against laughing. “What did you expect?”
“I figured you had someone who cooked and cleaned for you.”
“Clean, yes. Cook, no. I enjoy cooking. Eat up.” I picked up my fork and watched her do the same.
She speared a small piece of asparagus and other vegetables and lifted it to her lips. Her eyes closed as she chewed. A light moan left her lips. My cock shifted, and I willed it to calm down. It pleased me that she enjoyed the food.
“This is delicious, and I usually don’t like cold veggies. What did you do to it?”
I smiled. Outside of my R&D work, cooking was a passion of mine.
“Sautéed the asparagus with pine nuts and olive oil.” My tense muscles began to relax.
I’d wanted to make a good impression with the food, and I had.
Happiness filled my soul. “You have to let it cool completely, then add spinach and toss with more olive oil and a hint of white wine vinegar. Then into the fridge to chill.”
“Delicious.” She took another bite, and my dick throbbed, wanting those lips closing around it and not some hunk of spinach.
“Where did you learn to cook?” she asked.
“College.” I picked up my wine glass and leaned back. “I was tired of eating out or getting pizza, so I took one of the university’s cooking classes.”
“If this is any indication, you excel at it.”
She flashed me a grin, and my cock hardened farther. Down, boy.
“Naturally.” I fought against my reaction. I wanted her calm and relaxed, to show her I wasn’t a threat, because I wasn’t. I was just a man who wanted to make all her fantasies come true. Every single one of them, over and over again.