Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
Austin
Cassie sticks close to my side beneath the covered front porch as I unlock the door to my house, but I hesitate before opening the door.
Everything’s changing so quickly. When I ran into Cassie on Monday, asking her to join me on a walk today was an impulsive, heat of the moment decision.
Hearing her discussing me with her friends put a serious crack in the wall of professionalism I’d tried to erect between us, and I caved into my desire to spend more time with her.
After I got back home that morning, I gave myself a thorough talking to, reminding myself that my feelings towards Cassie were inappropriate.
I didn’t want her to feel pressured because I’m her boss, so I promised myself I would keep today light and friendly.
My only intention when I left the house this morning was to show Cassie one of my favourite local walks and to keep my attraction to her in check.
Then, with one conversation, she obliterated every excuse I had for not pursuing something with her, leaving behind only the truth—that I want her.
After that, I saw no reason to hide how I feel.
She doesn’t need her job at Bowman’s—not in the way I thought she did—and she’s thinking of staying in Pine Grove.
That means far more to me than it should so early on, but I no longer care about should. I’m going all in with Cassie St. James.
Gesturing for her to go in front of me, I follow Cassie across the threshold and close the door with a soft thud. As I bend to unlace my boots, she kicks off her trainers, then waits for me, an expectant look on her face.
Swallowing around the thick lump of nerves in my throat, I ask, “Would you like a tour?”
With an indulgent smile, Cassie steps closer, slowly unzipping her borrowed coat. “Later. I’m more interested in exploring you at the minute.” She hesitates, pausing with the zip halfway undone, uncertainty creeping into her eyes. “Unless that’s not why you asked me here?”
Truthfully, I’m not sure why I invited her here.
All I know is that I wasn’t ready for my time with Cassie to be over.
Our newfound dynamic is like a seedling in need of care and attention for it to thrive.
Sending her back to the B&B after everything we did in the bus shelter didn’t feel right.
I want her here with me, in my space. It’s been a long time since I felt the desire to be close to anyone like this, and now that I’ve had a taste of it, I want to be as close to Cassie as possible.
Did I invite her over for sex? No—or at least not just for sex, although I won’t say no to that if it’s what she wants.
I invited her here because I want more of the budding connection between us, of the intimacy that I only feel comfortable sharing with her.
If that leads to sex, I’ll hardly be disappointed, but whatever we share goes way beyond lust, and I need her to know that.
“I want to be close to you in whatever way you’re comfortable with,” I reply.
Cassie reaches up to stroke my cheek. “You’re such a secret softie. Don’t worry, I won’t tell,” she teases fondly. “We’re both soaked through,” she gestures to my rain-soaked clothes. “How would you feel about a shower to warm up?”
“With you?” I clarify.
“Yeah. Then I’m going to borrow one of your many flannel shirts and we’re going to snuggle.”
I feel a grin take over my face. “I’m pretty sure you already have one of my shirts, but I don’t mind you stealing another.”
Her cheeks flush bright red. Considering she’s so self-assured, it’s surprisingly easy to make her blush. “I—” Before Cassie knows what’s hit her, I’ve scooped her up and tossed her over my shoulder.
“Austin!” She yelps then dissolves into laughter. “Put me down.” Her hands slap at my back as she warns, “I swear to God, if you drop me before I get to see you naked—”
“Relax. I’m not going to drop you,” I reply, already making my way up the stairs. “Although this would be a lot easier if you stopped wriggling.”
She huffs. “I take it this is a yes to the shower then?” she asks in a wry tone.
“It’s a hell yes,” I confirm, lightly kicking open the bathroom door before setting her back on her feet.
Cassie grips my forearms for support while she regains her equilibrium, then tugs at the front of my t-shirt to pull me close enough for a kiss. “Turn on the water,” she instructs, lips brushing against mine. Dazed, it takes her light shove against my chest to spur me into action.
I open the glass shower door and twist the tap until hot water cascades from the head.
The sound of a zip lowering slices through the patter of running water, grabbing my attention.
I turn just in time to see Cassie slip my jacket from her shoulders and let it fall to the floor.
My breath catches. While I saw plenty of her in the bus shelter, watching her strip here in my home hits different and I eagerly drink in the sight of her.
There’s nothing overtly sexy about her plain black bra, yet the sight of Cassie shirtless in my bathroom turns me on more than any fancy lingerie ever has. Despite the confidence her bold move suggests, a rosy blush spreads over her cheeks and chest.
“You’re beautiful.”
Her blush intensifies, but that doesn’t stop her from sassing me back. “Are you talking to me or my boobs?”
“Aren’t you the one who said if I saw your breasts they’d better be all I’m thinking about?” I tease.
Rolling her eyes, she pushes down her leggings. I damn near swallow my tongue as she steps out of them.
“Are you going to stand there staring, or are you going to join me?”
Needing no further encouragement, I hastily take off my t-shirt and jeans, enjoying the weight of her gaze on my body. As I kick away the damp denim and my socks, Cassie steps closer.
“Can I?” she asks, her hand centimetres from my chest.
I nod. “Consider this blanket permission to touch me wherever you want, whenever you want.” Her delicate hand gently explores my torso, and a soft sigh parts my lips.
Desire-filled baby-blue eyes meet mine as she leans in to place a light kiss on my chest. While I keep myself fit, I’d describe my build as sturdy rather than the defined abs you see on TV.
It’s not something I’m self-conscious about, but I can’t deny that it feels good having Cassie show such appreciation for my body just the way it is.
With one hand at the dip of her waist, I tug her closer, using the other to tilt her chin up so I can steal another kiss.
The feel of her soft lips on mine is something I’m quickly growing addicted to.
Steam hangs thick in the air as our tongues languidly tangle together.
Neither of us is in any hurry, content to stay like this, but eventually the practical side of me surfaces.
“We’re going to run out of hot water if we’re not careful,” I say between kisses.
Cassie sighs, dropping her forehead to my chest. “You’re right.” With one hand she reaches behind her back to unclasp her bra. Before I know it, she’s completely naked and stepping inside the shower.
With an expectant look, she holds the glass door open for me. “Are you coming?”
I’ve never taken off my underwear so quickly.
* * *
Cassie
Austin’s eagerness to join me boosts my confidence. Despite everything that happened in the bus shelter, I worried he’d change his mind once we returned to town, as if setting foot back in Pine Grove would break the spell we crafted out in the storm. Turns out I needn’t have worried.
Mere seconds behind me, Austin steps into the large shower cubicle completely naked, and damn does he look good.
I shudder as the hot water connects with my too-cold skin, a sigh of contentment escaping my lips.
With gentle fingers, Austin carefully tugs the hair tie from my ponytail until my long hair falls free around my shoulders.
He takes my hand, slipping the hair tie onto my wrist before picking up a bottle of shampoo from the small shelf connected to the tiled wall.
“Turn around.”
“You’re going to wash my hair?” I ask, incredulously. When I suggested we warm up in the shower, this wasn’t what I pictured. I suppose his patience and determination not to rush shouldn’t be surprising. He’s intentional in everything he does.
“Yes.”
I arch a brow at him. “You do know that just because you’re my boss for now doesn’t mean you get to order me around outside of work, right?”
“Are you telling me you don’t want me to wash your hair for you?”
“I didn’t say that.”
His low rumble of laughter is warm and makes something swoop low in my stomach. “Turn around and let me take care of you.”
Well, OK then.
As Austin gently massages shampoo into my scalp, I relax, giving myself permission to enjoy the moment instead of worrying about what might come next.
When he picks up a different bottle, I’m unable to hide my surprise. “You use conditioner?”
“No need to sound so shocked,” he replies, squeezing a dollop into his palm before working it through the length of my hair.
“Sorry, it’s just that a lot of guys don’t bother unless they’ve got really long hair.” Or so I’ve heard. Most of the guys I know have groomers who make sure their hair is always on point.
“I’ll admit, teenage me didn’t bother. It wasn’t until I started doing the weekly shop and had to buy it for my mum and sister that I realised it wasn’t only a girl thing.” He sounds embarrassed, making me feel guilty for pointing it out.
“Well, your hair always looks good, so it’s clearly working for you.”
He leans down to nip at my earlobe. “Was that a compliment?”
Turning my head to look at him over my shoulder, I smile. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replies, amusement lacing every word.
Austin places a soft kiss to the side of my neck then, without straightening up, he grabs the shower gel.
The cap clicks open and shut, then Austin’s large hands are gently soaping up my body, all while he continues to trail teasing kisses along the column of my neck.
Now I know where his tantalising bergamot and cardamom scent comes from.
His hands ghost over my breasts, and I think this shower is about to get interesting, but he moves on quickly as if he has no intention of taking things any further.
By the time he reaches my legs, I’m about ready to climb the walls—and him.
“Austin.” I’m too worked up to be embarrassed by the plaintive whine in my voice. It no longer matters that I came recently. My earlier orgasm may as well have been years ago for how much I want him again already.
“Do you need something?” he teases.
Hm. Two can play at that game. “It’s my turn,” I reply, reaching for the shower gel and squeezing some into my hand.
I spin to face him, immediately gliding my hands over his chest and shoulders, then down his arms. When it becomes clear I plan to exact revenge by dragging out the task just as much as he did, Austin’s lips twitch with amusement before he closes his eyes and relaxes beneath my touch.
Really, he should not have this much patience when I’m standing in front of him naked and wet in every sense of the word.
Clearly, I need to up my game if I’m going to snap his self-control.
My fingertips trail over his abdomen, and his muscles jerk as my touch gradually moves lower.
His breathing turns ragged, and when he opens his eyes to meet mine, there’s enough heat in his gaze to set the room ablaze.
I reach for his cock, but his large hand encircles my wrist, stopping me.
“You said I could touch you anywhere I want.”
Without breaking eye contact, Austin lifts my hand to his lips and presses a kiss to my palm. “If you think I’m going to come before you, you’re mistaken.” Then he drops to his knees and hoists my left leg over his shoulder.
Water cascades over us, and droplets cling to the strands of hair around his face, making their usual copper colour appear almost brown. I grab onto his free shoulder for balance with one hand, the other sweeping the hair from his eyes.
Wetting his lips, he gazes at my exposed centre with abject hunger. “I want to taste you, Cassie.” He gives my thigh a playful nip before resting his head against it to look up at me hopefully. “Are you going to let me?”
“Yes, Boss,” I tease.
His eyes narrow. “Stop that.”
“You don’t like it?”
He rests his temple against my thigh, guilt clouding his expression. “I like it too much. It makes me feel like a creepy old man.”
I bite back a smile. He’s adorable. “I’ll stop if you really want me to, but if you think it’s hot, and I think it’s hot, then there’s nothing wrong with it.”
The tension leaves him, and he turns to press a kiss to my thigh. “You’re right.”
Stroking his hair, I give him a cheeky grin. “OK, then, Boss. Get to work.”