20. Eric
Chapter 20
Eric
T hud . The wood split into two. I was surrounded by mounds of chopped wood but no matter how much I chopped, it wasn’t enough to burn away any of that unwanted and remaining energy. I’d kissed Cassidy impulsively. The moment I saw her eyes fill with tears, sheer terror in her expression and that bottom lip wobbling, I was a goner. I wanted to distract her in any way I could and my body moved of its own accord.
The kiss was fucking amazing and scorched straight into my memories. My dick became so uncomfortably hard that had it been anyone else, I probably would’ve dragged them out and fucked them against the truck’s bonnet, driving us both into oblivion. But Cassidy was different. I couldn’t do that. We were temporarily living together, and I still wasn’t entirely sure why I’d extended the offer, but I wasn’t going to screw it up because I wanted a release.
Thud . Another piece of wood split. Flashes of her soft lips and skin against my calloused hands. The way those big blue eyes stared back at me with total submission. I could’ve done anything to that woman no matter how dirty my fantasy.
Thud . Fuck. My dick was twitching at the thought. She hadn’t come out since we’d arrived at the cabin either. When I was chopping wood, she’d usually bring me a beverage but perhaps wisely for now, we were both keeping our distance.
An hour later, the sun completely set, I’d decided it was time to call it a night. I was satisfied by the ache and fatigue in my muscles. I kicked my boots off at the door, not letting any of the dirt or snow in since last time Cassidy had reprimanded me for it.
I quietly stepped inside, eyeing Cassidy and feeling uncomfortable by the lump in my throat. Fuck she was beautiful. She was coiled up with a hot cup of tea and blanket in front of the fireplace. Shadow lay at her feet as she scrolled through her cell.
“I just sent an article to you about the benefits of yoga,” she said, looking over her shoulder at me. I was surprised she knew I was inside. Again, her gaze deceived her as it dipped before she looked away again.
I quirked a smile. Despite my clear attraction toward her, I enjoyed taunting her slightly just as she did so often to me. I rounded the couch, admiring her messy top bun. She’d showered and removed her makeup, revealing smooth glowing skin. I tried my best not to reach out again, remembering the softness of her cheek.
“Read it to me,” I growled, lifting her legs so I could sit.
“Hey! You smell!” She hissed as I plonked myself beside her and let her legs fall over me. I was playing with fire, I knew that. It was only a minute ago I had the resolve to keep my distance. And yet now I found myself taunting her, enjoying the light blush that spread across her cheek. I casually hung my arm over her legs, avoiding my own urge to slip my hand underneath the blanket and her sweatpants and stroke her.
“Read it to me,” I repeated.
She harrumphed, lifting her chin. A small chuckle escaped, rewarding me with a slow smile of her own, even as she pretended to be mad.
I sat there comfortably as she read the article about the benefits of yoga. Her voice was soothing. The piece itself, I wasn’t so much convinced on, no matter how much she tried to coax me. I found my eyes slowly shutting with ease as I succumbed to her soothing voice, feeling oddly content.
T wo hours later, I woke up, still sitting upright but now with a blanket spread over me. I rubbed at my face, realizing I’d fallen asleep. I pulled back my sweaty shirt with a low grumble. I still hadn’t showered. The aroma of crackling firewood and something cheesy filled the room.
I twisted on the sofa, peering over at Cassidy whose hips swayed as she silently cooked. “Did you set up the fireplace?” I asked groggily. I’d been intending on doing it for her when I’d come in from chopping the wood.
“Oh, you’re awake.” Shadow left Cassidy’s side and waltzed over expectantly for pats. “And yes, I might’ve watched you a few times.” She cursed under her breath. “But I broke a fricking nail doing it and I’m not impressed.”
I chuckled, throwing the blanket off. She held out her hand, an angry pout on her face. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve broken a nail? I’m going to have to trim them all now and it hurt.”
I had the urge to grab her hand and kiss it better but brushed that off as simply grogginess. “What are you making?” I asked peering over her shoulder. It was self-explanatory. “Grilled cheese toastie?”
She perked up, proud. “Lori explained to me what the secret was, you know flattening it on the pan and all. I wanted to make you one.”
I looked over at the plate. She’d already made three. She quirked a smile. “Okay so maybe I got overly excited because I learnt something new to make so I hope you’re hungry.”
The truth was, I was starving. Again, I ignored the urge to dip down and press a kiss to her forehead in thanks. What was happening to me? All these urges were compromising my better judgement. “I’ll have a quick shower and then be your guinea pig.”
“Hey!” she called from behind me, spatula in hand. As of late, I’d hardly had to make anything in the café to eat because of Cassidy’s sudden fascination with cooking. And I wasn’t complaining.